The swagger’s back

JDT extend lead to six points after mauling Negri

PETALING JAYA: Super League defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) showed they are back to playing with a strut and swagger as they extended their lead at the top to six points.

The Southern Tigers mauled a hapless Negri Sembilan 4-0 at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium with goals from Gonzalo Cabrera (6th minute, penalty), Lavere Corbin-Ong (38th), Safawi Rasid (63rd, penalty and 77th) on Saturday.

They now top the 12-team table with 24 points and their title rivals Pahang are six points behind after nine matches.

The four-time Super League champions will be further boosted with the addition of two strikers – Harry Novillo of Martinique and Brazilian Jorge Silva – when the M-League’s second transfer window opens today until June 3.

JDT coach Raul Longhi said his attackers had a good game, including Hazwan Bakri who did not score.

And the three points were a boost to the squad’s morale especially after they were knocked out of the FA Cup quarter-final by Pahang on April 20.

“I’m very happy with the performances of Safawi, Hazwan as well as Cabrera. It was a sweet moment for our attackers. I’m confident that the incoming new players will further strengthen our team,” said Longhi during the post-match press conference.

“The players gave their best and often went for the attack. Three points and four goals, that is a very good result. It’s also good for the confidence and motivation of the players.”

Skipper Harris Harun of Singapore said he was looking forward to playing alongside Silva and Novillo.

“We have many players who can shoulder the responsibility as the captain in JDT, for me it’s an honour to lead the team. We have great young players here and I feel it brings a good balance,” said the midfielder, who is eager to welcome the new players.

“When the JDT management brings in new players, it means they are very good for us.”