Kuching City FC head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak has refused to confirm whether he will remain with The Cats next season, insisting the decision and announcement should come directly from the club’s management.
Speaking after Kuching City’s 2-0 defeat to Johor Darul Ta’zim in the 2025/26 Piala Malaysia final at Bukit Jalil National Stadium, the Singaporean tactician maintained a professional stance regarding his future despite guiding the Sarawak-based side to one of the most historic campaigns in club history.
“I think it is better for the club to make the announcement,” said Aidil during the post-match press conference.
“I need to remain professional and of course I love Kuching City, but let the club announce it officially. That is the best approach and I respect the club, so we will see what happens next.”
Although Kuching City fell short against the dominant Southern Tigers, Aidil’s side earned widespread praise after pushing the Malaysian giants throughout the final before late goals from Marcos Guilherme and Arif Aiman sealed JDT’s victory.
The defeat ended a remarkable season for The Cats, who not only reached their first-ever Piala Malaysia final but also secured qualification for continental competition next season.
Under Aidil’s leadership, Kuching City transformed from underdogs into one of the most organised and difficult teams to break down in Malaysian football, finishing among the country’s elite and earning a place in both the AFC Champions League and ASEAN Club Championship campaigns next season.
Aidil admitted that significant improvements will be needed if Kuching City are to compete consistently on multiple fronts next season.
The former Singapore international stressed that squad depth and quality recruitment will become crucial as the club prepares for a demanding schedule involving domestic and international tournaments.
“Of course I want a better squad than this season,” he explained.
“As a coach, you must deliver results because football is about results. When the results are not good, people will point fingers at the head coach and that is normal.”
Aidil also referenced high-profile managerial pressure in world football, mentioning Xabi Alonso as an example of how expectations remain relentless at every level of the game.
“Xabi Alonso is a good coach but he could not do well at Real Madrid. So naturally we want to improve and we need to sit down with management to identify the qualities we need.”
The Kuching City boss acknowledged that next season will represent an entirely different level for the club, especially with participation in both the AFC Champions League and ASEAN Club Championship now secured.
“It is important because we will play in the ACL, ACC, Piala Malaysia, FA Cup and many competitions,” Aidil said.
“Do not forget we will also face JDT again in the Charity Shield.”
Aidil also highlighted the importance of maintaining financial discipline despite the growing ambitions of the club.
“JDT will improve their squad and we also need to find ways to improve ourselves, but it depends on the budget.
“We do not want to spend beyond our budget and then fail to pay players like some other clubs.”
Despite the disappointment of losing the final, Aidil ended his press conference with an emotional apology to Kuching City supporters, thanking them for their unwavering support throughout the club’s fairytale campaign.
Credit Photo : KCFC
