KUCHING: Three Malayan teams will test the strength of Kuching FA next month. The teams are Selangor 2, UKM FC and a team from the M3 League.
Selangor 2 and UKM FC also play in the Premier League.
It is the final pre-season matches for Kuching FA ahead of the Premier League kickoff against UKM FC at the State Stadium, here, on Feb 29.
Ideris Untong’s men have now entered the final phase of preparation with greater focus on stamina, tactics and strategy.
Two foreign imports have been identified to strengthen the squad. Leo Alves, 30, from Brazil will spearhead the attack while Akira Higashiyama will strengthen the midfield alongside Yuta Suzuki.
Alves, who has joined the prestigious Itihad club and emerged as the 2017 Arab League’s top scorer, is seen to have the prowess in ball control, individual skills and strong kicks.
He will likely form a strong partnership with local stars like Joseph Kallang Tie, Tommy Mawat and Sufizal Ismail upfront.
In fact, Alves is expected to be the solution to the team’s weak finishing.
Meanwhile, another foreign import was expected to fill the defence slot. However, Fredy Lobe Mbang, 25, failed to perform well after several days of trial.
Most likely, Kuching FA will look for a better candidate.
Kuching FA are one of the top contenders in the Premier League 2020 besides Sarawak United FC 1, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan and JDT II.
