Selangor FC are preparing for a daunting challenge as they open their Shopee Cup 2025/26 Group A campaign against reigning champions Buriram United at the Buriram Stadium on Wednesday.
Buriram, famously known as Thunder Castle, swept all before them last season, lifting four major titles — the Thai League 1, FA Cup, League Cup, and the ACC crown — underlining their dominance in Southeast Asian football.
Selangor’s Japanese head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi acknowledged the scale of the task but insisted his team will stay true to their identity.
“We are honoured and proud to be here because we have the chance to face a strong team. Buriram are one of the strongest teams in the region,” said Kinoshi during the pre-match press conference on Tuesday.
He pointed to Buriram’s staggering statistics from last season — 92 goals scored, only 20 conceded, and 70 points from 30 matches — as proof of their firepower and balance.
“Challenges like these will definitely make us stronger. It is a good experience for us to play against Buriram,” he added. “They have 16 foreigners in their squad, so we don’t know exactly who will face us, but we are looking forward to it. We must keep our style and focus on our football.”
Selangor come into the clash on a mixed note. After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Charity Shield, the Red Giants bounced back with convincing victories — a 3-0 Super League win over DPMM FC and a 3-1 FA Cup first-leg triumph against Malaysian University.
Kinoshi, however, warned his players not to be overawed by Buriram’s stature.
“We must never give up and fight for the Selangor fans. This is our mission,” he stressed. “We must play until the whistle — 100 per cent — regardless of whether the result is going well, badly or even worse. It doesn’t matter.”
With a mix of resilience and determination, Selangor will be hoping to spring a surprise against the region’s most formidable side in what promises to be a thrilling Group A opener.
Credit Photo : SFC
