Latest news with #KuchingCity
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Football's a passion Scott can't resist, thanks to his sister
Sealing the deal: Scott Woods signing his contract with Kuching City. — Kuching City PETALING JAYA: For the Philippines international and new Kuching City player Scott Woods, football is not just a career - it's a family affair. And it was his sister Lisa Marie Woods, a former player for the Norwegian national team, who first sparked his passion for the beautiful game. 'My interest in football came from watching my sister play,' said Scott. 'She played for the Norwegian national team and many top teams around the world. Watching her inspired me to follow the same path.' Lisa played for Norway 23 times, scoring six goals and lifted the Norwegian Cup with Asker FK in 2005. Now, the versatile Scott, 25, has taken the next big step in his journey by signing with Super League club Kuching City. And according to him, it did not take much convincing. 'I knew the quality of the Malaysian League from before, so this was a league I wanted to play in. When I heard Kuching City and coach Aidil Sharin wanted me, I immediately reached out to some teammates from the Philippines.' The reviews were positive. 'Julian Schwarzer, who's played here before, had a lot of positive things to say about the club and the city. ''So did Manny Ott and Jesper Nyholm, who played in this league last year.' Scott brings flexibility to the squad, as he's capable of playing in midfield or as a leftback. But more than his positional play, the Azkals prospect is determined to be a difference-maker - for the team, and within it. 'I like to see myself as a team player. I think I have a good touch and passing, and I enjoy defending. Hopefully I can contribute with assists and goals, whether I play in midfield or at leftback.' Scott, together with Kuching, are in Jakarta to play a series of friendly matches against the clubs there to prepare for the upcoming season. They will take on teams like Dewa United, Persita Tangerang, PSM Makassar and Garudayaksa. The team will be in Jakarta till July 28. The Cats want to ensure they are fully prepared before their first Super League game against Kelantan at the State Stadium in Kuching on Aug 9. 'I'm really excited to play the Indonesian teams. It will be tough, but I think we're ready to show what we can do and win those matches.'
The Star
14-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Winger wins hearts
Skilful: Joao Pedro (right) evading a challenge from a player during a friendly game. — Photo by Kuching City PETALING JAYA: Kuching City's pre-season tour across Sarawak has sparked excitement among local football fans and at the heart of it all is one man who has quickly become a household name – Joao Pedro. With his trademark smile, explosive speed, and unrelenting tenacity, the Timor Leste international and team captain has won over hearts wherever he goes. From Betong, Mukah, Bintulu, Sibu and with their final stop in Miri over the last week, the 27-year-old winger has been nothing short of electrifying, dazzling fans and leaving defenders chasing shadows. Pedro's impact has been so profound that Kuching City's social media channels have been flooded with praise. Supporters have affectionately dubbed him a 'pace machine'. Even Pedro is thoroughly enjoying himself. 'Coach Aidil (Sharin) hasn't given me a fixed position in attack, he just wants me to enjoy my football,' said Pedro, smiling as always. 'That freedom has helped me find my rhythm, and I just want to keep building on that momentum.' Pedro was at the centre of a mini transfer tug-of-war, with Kuala Lumpur initially on the brink of signing him, only for Kuching to swoop in and land the prized winger. That moment now looks like a masterstroke, as fans are already chanting his name in the stands and sharing photos of his blistering runs online. Standing at 1.70m, Pedro brings more than just flair. He has featured 24 times for Timor Leste, scoring eight goals, and came to Kuching City after a successful stint with Cambodian Premier League outfit Angkor Tiger, where he notched seven goals and six assists in 26 matches. His journey through South-East Asian football with spells in Indonesia, Cambodia, and his native Timor Leste has shaped him into a seasoned attacker. Now, he's determined to make his mark in Malaysian football, with the full support of his new club and an ever-growing legion of fans. 'I want to give everything I have to Kuching. Our goal is to finish in the top five this season, and I'll do my best to contribute,' said Pedro. 'But more importantly, I want to repay the love the fans have shown me. Life in Kuching has been amazing, and this tour has opened my eyes to the warmth and unity of Sarawakians.' Asked about the transfer drama that almost took him to Kuala Lumpur, Pedro revealed it was Aidil who tipped the scales. 'I had a great conversation with coach Aidil before signing. He shared his vision and the club's ambitions, and it just felt right. That's why I chose Kuching and I'm so glad I did.' From the sounds of it and the cheers in every district, the people of Sarawak are just as glad. Pedro isn't just a new signing. He's already one of their own.
