Kuching plots a double Harimau coup with moves for Paulo Josue and Safawi Rasid

KUALA LUMPUR – Kuching City FC are currently in discussions to bring two Harimau Malaya players on board to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/2026 M-League season.

The club will participate in the ASEAN Club Championship after finishing fourth in the Super League and is looking to sign Paulo Josue and Safawi Rasid.

Both players are currently out of contract with their respective clubs.

36-year-old Brazilian-Malaysian forward Paulo, who spent eight years with Kuala Lumpur City FC, is currently a free agent after officially announcing his departure few weeks before the end of this season’s Super League campaign.

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Safawi, who joined Terengganu FC on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) this season, is expected to return to the Southern Tigers. However, reports suggest he has yet to be offered a contract extension by JDT.

Speaking to Scoop, Kuching CEO Iswandi Ali Hassan confirmed that the club is currently in talks and working to convince both players to join the team.

“We admire both players, as they have made a name for themselves in the M-League over the years.

“They’ve always been influential for the teams they’ve represented throughout their careers, including for Harimau Malaya.

“We’re still in talks with them, and nothing has been confirmed at this stage.

“They could be great additions to our squad and would significantly strengthen the team if the deal goes through,” said Iswandi when contacted.

Under the guidance of Singaporean head coach Aidil Sharin Sahak, Kuching finished fourth in the Super League this season out of 13 teams with 39 points.

The club is also one of the few teams – alongside JDT, Selangor, Terengganu, and Penang – that did not face any financial issues during the M-League season. – May 7, 2025