Nazmi: We’re hungry for the Malaysia Cup
JOHOR BARU: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have been a dominant force in the M-League, winning the Super League four times (2014-2017) and the FA Cup in 2016.
They even lifted the AFC Cup in 2015.
The prestigious Malaysia Cup, however, has remained elusive.
But all that’s about to change on Saturday, says JDT midfielder Nazmi Faiz Mansor.
He believes that they have what it takes to finally lift the Malaysia Cup when they take on defending champions Kedah at the Shah Alam Stadium.
“We have the strongest squad in the country and we should just focus on getting the job done in the final.
“There is nothing for us to be afraid of. We need to just stay focused and keep our composure on the field,” said the 23-year-old Nazmi, who lifted the trophy with Selangor in 2015.
JDT last qualified for the Malaysia Cup final in 2014, when they were beaten 5-3 by Pahang in a penalty shootout after both teams were tied at 2-2 after extra time.
“It’s different when I won it with Selangor.
“The Red Giants are a team with history in the competition, so it just felt natural to be in the final. JDT, however, have yet to win the Malaysia Cup. So, we are hungrier to end the wait.”
JDT defender S. Kunalan, who won the Malaysia Cup with former team Negri Sembilan twice in 2009 and 2011, is also looking forward to Saturday’s final.
The 31-year-old Kunalan admitted that the records favour Kedah, who won the FA Cup in May and beat JDT on penalties in the curtain raiser Charity Shield earlier this year.
“We have won many trophies for the club but the Malaysia Cup is still missing from our cabinet,” said Kunalan, adding that the experience of playing against Kedah would come in handy for JDT in the finals.
“I’m confident that this time we will be walking to the winners’ podium to lift the Malaysia Cup because we are the hungrier side.”
We have the strongest squad in the country and we should just focus on getting the job done in the final. There is nothing for us to be afraid of.
Nazmi Faiz Mansor