The Star
01-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Aidil still roaring strong with Kuching
Going nowhere: Aidil Sharin (centre) interacting with his coaching staff during a friendly game. – Kuching City FC PETALING JAYA: Forget the Singapore talk as successful football head coach Aidil Sharin is staying put with Kuching City for the new Super League. This was the assurance given by club owner Datuk Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman amidst rumours that Aidil may be the next coach of the Singapore national football team. Fazzrudin affirmed that Aidil is committed to the Sarawak-based side. 'Aidil was given full power to run the team. He is happy and committed to Kuching City. That is all I can say,' said Fazzrudin. Under Aidil's leadership, Kuching City have quietly built a competitive squad and are seen as a side capable to give others a run for their money. The club have completed the bulk of their recruitment, with striker Ronald Ngah from Cameroon expected to join the team. 'We have completed 95% of the team selection,' said Fazzrudin. 'Ronald will join in a day or two together with a few of our Under-23 players as well. Then, it will be complete. The Cats have so far signed strikers Gabriel Nistelrooy, Ahmad Danial Asri; goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli, winger Ramadhan Saifullah, Timor Leste winger Joao Pedro and Filipino centreback Scott Woods. They have also retained key men like fullbacks Jimmy Raymond, Arif Fadzillah; midfielder Daniel Amier Norhisham, striker Ahmad Hazwan Bakri, Bahraini midfielder Moses Atede, Nigerian centreback James Okwuosa and Japanese defender Yuki Tanigawa. Kuching City hope to remain in the top five standing in the league. They finished fourth in the last season. 'Our goal has always been to become the champions in the league – that's still our mindset, but realistically, we have set a top-five finish,' said Fazzrudin. Despite the off-field rumours, it's clear that Kuching City are pressing ahead with clear intent, banking on Aidil's leadership to turn bold ambition into tangible results.
The Star
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Timor Leste's Joao aims to go far with Kuching City
PETALING JAYA: In a surprising last-minute turn of events, Timor Leste's star striker Joao Pedro has signed up for Kuching City, snubbing a near-confirmed move to Kuala Lumpur for new Super League season. The 26-year-old forward, who has made headlines for his consistent performances with the Timor-Leste national team, was heavily tipped to join the City Boys, with Kuala Lumpur chairman Syed Yazid Syed Omar even going public about the transfer. However, it was Kuching City who confirmed the signing on Saturday, announcing Pedro as their latest attacking weapon in their bid to climb up the league standings. In a statement, Timor Leste coach Simon Elissetche was delighted that the striker moved to a competitive league. 'Many congratulations to Joao, and may we continue to stand together in the Timor-Leste national team.' Pedro's arrival is a massive motivation for the Sarawak-based side. Known for his pace, intelligent movement, and finishing, the striker is expected to slot straight into the first team and offer much-needed attacking firepower. Kuching have made their ambitions clear, and the signing of Pedro signals a strong intent to solidify their place in the league and perhaps mount a charge for another top four finish.
The Star
17-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cats play it cool by opting for local talents
PETALING JAYA: Kuching City are quietly making a statement of their own by banking on proven local talents while other clubs have been making waves with flashy foreign signings for the new Super League season. The Cats showed their intent by signing up dynamic winger Ramadhan Saifullah from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), followed by the addition of forward Ahmad Danial Asri from Selangor to sharpen their attack since the transfer window opened on June 9. Ramadhan, 24, returns to Kuching after impressing during his loan stint in the second half of last season. He scored five goals and contributed two assists in 16 domestic games but more than just numbers, it was his flair, fearless dribbling and lively movement that endeared him to the fans. In attack, Danial, 25, brings with him promise and hunger. Once considered among the brightest young strikers in the country during his time with the national Under-23 squad, he has struggled for first-team opportunities at Selangor, often sidelined by the preference for foreign forwards. Now, he's ready to rewrite his story in Kuching. 'This is my first move away from Selangor and so far, it's been great,' said Danial. 'I'm learning new things from my teammates, embracing the culture and getting to know the people here. My goal is to help this club become one of the best in the Super League. 'We're putting in the hours during pre-season to make sure we start strong.' Kuching City have also made heads turn by landing national goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli from Perak, sending a clear message of intent for the upcoming season. Haziq, 27, currently Malaysia's third-choice goalkeeper, was a standout performer for Perak last season. His quick reflexes, commanding presence, and sharp distribution make him a valuable addition between the posts. Under the stewardship of Singaporean coach Aidil Sharin, the club have revealed plans to make only four to five signings, opting instead to retain the core of last season's squad in a bid to preserve team chemistry and build on continuity. They finished a commendable fourth in the Super League last season.
