Tampines Rovers target win against Kuching City

KUCHING: Tampines Rovers FC are targeting all three points against Kuching City FC in their ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup clash at Stadium Taha Ariffin on Wednesday (Oct 7).

Head coach Mohamad Nazri Nasir said his side were not in Kuching merely to make up the numbers, despite expecting a tough encounter against one of the more consistent teams in the Malaysian Super League.

“Kuching is not an easy team to play. They are doing very well, especially in the Malaysian Super League.

“And they have been consistent for the last three or four seasons,” he said during the pre-match press conference at Stadium Taha Ariffin here today (Oct 6).

But respect for the hosts does not mean The Stags are willing to play for a draw.

“We come here not just to get a draw; we come here to get a result and, of course, we want to win this game,” he said.

The head coach believes his side have the quality to make that ambition count, pointing to a squad that combines national players with foreign players who have been together for the past two or three seasons.

For Nazri, that familiarity could prove crucial when the game becomes a battle of small margins.

Nazri (left) and Zharfan are confident of their chances as they prepare to go all out. Photo: Mohd Alif Noni

“I think that will help us in terms of their understanding and combination.

“I think that is very important. I think that is the most vital thing that we have in hand,” he said.

Tampines goalkeeper Muhammad Zharfan Rohaizad echoed the confidence in the camp, saying the squad had worked hard in training and was ready for the challenge.

“I think we are prepared well, and we are raring to go for this game,” he said.