Kuching City F.C.

Kuching City
Full nameKuching City Football Club
NicknameIl Gatto (The Cats)
Short nameKUC, KCG, KCFC
Founded2015; 11 years ago (2015) as Kuching FA
2021; 5 years ago (2021) as Kuching City
GroundTaha Ariffin Stadium
Capacity17,584
Co-ownerFazzrudin Abdul Rahman
Kamaludin Akil
CEOIswandi Ali Hassan
Head coachAidil Sharin Sahak
LeagueMalaysia Super League
2025–26Malaysia Super League, 2nd of 13 (As of 2025/26 Season)
Websitekuchingcityfc.com
Current season

Kuching City Football Club, simply known as Kuching City, is a professional football club based in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia that currently plays in the Malaysia Super League. It was the youngest club to join the highest level of the Malaysian football league system, having been founded since 2015. It is the third professional football club based in the state of Sarawak, after former state football club Sarawak FA and another defunct club Sarawak United.

History

As Kuching FA (2015–2020)

In 2015, with the commencement of the People's Football League introduced by the Football Association of Malaysia, the purpose of the league was to transform lower leagues in Malaysia and promote amateur football in all districts and states across Malaysia. Consequently, Kuching F.A. was founded alongside it to represent the district of Kuching in Sarawak.

FAM Cup

In the 2015–16 Liga Bolasepak Rakyat, Kuching won the inaugural edition after beating Padang Besar 3–1 at the Selayang Stadium. With the championship, Kuching got an automatic promotion into the 2017 Piala FAM.

In their first season in FAM League, Kuching achieved 4th place in Group B, qualifying the team for the play-offs. They were knocked out in the quarter-final stage by UKM, which later gained promotion to 2018 Malaysia Premier League as finalist of the play-offs. Kuching's second season in the FAM League saw them in the 4th place in Group A, the same as previous season. Unfortunately, changes in the play-off qualifying saw them miss out on the knock-out stage as only top two teams of each group chosen. Kuching were registered to play in the 2019 Malaysia FAM Cup, but were also invited by FAM to play in the 2019 Malaysia Premier League, as a number of teams pull out from the league.

After announcing their promotion to the 2020 Malaysia Premier League, Kuching changed their kit to a new one to kick start their new journey, the colours are green with white stripes and "City of Unity" is written in the middle of the kit. The following season, they added ''City'' to back of Kuching.

Kuching City players playing a friendly match against Bruneian club DPMM on 4 January 2025.

As Kuching City (2021–present)

First cup final

Kuching City were promoted to the 2023 Malaysia Super League for the first time in history after their MFL License was approved for the 2023 season. On 2 August 2023, former Singaporean legend, Aidil Sharin Sahak was announced as the new head coach for the club signing Namibia captain, Petrus Shitembi and Tajikistani midfielder Nuriddin Davronov. Aidil Sharin guided the club to a great run in the 2023 MFL Challenge Cup winning 4–0 on aggregate against his former club, Kedah Darul Aman in the quarter-finals, a 3–1 on aggregate against Kelantan United in the semi-finals which saw the club first ever cup final in their history.

AFC Champions League Two debut

Kuching City then finished the 2025–26 Malaysia Super League as runners-up with 53 points thus seeing the club qualified for the 2026–27 ASEAN Club Championship and the 2026–27 AFC Champions League Two for the first time in the club history. In the club debut ASEAN Club Championship, they were draw in Group A alongside both Thai club Buriram United and Ratchaburi, Vietnamese club Công An Hồ Chí Minh City, Singaporean club Tampines Rovers and Indonesian club Borneo Samarinda. While in the club debut continental competition, Kuching City was then placed in Group H of the AFC Champions League Two alongside Korean club Gangwon, Hong Kong club Kitchee and Cambodian club Phnom Penh Crown.

Team image

Crest and colours

Kuching's crest has a yellow shield and the flag of Sarawak where the club originated from, and a green-white stripped tiger. "City of Unity" is written in the middle of the crest.

Supporters

Ultras IL Gatto; An ultras group associated with Kuching City as the club main ultras group which established in 2020. The group is known for its organised chanting and active support during matches.

