KUCHING: “His smile is what matters most,” said Abdul Nazif Pawi, whose nine-year-old son, Muhammad Rizqi Fizaniel, enjoyed an unforgettable evening with his family after being warmly welcomed by Kuching City FC at the Sarawak State Stadium.
The visit took place after the team’s training session, where the players went the extra mile to make the evening special. They signed a Kuching City FC jersey and a ball for Rizqi, posed for photos, and even shared light-hearted moments on the pitch.
Rizqi was also given the chance to kick a penalty against striker, Ronald Ngah Wanja, who playfully stood in as goalkeeper, much to the delight of everyone present.
Among the first to greet him were players, Danial Amier and Haziq Nadzli, Moses Atede, and Ramadhan Saifullah, while skipper James Okwuosa and head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak later joined in for photographs.
A group shot with the team, as well as a family picture, capped the memorable evening.
Accompanied by his father, his mother Lina Man, 36, and siblings, Rizqi beamed with excitement throughout the experience.
The special visit was made possible with the support of the Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), whose efforts helped bring the family and players together.
Abdul Nazif expressed his gratitude to both the club and SCCS.
“We are very thankful to everyone, especially the Kuching City players and SCCS, for giving us this opportunity.
“My son was truly excited and had been looking forward to this moment,” he told the Sarawak Tribune when met at the stadium recently.
For Kuching City FC, the occasion reflected the club’s commitment to the community beyond football.
The players’ warmth and generosity created moments of joy that will be remembered long after the evening ended.
As the family left the stadium, Abdul Nazif’s words echoed the essence of the night – his son’s smile was worth more than anything else.
“What matters most is the smile on his face today. That is already more than enough for us,” he added.
The evening closed with cheers and well-wishes for Kuching City’s campaign this season, as the family pledged their full support for the home team.
