City Boys back on the rise after long absence from M’sian football

KUALA LUMPUR − Who doesn’t love an underdog story? There’s hardly a sports fan in the world that does not get excited at the thought of a challenger unexpectedly surpassing all expectations to achieve glory and have their names forever immortalised in the history books.

For those who call Kuala Lumpur their home, they don’t have to look very far.

The reinvented Kuala Lumpur City Football Club (KL City FC) − currently making waves in the football fraternity − is fast becoming a team to look out for in the coming years.  

To many local enthusiasts, the name might not sound familiar as the club has been absent from Malaysian top-flight for several seasons.

From their demotion to Malaysian Premier League second division in 2013 and further relegation to Malaysian FAM League third division the year after, many assumed that this fall would be the end of the Federal Territory club.

But you know what they say, once you’re hit rock bottom, there’s only one way to go – up.

Clawing their way back in recent years to the top division of the Malaysian Super League akin to a phoenix rising from the ashes, KL City FC – under its new management − is hungry for more victories.

Following the appointment of Stanley Bernard as the club’s new chief executive officer in December 2020, KL City is undergoing a monumental shift.

Stanley, who brought in Croatian managerial powerhouse Bojan Hodak for the 2021 season, led the way for KL City to steal the Malaysia Cup from national favourites Johor Darul Ta’zim last year with a 2-0 victory at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium that ended a 32-year drought.

As Malaysia Cup holders, KL City have qualified for the 2022 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup tournament.

The previous winners of the Malaysia Cup would have qualified but seeing as the tournament was not held last year, KL City have been afforded the opportunity to reclaim the city’s former glory.

Speaking to The Vibes on the club’s future, Stanley says it is crucial for KL City to sit on a bed of sustainability.

“It is important for us to grow in areas that have never been part of this club − or any other local club − for that matter.

“We need to provide some stability to the club, especially financial stability to the players, coaches, and everyone that works on and off the pitch,” the former national player said.

Stanley also says the club, which has a three-year project, has surpassed its own expectations with its first year of targeted success.

“What we set up last year has already shown improvements this year.

“The team chemistry and familiarisation between management, coaches and players is something that has been taken care of,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bojan, who believes in the squad, says that expectations may be set a little too high as a result of their underdog victory.

“Other teams have bigger budgets and a bigger pool of players.

“Sure, you can expect us to surprise the bigger teams but we could also struggle with teams at the bottom of the league.

“But in the Cups, that’s where we can shine. Whether it’s the FA Cup, Malaysia Cup or even AFC Cup, we can surprise our opponents,” he told The Vibes.

He adds that even though the current team is only a year old, the dedication and commitment is strong.

“We are one year older − one year playing together − so it’s easier and the chemistry is good.

“We will work hard on the field, go match by match and try to win three points (with) every game,” said Bojan.  

KL City FC is not only stirring up conversations on the football pitch − their latest venture with Malaysian broadcaster Astro has brought to life the club’s glorious 2021 season on the small screen.

“Sampai Mati Kuala Lumpur”, an eight-part sports docuseries − exclusively for Astro customers − sees the local football club become pioneers in the medium by giving fans a behind-the-scenes look into their training facilities, pitch performance and dressing room antics for the very first time.

With new faces, new players, new coaches, new ventures and a whole new outlook on local football, KL City FC looks to be breaking new ground for the football fraternity.

Although we’d have to wait to see if the club can maintain its momentum, they appear to have a promising future right now. – The Vibes, February 2, 2022