KNG II Gato; Also known as Kuro Neko Gang (KNG), a Kuching City supporters' group based at the club's home matches. The group is involved in chanting and drumline activities and has been among the organised supporters backing the club.

GB13; A supporters' group originally associated with Sarawak FA and later Sarawak United. Established in 2011, GB13 became associated with Kuching City in 2024 after announcing its support for the club alongside KNG II Gato.

Stand of Unity: A collective supporters' section bringing together Kuching City supporters from different backgrounds. The group is known for continuous chanting and coordinated support throughout matches, particularly at the Taha Ariffin Stadium.

Stadium

Taha Ariffin Stadium

Kuching City has used Taha Ariffin Stadium in Kuching as its home ground since 2015. Formerly known as Sarawak State Stadium, it is one of the major football venues in the city. The stadium has a seating capacity of approximately 26,000 spectators, making it one of the larger stadiums in Sarawak. The stadium also host Kuching City's league matches and other domestic football competitions. The stadium is also an important part of Kuching’s football culture, regularly attracting local supporters on match days.

The stadium was renamed Taha Ariffin Stadium in honour of Datuk Taha Ariffin, a prominent figure in the development of football in Sarawak. Taha Ariffin was involved in the administration of the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) and played an important role in the development of Sarawak football during the late 20th century. Contemporary accounts describe him as a key figure in the establishment and development of the state's football administration.

Kit manufacturers and shirt sponsors

Season Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2017 Starsport Kuching City of Unity
2018–2020 LSC & Kuching City of Unity
2021 Serba Dinamik, LSC & Yakult
2022 Kuching City of Unity, LSC, Yakult & Fitogether
2023 Kuching City of Unity & LSC
2024–2025 Press Metal, LSC & Kuching City of Unity
2025–2026
2026–present AirBorneo, Affin Bank, Press Metal, & LSC

Players

First-team squad

As of September 2026

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
1 GK  MAS Haziq Nadzli
2 DF  MAS Jimmy Raymond
3 DF  MAS Rodney Celvin
4 DF  BRA Gabriel Peres
5 MF  MAS Ryan Lambert (on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim)
6 DF  MAS Arif Fadzilah
7 FW  MAS Ramadhan Saifullah
8 MF  MAS Nazmi Faiz Mansor (on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim)
10 MF  NAM Petrus Shitembi
11 FW  CMR Jerome Mpacko Etame
12 FW  AUS Dylan Wenzel-Halls
14 FW  MAS Amir Amri
17 DF  MAS Irfan Zakaria
18 FW  CMR Ronald Ngah
19 FW  MAS Gabriel Nistelrooy (on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim)
20 GK  MAS Haziq Aiman
21 DF  MAS Declan Lambert (on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim)
No. Pos. Nation Player
22 MF  TLS João Pedro
23 DF  MAS Ariff Farhan Isa
24 FW  BIH Ajdin Mujagić (on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim)
27 DF  MAS Filemon Anyie
29 FW  MAS Safawi Rasid (on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim)
35 DF  NGR James Okwuosa (captain)
39 FW  MAS Zharmein Ashraf
44 MF  MAS Alif Hassan
50 MF  MAS Diego Baggio
55 GK  MAS Shahril Saa'ri
60 DF  MAS Yohanis Daniel
67 MF  MAS Shamie Iszuan
77 DF  MAS Yuki Tanigawa
80 MF  MAS Wesley Azcang Milkias
86 GK  MAS Wan Azraie
88 MF  JPN Kaishu Yamazaki
99 MF  JOR Ahmad Israiwah
— DF  MAS Samuel Bone
— MF  MAS Rodrigo Iriarte

Out on loan

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player

Development squads

Kuching City II (U20)

Head coach: Malaysia Hakimi Man

As of 18 April 2025

Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.

