KUCHING: One more league match this Sunday (May 17), one more chance to seal a defining chapter in Kuching City’s remarkable rise.
At the heart of that journey is midfield architect, Petrus Shitembi – technically gifted, tireless, and so relentless in his work rate that some joke he has an “extra lung” to match his endurance.
Following the Malaysia Cup semi-final victory over Selangor, head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak did not hold back in his praise.
“I think Petrus Shitembi is incredible. I brought him here when I came and we knew that he’s another class player that’s going to take Kuching City to another level,” Aidil said.
And on the pitch, the 34-year-old Namibian continues to justify every word – ghosting into tight spaces to nick possession, threading precise passes under pressure, and switching play with accurate long-range deliveries.
“He’s proven that with his skill, encouragement and leadership. And you can definitely see more from him when he’s not injured. But he’s still playing through injuries,” Aidil added.
“So I always appreciate the way he contributes to the team and to the club, and how he sets a good example for the younger players – not to give up even when carrying knocks.”
With two matches left, Kuching City stand on the brink of history. A win this Sunday against Kuala Lumpur City FC at home would secure a place in the Asian Champions League 2 – a landmark achievement for Aidil’s men.
Shitembi, pulling the strings in midfield, remains central to those ambitions.
Another stern test awaits on the Saturday after that (May 23) against Johor Darul Ta’zim, where Aidil will once again rely on his trusted “another class” playmaker to steer the Hornbill side through one of their biggest challenges yet in the Malaysia Cup final in Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
