KUALA LUMPUR – In the annals of Malaysian football history, one team stand head and shoulders above the rest, casting a long shadow of dominance over the Malaysian Super League.
Johor Darul Ta’zim, a football powerhouse, have accomplished what many thought to be impossible – 10 consecutive years of league triumphs.
This extraordinary feat has not only rewritten records but has also ignited a conversation that reverberates through the corridors of local football.
In an exclusive interview with Scoop, former Penang FC goalkeeper Datuk Richard Scully articulated the transformation brought about by JDT’s consistent success.
He said that JDT’s high standards and unwavering competitiveness have propelled the league to new heights, of which other local clubs must take a page from the Southern Tigers’ playbook to survive and thrive in this new era.
“I personally believe that JDT have raised the bar. For other clubs to survive, they have to follow in their footsteps if they don’t want to be overshadowed by their presence.
“JDT’s structural set-up is top-notch. They always have a professional approach with their squad depth and the quality of their players as well as the right sports science elements, which fueled their success.
“They never settle for mediocrity. Their players understand the club’s goals, know what it takes to play for such a reputable club and embrace a winning mindset for every game.
“For other Malaysian clubs to compete with them in the league, they should learn how to improve injury and performance management, and foster the right attitude among players,” he said.
Richard, who is also vice-president of the National Coaches Association, urged other clubs to strategise wisely, recognising that blaming JDT for their progress is counterproductive.
He pointed out that JDT’s attractiveness to players, with timely salaries, bonuses, exposure to international tournaments like the Asian Champions League and world-class training facilities, puts them in a league of their own.
He warned that if the mindset of other clubs does not evolve, JDT might even contemplate deploying their second- or third-tier team in the Super League due to a lack of competitiveness.
“Can you name a footballer who doesn’t want to play for a club like JDT?
“They provide everything a footballer needs,” he added.
Speaking of competitiveness, Malaysian football legend Datuk Dell Akbar Khan also expressed his concern over the uneven playing field within the Super League.
He lamented the absence of a team capable of challenging JDT’s decade-long dominance and stressed the importance of healthy competition in football.
“I don’t see this as healthy for the league because healthy competition requires all clubs to be almost on par.
“JDT have done everything right to build a successful team. Other clubs should look into upgrading their resources to remain competitive,” he said.
Dell also touched upon the impact of new regulations set by the Malaysian Football League, particularly in relation to naturalised and heritage players.
“While these rules seem to favour JDT, they are not infringing any financial regulations. It’s not their fault,” said the former Kuala Lumpur police chief.
JDT became the first club to win 10 consecutive league titles after a resounding 4-0 victory over PDRM FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Tuesday.
Their dominance extended to the FA Cup, which they retained in July by defeating Kuala Lumpur City 2-0 in the final. – September 30, 2023