No. Pos. Nation Player
— GK  MAS Syafie Mursalim
— GK  MAS Naim Ramadhan Narawi
— DF  MAS Abang Haikal Za'afari
— DF  MAS Haddad Aiman Sufian
— DF  MAS Fadzly Shauqie Jeffry
— DF  MAS Mohd Hazazi Harsi
— DF  MAS Nasharuddin Jaapar Sidik
— DF  MAS Nur Hasbullah Rahman
— DF  MAS Josef Charsel Setom
— DF  MAS Awang Nazmi Shamel
No. Pos. Nation Player
— DF  MAS Gabriel Batistuta Durling
— MF  MAS Faris Mohd Faidillah
— MF  MAS Adifbadri Ariffin
— MF  MAS Syahryl Aiman Saidin
— MF  MAS Mohd Khuzairi Abdullah
— MF  MAS Azkaharridhi Farhan Hasnan
— FW  MAS Cornelius Ornley Jina
— FW  MAS Mohammad Rahiimin Roslan
— FW  MAS Jeckelly Manir
— FW  MAS Shane Thomas

Management and staff

As of July 2026

Position Name
President & CEOMalaysia Iswandi Ali Hassan
Technical directorMalaysia Wan Jamak Wan Hassan
ManagerMalaysia Irwanshah Mohamad
Head coachSingapore Aidil Sharin Sahak
Assistant coachMalaysia Zulkarnien Mohamad Poasa
Belarus Oleg Kuzmianok
Goalkeeping coachMalaysia Khairul Azman Mohamed
Fitness coachMalaysia Azmi Ibrahim
Video analystMalaysia Ahmad Mundir
Team doctorMalaysia Muhamad Karbela Reza Ramlan
PhysiotherapistMalaysia Mohd Khairul Nizam Suhaimi
Malaysia Ferdinand Lisa
Media officer Malaysia Darul Imran Azmi
MasseurMalaysia Mohamed Zawawi Ali Hassan
Malaysia Mohd Shahrizan Sahari
KitmanMalaysia Azarul Nazriq Bolhi

Position Name
Manager

Malaysia Ahmad Zaki Zaidi U20

Assistant managerMalaysia Awang Azami Awang Idris U20
Head coachMalaysia Hakimi Man U20
Assistant coachMalaysia Joseph Kalang Tie U20

Malaysia Nizam Mahmud U20

Goalkeeping coach

Malaysia Abdul Gani Anuar U20

Fitness coach

Malaysia Michael Wong U20

Team admin

Malaysia Roja James U20

Media officer

Malaysia Mohd Adib Marsat U20

PhysiotherapistMalaysia Gary Nyelang U20
Masseur

Malaysia Padil Abet U20

Kitman

Malaysia Saiful Abdullah U20

Honours

Domestic

League

Cup

Award winners

Domestic

Notable players

International capped players

AFC/OFC.
CAF.
UEFA.
CONMEBOL/
CONCACAF.

Managerial history

Manager Period Achievements
Malaysia Lucas Kalang Laeng January 2017–December 2017
Malaysia Fairuz Yunus January 2018–December 2018
Malaysia Ideris Utong January 2019–December 2019
Japan Akira Higashiyama January 2020–5 December 2020
Malaysia Irfan Bakti 21 January 2021–18 July 2023
Malaysia Firdaus Morshidi 21 July 2023–1 August 2023
Singapore Aidil Sharin Sahak 2 August 2023–present

Season by season record

Updated on 23 January 2026.

Season Division Position Malaysia Cup Malaysia FA Cup Malaysia Challenge Cup Malaysia Charity Shield AFC Champions League Two ASEAN Club Championship Top scorer (All Competitions)
2015–16 Liga LBR Champions DNQ – – – – –
2017 FAM League 4th of 7 Group B DNQ – – – – –
2018 FAM League 4th of 7 Group A DNQ Second round – – – – Malaysia Shafitri Salim (4)
2019 Liga M3 Runners-up DNQ Second round – – – – Malaysia Joseph Kalang Tie (18)
2020 Premier League 4th Cancelled Cancelled – – – – Brazil Bryan Jones (4)
2021 Premier League 5th 3rd of 4th Group stage B Not held – – – – Malaysia Alif Hassan (6)
2022 Premier League 3rd Quarter-finals Quarter-finals – – – – Liberia Abu Kamara (12)
2023 Super League 13th Round 16 Second Round Runners-up – – – Liberia Abu Kamara (16)
2024–25 Super League 4th Quarter-finals Quarter-finals – – – – Malaysia Jordan Mintah (15)
2025–26 Super League Runners-up Runners-up Semi-finals – – – – Cameroon Ronald Ngah (22)

Continental record

List of matches

All results list Kuching's goal tally first.

Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2026–27 AFC Champions League Two Group H Cambodia Phnom Penh Crown 1–2
Hong Kong Kitchee 1–1
South Korea Gangwon FC

Regional record

List of matches

All results list Kuching's goal tally first.

Season Competition Round Club Home Away Aggregate
2026–27 ASEAN Club Championship Group A Singapore Tampines Rovers 2–2 N/a
Indonesia Borneo Samarinda N/a
Vietnam Công An Hồ Chí Minh City N/a
Thailand Buriram United N/a
Philippines Manila Digger N/a
Thailand Ratchaburi N/a

References

  1. ↑ "New imports set to bolster Kuching City's Super League 2023 campaign". The Borneo Post. 6 January 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  2. ↑ "Kuching Joins Liga FAM". SarawakCrocs.com – Sarawak's No.1 Football Site. 2 January 2017.
  3. ↑ "Liga Bola Sepak Rakyat (LBR) to revive interest at district level". SPORTS247.MY – The Ultimate Malaysian Sports Channel. 13 June 2015.
  4. ↑ http://www.fourthofficial.com/2015/20837/liga-bolasepak-rakyat-will-unearth-more-talent-najib-razak/ Liga Bolasepak Rakyat will unearth more talent – Najib Razak
  5. ↑ "Kuching FA Juara Sulung Liga Bolasepak Rakyat". SarawakCrocs.com – Sarawak's No.1 Football Site. 28 May 2016.
  6. ↑ "Liga Premier: Kuching FA masih tunggu lampu hijau daripada FAM". 30 November 2018.
  7. ↑ "Kuching City FC Kit History". Football Kit Archive. 5 August 2025. Retrieved 22 August 2025.
  8. ↑ "The Great Wall of Kuching City". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  9. ↑ "The Great Wall of Kuching City". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  10. ↑ "Ramadhan milik penuh Kuching City, status pinjaman bertukar perpindahan tetap". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 June 2025. Retrieved 25 June 2025.
  11. ↑ "The Attacking Force". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  12. ↑ "Tiga import perkuatkan Kuching City - Fazzrudin". Facebook TVS. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
  13. ↑ "Tiga import perkuatkan Kuching City - Fazzrudin". Facebook TVS. 25 June 2025. Retrieved 31 July 2025.
  14. ↑ "The Great Wall of Kuching City". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  15. ↑ "The Great Wall of Kuching City". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  16. ↑ "The Engine". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  17. ↑ "The Engine". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  18. ↑ "The Goalkeeper". Facebook Kuching City FC. 12 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
  19. ↑ "Kuching City Under-23 team squad for 2024/2025 season announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  20. ↑ "Kuching City FC Team Staff for 2024/2025 Season". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  21. ↑ "Former Sarawak footballer to be appointed as team manager". Facebook Kuching City FC. 1 March 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  22. ↑ "Kuching City FC melantik Aidil Shahrin menggantikan Irfan Bakti". Facebook HarimauMalaya. 2 August 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  23. ↑ "Former Malaysian legendary appointed as goalkeeping coach". Facebook Kuching City FC. 28 February 2024. Retrieved 3 March 2024.
  24. ↑ "Kuching City Under-23 Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  25. ↑ "New head coach for U23 team appointed". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  26. ↑ "Kuching City Under-20Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  27. ↑ "Kuching City Under-20 Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  28. ↑ "Kuching City Under-20 Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  29. ↑ "Kuching City Under-20Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  30. ↑ "Kuching City Under-20Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  31. ↑ "Kuching City Under-20Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  32. ↑ "Kuching City Under-20Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  33. ↑ "Kuching City Under-23 Team announced". Facebook Kuching City FC. 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.