KUCHING: Hope FC remain on course in their development despite a 4-2 friendly defeat to Sarawak Premier League side PDRM earlier this week, with head coach Bryan Cheong confident his team is progressing in the right direction.
Cheong said such matches serve as an important benchmark as the team continues to test itself against higher-level opposition.
“This is the level that we should be playing at and all of our players want to be competing at this sort of level that clubs like this have to offer,” he said.
Despite the loss, Hope FC put in a competitive showing, creating several chances and demonstrating their ability to match more experienced opponents.
“I believe in the skill sets my boys have, and we should be consistently challenging ourselves and pushing for more progression together as a team.”
Cheong felt his players handled the intensity of the match well, but pointed to missed chances and minor lapses as key factors that ultimately proved costly.
“We coped well with the pressure. A bit unlucky with our chances to score and there was a missed penalty in the mix as well.
“Just a couple of silly mistakes here and there cost us, but these are the fine margins when competing at a level like this.”
The coach added that exposing his squad to tougher opposition remains a key part of their development strategy, as the team continues to build consistency and raise its overall standard of play.
“We should be playing tougher oppositions and we are always looking to compete no matter the circumstances,” he added.
The friendly serves as another step in Hope FC’s progression, with the team taking valuable lessons as they prepare for upcoming fixtures and aim to establish themselves against stronger competition.
Hope won 9-5 against Borneo Kickers FC in a friendly match, they will play Kuching City FC’s president club later today (Apr 11).
