KUCHING: Kuching City FC (KCFC) have created history by reaching the 2025/2026 Malaysia Cup final for the first time since the club’s establishment in 2015, reigniting the ‘Ngap Sayot’ spirit among Sarawak football fans.

KCFC President Dato Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman described the achievement as more than just a milestone for the club, but also symbolised the resurgence of Sarawak football on the national stage.

He said the team’s journey to the final was the result of long-term planning and gradual development over several years, beginning under former head coach Irfan Bakti and continued by current head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak.

“Now that we have reached the final stage, at the very least, youths across every division and young football fans can see that we are capable of achieving this.

“And there is a platform for us to reach greater heights in football here in Sarawak,” he said while appearing as a guest on the Juh Randau talk show produced by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), at the UKAS Studio here on Thursday.

According to Dato Fazzrudin, the achievement proves that young Sarawakian players now have both the pathway and inspiration to progress further in professional football.

At the same time, the Chief Political Secretary to the Sarawak Premier also expressed appreciation to the Sarawak Government, sponsors and, most importantly, the ‘12th player’ namely the loyal supporters who have continued backing KCFC since the club’s early years.

He said the unwavering support from fans, who consistently fill stadiums, has become one of the team’s greatest strengths in helping KCFC carve history by reaching the final of one of Malaysia’s most prestigious football tournaments.

Meanwhile, Aidil urged his players to deliver their very best performance in the final against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for the sake of the supporters and the people of Sarawak.

“I do not want to place pressure on the players because opportunities to play in a final do not come often.

“I want them to enjoy this moment because their families, supporters and the management have always stood firmly behind them,” he said passionately.

According to Aidil, the team is now fully focused on preparations for the final, with particular emphasis placed on the players’ mentality to ensure they remain confident and fearless when facing giants such as JDT.

The Malaysia Cup final between KCFC and JDT is scheduled to take place at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on 23 May. -UKASnews

Prepared by: Mia Jalil
Photo: Shahril Haqim
Translator: Uilson Ng