KUALA LUMPUR: While KL City fans are angry with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for switching the AFC Cup final to the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, the venue could well become the club's lucky charm when they face Oman's Al Seeb on Saturday.
At the same venue last year, KL defeated mighty Johor Darul Ta'zim 2-0 in the Malaysia Cup final.
KL captain Paulo Josue has urged KL fans to remain cool.
He believes lightning can strike twice for the club at the same venue.
The AFC picked the National Stadium, instead of KL's KLFA Stadium, because it is the only venue in the Klang Valley that supports the utilisation of VAR.
KL have more to gain from the venue switch as it can accommodate more fans.
Bojan Hodak's side may have finished only sixth in the Super League this year, but have done well in the AFC Cup, scoring 10 goals and conceding four en route to the final.
"This is the second year in as many seasons we will play a final at the National Stadium. The last time we played there, we won the Malaysia Cup. If we can win on Saturday, it will be perfect.
"The venue could become our lucky charm," said the Brazilian midfielder.
Josue warned his teammates that Al Seeb will be tough to beat.
"However, we will have our fans backing us during the game. The final comes after two straight defeats in the Super League, so mentally, we need to regroup and get prepared for the AFC Cup final.
"We lost both league matches because we were tired from travelling for our AFC Cup inter-zonal games.
"It is hard for a small squad like KL. However, the league is over, and we are now preparing for the final.
"We are on a magical run in the AFC Cup, as nobody expected us to go this far. We want to end our fairytale run by hoisting the trophy on Saturday."
Josue is also a contender for the Golden Boot in the competition. He is currently the leading scorer with five goals.
"I am not focused on scoring. My job is to help my teammates score goals. I am a backup striker, and I am just fortunate enough to score some goals in the competition."