KUALA LUMPUR: It sounds ironic. The M-League trophies may be too hard for KL City to win; so they are looking elsewhere - outside Malaysia.
And the City Boys believe that they stand a chance of winning the Asean Clubs Championship (ACC).
This will begin with KL City looking to win their ACC Group B opener against Filipino side Kaya Iloilo at the KLFA Stadium tonight.
Though cash-strapped KL City are winless in their last two Super League matches, they hope the newly introduced ACC is their chance of winning silverware this season.
Remarkably, KL City have done well outside Malaysia before. They reached the final of the continental-level AFC Cup in 2022 before losing 3-1 to Omani side Al Seeb.
KL City skipper Paulo Josue said they aim to win the ACC.
"For me and the players, we know that the (Super) League competition is tough, and with the FA Cup out of reach, we must compete in this (ACC) tournament," he said.
"This tournament is our chance to showcase our strength, especially when we play at KLFA Stadium. We hope to secure a win.
"This match is an opportunity for us to regain our rhythm after a few losses. I hope all the fans will turn up."
KL City head coach, Miroslav Kuljanac, said the team's Filipino striker Patrick Reichelt is familiar with Kaya, and has shared some info about the Filipino side.
"They (Kaya) are a tactically disciplined side, they have also played in the AFC Champions League last season.
"Reichelt knows their players. He had played with them in the Philippines national team. He has given some important information and we'll see how we can use the information."