ACC Shopee Cup Pre-Match Press Conference | vs Kuching City
Tampines Rovers return to the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup for the 2026/27 season, determined to build on last season’s campaign. Having missed out on progression beyond the Group Stage in 2025/26, Our Stags will be looking to go a step further this time around.
Drawn in Group A alongside Buriram United, Ratchaburi, Kuching City, Ho Chi Minh City Police, Borneo and Manila Digger, The Stags face a challenging campaign against some of the region’s strongest sides. The competition presents another valuable opportunity for the team to test themselves against quality opposition and make their mark on the ASEAN stage.
First up is Kuching City, who have enjoyed a strong start to their domestic campaign. Currently sitting second in the Malaysia Super League with four wins from their opening five domestic matches, the Malaysian side have established themselves as formidable opponents. However, they have encountered a slight bump in the road in recent outings, suffering a defeat to Phnom Penh Crown in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two before being held to a draw by Kelantan City in the Malaysia FA Cup Quarter-final.
With a packed October fixture schedule ahead, The Stags will be eager to begin their ACC Shopee Cup campaign on the front foot. A positive result against Kuching City would provide an important early boost as Tampines Rovers look to establish momentum and set the tone for the challenges ahead.
Here are all the details from the pre-match press conference with Head Coach Nazri Nasir and Zharfan Rohaizad:
On the Game
Nazri Nasir: We know Kuching City will not be an easy team to face. They have been consistent over the past few seasons, and we are expecting a tough game, especially playing away from home. They have a good mix of local and foreign players. On our end, we have been preparing well, analysing their style of play and understanding what to expect from them.
Zharfan Rohaizad: Tomorrow's match will be a tough but good contest for us. The players are ready, and with the Singapore National Team players having returned, we have been training hard in the lead-up to this game. We are well prepared.
On Team Expectations
Nazri Nasir: The season has only just begun. So far, we have played in the SPL Community Shield, and one match in the SPL and the ACL Two. We did not come here just to participate. We came here to get a result. Having experienced the game both as a player and now as a coach, I understand the importance of every match. Every game is an opportunity to get a result, and I expect the players to give their all.
On Quality of Kuching City’s Players
Nazri Nasir: I believe Kuching City has a quality squad, made up of several National Team players and strong foreign players who have been playing together for the past few seasons. That has helped them build a good understanding within the team and gives us an idea of their team dynamics. We expect them to come back stronger following their defeat in the ACL Two, and we are looking forward to the challenge.
On the Team’s Mindset
Zharfan Rohaizad: What's important for us as players is to give our best in every game, regardless of the outcome. As long as we give 100% on the pitch, we believe the results will follow. No one goes into a match wanting to lose. The players are confident and motivated heading into this game.
On Players to Look out For
Zharfan Rohaizad: I'm more focused on our own team rather than individual players from Kuching City. Of course, they have a few players who stand out, but our priority is to focus on ourselves and how we perform as a team.
On Facing Kuching City Head Coach Aidil Sharin
Nazri Nasir: Aidil is a fellow Singaporean, and we played together for four or five seasons. It's good to see him again, and I'm looking forward to competing against him now.
Kuching City vs Tampines Rovers - Catch The Stags in action tomorrow, 7 October at 9pm SGT, live on meWATCH LIVE 2.
For Stags fans in Kuching, tickets are now available for purchase online via Tickethotline Malaysia. Visit the Club’s official social media channels for more ticketing information.
