PART 3
Defying the odds with proper planning and realistic approach
WHILE financial missteps have plagued many Malaysian clubs, Kuching City FC is quietly making a name for itself – not just through consistent performances on the pitch, but also by building a team within its means.
In the previous two parts of this Sarawak Tribune series, we explored the need for greater governance and transparency in ‘Reformation: Charting a New Path for Malaysian Football’, followed by a closer look at player welfare in ‘Football Dreams: The Fight Beyond the Pitch’.
Now, as the new season approaches, attention turns to the Sarawak-based club proving that success does not have to come at the cost of sustainability.
In a league often marked by overspending, licensing issues and delayed player wages, Kuching City stands out for embracing a disciplined, realistic approach to club management – one that balances ambition with accountability.
That strategy is beginning to pay off. With growing local support and solid preparations for the 2024/2025 Malaysian Super League, Kuching City is fast becoming a benchmark for how smaller clubs can thrive without compromising financial integrity.
As former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson once said: “I tell the players that the bus is moving. This club has to progress. And the bus won’t wait for them. I tell them to get on board.”
That forward-thinking mindset now echoes through the culture at Kuching City – a club focused not only on results but on long-term growth, professionalism and community connection.
At a time when many clubs are still grappling with the fallout of poor financial decisions, Kuching City FC stands as a quiet but powerful reminder: responsible management is not a limitation – it is a competitive edge.
Building Smart, Playing Strong
In the 2024/2025 Malaysian Super League season, Kuching City FC – also known as The Cats – achieved their highest league standing to date with a fourth-place finish.
Beyond their on-pitch success, the club received a fresh boost as long-time partner Lea Sports Centre (LSC) renewed its role as the official kit and equipment sponsor through a new five-year agreement.
At the signing event, club chairman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman revealed that the team is now setting its sights on a top five finish in the upcoming season.
“This year, many teams are coming in well-prepared, and competition will be tougher.
“But our goal remains to finish among the top five,” he told reporters at the MoU signing ceremony recently.
The statement signals clear intent and reinforces the notion that the club is heading in a positive, upward direction.
Fazzrudin’s remarks underscore a growing sense of purpose within the team – underpinned by stable management and a clear vision, qualities that remain rare in today’s domestic football scene.
With a strong foundation in place and continued backing from committed partners, The Cats are positioning themselves not just as a competitive side, but as a model for how Malaysian clubs can thrive with discipline, vision and community support.
The Business of Football, Done Right
Part of Kuching City FC’s success lies in its commitment to transparency, accountability and structured leadership – principles that have become the cornerstones of the club’s steady rise.
Fazzrudin believes that a corporate-style approach has allowed the team to perform beyond expectations on the national stage.
From the outset, he made his vision clear – to build Kuching City FC not just as a football team, but as a professionally run organisation.
“As I have said on the very first day I took the helm at Kuching City FC, I viewed it as a corporate entity, where the most important things are transparency and accountability.
“Those have been the two key principles I’ve applied from day one,” he said.
These principles, he explained, laid the foundation for how the club would be structured and managed.
The management team was carefully selected – not only based on experience but also for their ability to execute specific roles effectively.
“Each member of the management team was given their own responsibilities to ensure their roles are carried out properly.
“When I place someone in the right role, he or she excels. And when they excel, the club excels,” he added.
Fazzrudin emphasised that the club’s achievements are the result of teamwork.
“I alone would not be able to achieve this. It’s all about team effort,” he said.
Earlier this year, the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, praised Kuching City FC’s management during a Q&A session with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) fans. He commended the club for its ability to maximise limited resources despite operating on a smaller budget.
Despite the positive momentum, Fazzrudin maintained that the journey is far from complete.
“It’s a step-by-step process. We’re not sprinting to the finish line.
“We take things one step at a time, constantly correcting mistakes and learning along the way,” he said.
This measured approach has not only earned respect from fans and fellow clubs, but has also set an example of what sustainable football management can look like in Malaysia.
While others chase short-lived glory, Kuching City is focused on building a foundation that can last.
The club’s commitment to nurturing local talent, engaging with the community, and maintaining financial discipline is shaping a new narrative – one where success is defined not just by trophies, but by stability, growth and the trust of those who wear the badge and support it.
Smart Spending Meets Smart Strategy
Alongside governance and accountability, Kuching City FC’s financial discipline deserves equal praise.
In June this year, the club’s chief executive officer (CEO) Iswandi Ali Hassan told Sarawak Tribune that the team operates on a strict and realistic budget – a key reason behind their sustainable growth.
Despite these constraints, the club has made impressive signings for the new season which includes: Timor-Leste forward João Pedro, Filipino defender Scott Phillip Galang Wood, and Cameroonian striker Ronald Wanja.
When asked about the possibility of signing more foreign players, Iswandi was clear: the club would not spend beyond its means.
“It really depends on the budget. So far, we’ve finalised seven imports. We can’t follow teams bringing in 15 foreign players – that’s just not realistic for us at this stage,” he said.
Kuching City’s approach this season prioritises building a competitive yet balanced squad, with an emphasis on nurturing young local talent.
“The team features rising Malaysian strikers Gabriel Nistelrooy and Ahmad Danial Ahmad Asri, both in their mid-20s.
“If you notice, our approach this season involves a young squad, especially in attack. Players like Gabriel and Danial are around 24 to 25 years old.
“That’s why we brought in the Cameroonian import – not just for his ability, but also to guide and mentor our young players,” Iswandi explained.
By blending youth with experience and staying true to its budget, Kuching City FC continues to chart a thoughtful, long-term course in Malaysian football.
This careful recruitment strategy is not just about filling positions – it is about building a cohesive unit that can grow together over multiple seasons.
Rather than focusing solely on short-term results, the club is investing in a foundation that allows players to develop, thrive and contribute meaningfully to the team’s identity.
The same philosophy extends beyond the pitch. From administrative roles to technical staff, each member of the Kuching City FC ecosystem is aligned with the club’s long-term vision.
Strategic planning, clear communication and realistic budgeting are not treated as burdens but embraced as essentials for survival and progress in an increasingly demanding football landscape.
Why Structure and Leadership Matter in Football
Strong leadership and financial discipline are essential, but long-term success in football also depends on a well-defined development structure.
Former national footballer and current assistant coach of Kuching City FC’s youth team, Joseph Kalang Tie, believes that Sarawak football can narrow the gap with West Malaysian teams – provided the right development framework is established.
He said that while talent remains abundant across Sarawak, the key to long-term success lies in structured development and consistent planning.
“Sarawak has many young players with passion and raw talent. But we need proper development, a clear structure, and a united effort from everyone who loves football here.
“If we can put that in place, I believe we can go far,” he told Sarawak Tribune in an exclusive interview.
Joseph also expressed optimism about the current leadership of the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS), highlighting its renewed direction under Fazzrudin, who is also the Tupong assemblyman.
“Our new president has passion. He understands football. And with that kind of leadership, we have a real chance to move forward.”
He added that his coaching role goes beyond tactics – it is about building belief and shaping character.
“I always remind the boys: believe in yourselves. If we don’t believe in them, who will? We must be the first to trust and support our own.”
A good development structure also fosters continuity – ensuring that potential is not lost between age groups, and that clubs and associations can build for the future with purpose.
When aligned with strong governance and community support, such a system does not just produce players – it cultivates leaders, professionals and a footballing culture that can stand the test of time.
