By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Feb 1: The presence of Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Kuching City FC (KCFC)–Negeri Sembilan FC match at Sarawak Stadium on Saturday night (Jan 31) was viewed as a positive signal for football development in Sarawak, made more meaningful by KCFC’s victory.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, KCFC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak said the Sarawak Premier’s attendance—his first in more than a decade—was especially significant, although the team had not been informed in advance that he would be present.
He added that the win over the ‘Hoben Jang Hoben’ side made the occasion even more meaningful, as the Sarawak Premier showed his full support throughout the match.
“When you say that the Premier came to give his support to the club, I feel that this is a good sign. Not only for Kuching City, but for the whole of Sarawak,” he said during the post-match press conference.
KCFC defeated Negeri Sembilan FC 2–0, with goals from Gabriel Nistelrooy and Ngah Wanja.
Aidil added that the victory was expected to be well-received by the Sarawak Premier and could create further opportunities for support for the club in the future.
Meanwhile, he raised concerns about the condition of the pitch, which he said had contributed to injuries suffered by several players.
He noted that Daniel Amier is expected to be sidelined for up to two months, according to medical advice, due to the state of the playing surface..
In addition, Gabriel suffered a hamstring injury while Ronald Ngah sustained an ankle injury, both of which are believed to have been caused by the hard pitch surface, which was not in optimal condition.
“This issue needs to be addressed and improved, and I hope the pitch condition will improve over time,” he said. — DayakDaily
