Sarawak Family Spends Over RM15,000 To Support Kuching City In Malaysia Cup Final

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- In order to witness the historic moment of Kuching City FC competing in the Malaysia Cup final for the first time, a family from Sarawak was willing to spend more than RM15,000 to be present and show their support at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here tonight.

Kuching City, nicknamed ‘The Cats’, will face defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the final of the prestigious tournament, now in its 99th edition.

Kuching City supporter Cristiano Ronaldo Kuhuam, 19, said he and 14 family members, including his parents, grandparents and relatives, flew from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur solely to witness the historic match.

“We all came here to support Kuching City, who have made history by reaching the final for the first time. All family members joined because we truly love football. My cousins, grandmother and grandfather came as well. We are one family of 15 people.

“The estimated cost is about RM1,000 per person, including flight tickets and other expenses. Of course, we hope to see Kuching City win tonight, so that all fans from Sarawak can sleep peacefully,” he told Bernama here.

Meanwhile, his father, Stanley Kuat, 47, said he had witnessed the glory days of the Ngap Sayot, shed tears over the decline of Sarawak football and once believed he might never again see a team from the Land of the Hornbills return to such a grand stage.

He said he had followed the development of Sarawak football since 1997 and had witnessed the state’s glorious football era, including the 1999 Malaysia Cup final involving Sarawak and Brunei. Brunei won 2-1 in the final held at Stadium Merdeka here.

He said the emergence of Kuching City, who also created a sensation by qualifying for the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) next season after finishing runners-up in this season’s Super League, had reignited the passion of football supporters in Sarawak after years of decline.

“Our whole family truly loves football and we only have one purpose tonight, which is to support Kuching City with all our hearts.

“Previously there was Sarawak FA but it has disappeared. With Kuching City now, they are carrying Sarawak’s name and this team has great potential and can go far,” he said.

Commenting on the uniqueness of his son’s name, Stanley said his two other children were also named after Manchester United legends, namely Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs.

JDT are chasing their sixth Malaysia Cup title after winning the competition in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 and the 2024/2025 season, while Kuching City, coached by Aidil Sharin Sahak, have the opportunity to create history by lifting the trophy for the first time.

Tonight’s match will be officiated by four high-profile referees from Qatar as part of the Malaysian Football League’s (MFL) efforts to ensure officiating standards remain at the highest level, in line with the reputation of Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious football tournament.

Kick-off for the 2025-2026 Malaysia Cup final between JDT and Kuching City is scheduled for 9 tonight.

-- BERNAMA