By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Aug 16: Kuching City FC (KCFC) will continue using Taha Ariffin Stadium (formerly known as Stadium Negeri) as its home ground as the Sarawak government, through Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), carries out the RM7 million upgrading works in stages.
KCFC executive chairman Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said carrying out the entire project at once would require the stadium to be closed for up to nine to 10 months, creating difficulties for the club in securing an alternative home venue.
He said KCFC is therefore working closely with Sarawak Sports Corporation (SSC), the stadium owner, to prioritise essential works while allowing the club to continue using the venue for its fixtures.
“The Sarawak government has announced RM7 million to develop the stadium. If we do everything at once, we can get the RM7 million done, but we will not be able to use the stadium for nine to 10 months.
“So we are discussing the implementation of the important works first. What are these important works? Initially, to fulfil the requirements set by Malaysian Football League (MFL), AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) and Shopee Cup,” he told reporters after the unveiling of KCFC’s new jerseys for the 2026/27 campaign at Plaza Merdeka here today.
Fazzrudin further said the pitch has already undergone improvements, particularly to its drainage system, which he said has shown positive results during recent heavy rain.
“Yesterday, when there was heavy rain, previously we would see the water on the pitch.
“After the rain stopped, within five to eight minutes, the water was gone,” he said.
He added that other initial works are focused on improving spectator comfort and safety.
Fazzrudin said the phased approach is necessary as KCFC needs to continue using the stadium as its home venue throughout the season.
Asked about the possibility of moving KCFC’s home matches to the next-door Sarawak Stadium, he said the matter will depend on discussions with SSC.
“Perhaps it depends on our discussions with SSC, but the spirit of Ngap Sayot is at Taha Ariffin Stadium,” he said.
Meanwhile, Fazzrudin noted KCFC’s squad for the new season is largely complete, with one more local Malaysian goalkeeper expected to be announced soon.
He said the club has not fully utilised its foreign-player quota but will only consider further recruitment if the head coach identifies a need.
“The coach has full authority to identify the players. We handle the administration and management,” he said.
Fazzrudin also confirmed that KCFC’s players currently on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are eligible to play against their parent club, subject to the terms of their contracts and the parent club’s approval.
He said the same arrangement was in place during the previous Malaysia Cup final, when KCFC was allowed to field its JDT loanees against the club.
“There is no regulation preventing them from playing. It actually depends on the parent club and the contract,” he said.
Fazzrudin added that any further recruitment during the transfer window will depend on the head coach’s assessment of the squad’s needs. — DayakDaily
