SINGAPORE (1 October 2026) – Malaysian debutants Kuching City FC are ready to go toe-to-toe with the region’s best clubs, including defending champions Buriram United FC, when season 2026/27 of the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™ kicks off on October 7.
Defender Rodney Celvin believes the East Malaysian side, who earned their place in the tournament after finishing runners-up in the Malaysian Super League last season, have every opportunity to shine in the third edition of the Shopee Cup™.
“Going up against these giant teams, we really want to prove something: that a ‘smaller’ team can also compete on the ASEAN stage and put up a tough fight against the big clubs,” said the 29-year-old.
Kuching City finished second behind perennial Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim FC in the domestic league and will host Singapore’s Tampines Rovers FC in their opening Group A match next Wednesday.
Ratchaburi FC, Ho Chi Minh City Police FC, Manila Digger FC, Borneo FC and Buriram United, winners of the first two editions of the Shopee Cup™, are the other teams in the group.
“I feel this is the perfect opportunity for us, especially with the quality of players we have in the team. Opportunities like this don’t come around often. So, I hope Kuching City will give everything we have in this Shopee Cup™ campaign,” said Rodney.
“Of course, we want to go as far as possible. We know it won’t be an easy task for a team like Kuching City. However, even though this is our first time competing, we have experienced players in the squad. We will work together to push as far as we can.”
Rodney knows that a debut showing will undoubtedly create some nerves within his team and he is expecting the home fans to push the club towards a successful campaign.
“It’s normal to feel a bit nervous. That nervousness will be there. But in football, nothing is impossible. The ball is round, so we just have to step onto the pitch and fight,” he said.
“Competing alongside the best clubs in the region brings a different kind of excitement and atmosphere. I’m really excited and can’t wait to get our campaign started.”
Rodney stood out at the recent ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ as Malaysia advanced to the semi-finals but hobbled out with a hamstring injury in the first leg against eventual champions, Vietnam. He had been one of the key figures in the team’s strong run, and returned to club action two weeks ago after recovering from his injury.
Since emerging onto the scene, Rodney, who is of mixed Ghanaian-Malaysian parentage, has earned the nickname “The Tank” for his no-nonsense approach and hard-tackling style. A late starter, he said the support from his family contributed immensely to his desire to become a professional athlete.
“I don’t mind the nickname at all. If that’s what the fans want to call me, I have to prove on the pitch that I am worthy of that title,” he smiled.
“I started playing the sport quite late, at 16 years old. During inter-school tournaments, when the team progressed far, people started noticing me. From there, I moved to a sports school, and that’s how my football journey truly began.
“The value I hold onto until today is independence. My parents sacrificed a lot for me when I was a student. My family, siblings and friends are the ones who contributed the most in my career. Seeing them happy when I succeed is what drives me to go further.
“As a player, it feels great to know there are people constantly supporting your career.”
UPCOMING SHOPEE CUP™ FIXTURES
Wednesday, October 7, Group A
Buriram United FC (THA) v Borneo FC Samarinda (IDN), Buriram Stadium, Buriram, 7pm (local time) / 12pm (GMT)
Ratchaburi FC (THA) v Ho Chi Minh City Police FC (VIE), Ratchaburi Stadium, Ratchaburi, 7pm (local time) / 12pm (GMT)
Kuching City FC (MAS) v Tampines Rovers FC (SGP), Stadium Negeri, Sarawak, 9pm (local time) / 1pm (GMT)
Thursday, October 8, Group B
Port FC (THA) v Persib Bandung (IDN), Thammasat Stadium, Bangkok, 7pm (local time) / 12pm (GMT)
Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (MAS) v Preah Khan Reach Svay Rieng FC (CAM), Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Johor, 8pm (local time) / 12pm (GMT)
Lion City Sailors FC (SGP) v Công An Hà Nội FC (VIE), Jalan Besar Stadium, Singapore, 7.30pm (local time) / 11.30am (GMT)
For the ASEAN Shopee Cup™ news and other information, please visit https://aseanutdfc.com/asean-club-championship and @aseanutdfc on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X and LinkedIn.
