Kuching City urged to take game to Tampines

KUCHING: Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak wants his players to adopt an aggressive mindset and impose themselves when they face Tampines Rovers FC in their ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup debut at home on Wednesday night (Oct 7).

Aidil is seeking a stronger response after Kuching endured difficult starts to both their AFC Champions League Two and domestic league campaigns, with both opening matches played away from home.

“If you look at the two competitions that we are starting in the ACL and in the domestic league competition, we didn’t do well, but that was both away games.

“So this is home for us, so definitely we’re going to change that,” he said during the pre-match press conference at Stadium Taha Ariffin here today (Oct 6).

Aidil wants Kuching City to adopt a more aggressive mindset and impose themselves when they face The Stag. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

With Tampines bringing continental experience and several Singapore internationals to Kuching, Aidil knows his side cannot afford to sit back and allow the visitors to dictate the game.

“The most important thing is that we have full support. So this is where the mindset and the mentality of the players have to be instilled to know that whenever they step onto the field.

“They need to be always more aggressive, more superior than the opponent,” he said.

Defender Rodney Celvin backed the approach, saying the players respected Tampines but would give everything on the pitch.

“We respect the opposition, but inside the field we will give our absolute best,” he said.

Aidil also believes the growing support for KCFC can provide another boost, with the club now attracting crowds that he says were rarely seen when he first arrived.

“Before I came, the fans were only like 200, 300, but now everyone wants tickets; before, when we gave free tickets, nobody wanted. So now everyone is fighting for tickets,” he said.

For Aidil, however, aggression does not mean abandoning the bigger picture, with the coach wanting his players to enjoy the occasion while producing positive football.

“I want to see positive football. Because we have a long season.

“Whatever result tomorrow doesn’t count for the season. It’s still open for every team.

“So definitely what I want, the boys to always enjoy and to attract the fans,” he said.