DARE TO DREAM

JDT determined to play in AFC Champions League

JOHOR Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are taking no chances in their bid to become the first M-League club to qualify for the AFC Champions League. JDT are now investing on quality foreign signings in hope of retaining their Super League title and qualify for Asia’s most prestigious club competition.

The abrupt departure of Argentine Pereyra Diaz and the inability of Luciano Figueroa to cope with the demands of professional football after coming out of a two-year retirement left JDT hampered in the opening half of the season.

As soon as the mid-season transfer window opened last month, JDT signed former Lyon forward Harry Novillo and Brazilian striker Jorge Silva from AlBatin FC of Saudi Arabia.

However, the club decided on signing new foreigners as Novillo and Silva both failed to shine in recent matches against Selangor, Negri Sembilan and PKNS.

“We had picked two foreign players who were no better than the locals.

“I will do things that clubs in this country have never done before. Even after signing players for a lot of money, if I see that those footballers aren’t performing after a few games, I will look for their replacements.

“JDT are an ambitious club and we do not retain underperformers,” said club owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.

JDT recently signed Argentina forwards Fernando Marquez and Fernando Elizari as replacements for Novillo and Silva.

On Saturday, Marquez was quick off the mark for JDT by scoring the opening goal in a 2-0 win over Perak in a league match at Larkin Stadium.

“Despite being only his first match, Marquez made an impression with a goal. He, however, still needs to work hard in training to adapt with our brand of football,” said coach Raul Longhi.

Elizari is expected to make his debut when they entertain Pahang on Wednesday.

JDT lead the standings after 13 matches with 34 points, eight more than secondplace Pahang while Perak are third on 23.

RESULT — Super League: Negri Sembilan