Singaporean Aidil Sharin wins Coach of the Year award at Malaysia's annual football gala
But in just his first full season in charge, the Singaporean helped them achieve a remarkable fourth placing out of 13 in the 2024-25 campaign, which secured a berth in next season's Asean Club Championship.
The feat helped him win the Coach of the Year accolade at Malaysia's National Football Awards on April 23.
The 47-year-old edged out two other nominees from more established sides – Venezuelan coach Hector Bidoglio of MSL champions Johor Darul Takzim and Selangor's Japanese tactician Katsuhito Kinoshi.
When contacted, Aidil told The Straits Times that he feels very honoured to have won the award and it was something he did not expect.
'Honestly, I didn't really hope for it, because I didn't win the last three times when I was nominated,' he said. 'But this time, when I don't hope for anything, it comes. To be in the top three is already a blessing for me.'
In an earlier stint in Malaysia, Aidil had won the 2019 FA Cup with Kedah and led the north Malaysian club to runners-up finishes in the 2020 and 2021 MSL. After leaving Kedah in 2022, he had a six-month sojourn with Indonesian top-tier side Persikabo 1973 in 2023, before joining Kuching in August that year.
When he arrived in the Sarawakian capital, Aidil realised that the ageing team needed an overhaul. With the backing of the board, he changed nearly 90 per cent of the squad.
The players he brought in included Gambia-born forward Jordan Mintah, who scored 14 goals in 20 MSL appearances this season, Ivorian striker Tchetche Kipre and Nigerian centre-back James Okwuosa.
'The key thing is to blend them together as a team,' said Aidil. 'And it's not easy when it's just the first year they are together. But the management and players' support helped the team to grow fast and to be in the top four this season.'
He will be eyeing further improvement next season as he targets a continental spot. MSL champions qualify for the Asian Champions League Elite, while the runners-up will earn a place in the Asian Champions League Two (ACL2).
He added: 'Our target from the management this season was actually top eight, but we managed top four. So definitely next season, we know everyone is going to expect more.'
'I was in the AFC (Cup) every year in Singapore, so I missed that,' added Aidil, who guided Home United to the Asean zonal title of the AFC Cup, the predecessor of ACL2, in 2018.
Singaporean Aidil Sharin guided relegation battlers Kuching FC to a fourth-place finish in his first full season.
PHOTO: ASTRO
'That is the main target, to be consistent so that we can play continental games.'
He is expecting the new season to be more challenging, with the expected additions of new sides.
'It's going to be tougher because (Brunei) DPMM could potentially join the league and Melaka FC, who are just promoted, are a strong team. Malaysia Under-23 might join in as well and it will be more competitive,' said Aidil.
Kuching have already started preparations for the 2025-26 season. In an interview with Malaysian media, club chairman Fazzrudin Abdul Rahman said: 'Aidil will continue with us and he has identified key players for recruitment. We're in talks with three individuals, and there will be announcements soon.'
While Aidil is mid-way through a two-year contract with Kuching, renewal talks are already underway, with the club management wanting him to be part of their long-term goals.
He said: 'My president just spoke to me, they want me to stay for a long time in the club because they are making new facilities, which they want me to be part of.
'They want me to grow the club and at the moment, I think they are very happy with what I've been contributing, but I haven't discussed it yet. For me, I just want to be open first, and let's see what's the best future for me.'
Asked about his hopes of coaching the Singapore national team in the future, Aidil said: 'I'm always ready because it's always a dream to coach your national team.
'If there's an opportunity besides Malaysia, like Thailand or Myanmar, of course I'm always open to it, because the more you go out and face big challenges, the more you grow.'
Melvyn Teoh is a sports journalist at The Straits Times.
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