AVOID LOSING TO BE CHAMPIONS
JDT on the cusp of Super League glory as they face the Rhinos
JOHOR Darul Ta’zim (JDT) head into their penultimate Super League match of the season on Friday in the knowledge that one point will be enough to claim a seventh consecutive title.
The unbeaten Southern Tigers have amassed 23 points from the nine matches played so far, six ahead of Perak.
JDT will walk away as champions on Friday should they not lose to Sabah at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
With a massive goal difference of 17, it will be harder for JDT to lose the crown than retaining it.
Sabah’s form has been erratic this season, but the Rhinos may have found renewed confidence following the 3-2 win over Melaka in Likas on Sunday.
Although Sabah are above the relegation zone, they are still not guaranteed a seat in top-flight football next season.
The Rhinos, who are ninth on nine points, will be determined to turn the tables on JDT.
JDT coach Benjamin Mora is not taking anything for granted against Sabah.
“We will not underestimate Sabah. We have had difficult encounters against the Rhinos in the past, but we know that they are not having a great season this year.
“The mission is not to earn only a point. We want to win this match and take the crown in style.
“As a coach, I will remind my players to push hard and not to take our opponents lightly,” said Mora.
Mora’s side would have won the title had they beaten PJ City FC last weekend.
K. Devan’s side turned on a brilliant display to earn a 2-2 draw against JDT.
JDT’s newest star Ramadhan Saifullah Usman is also determined to lead his side to glory. The 20-year-old has scored four goals in five appearances for JDT.
“As a player, I still need to work hard and learn from my seniors. I want to help my team score as many goals.
“It is a dream-come-true season for me. I started from the bottom at JDT, so I am determined to make an impression,” said Ramadhan.
Sabah coach Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto hopes his team can continue their momentum against JDT.
“I am thankful that my players fought hard against Melaka and won the match.
“I think my half-time pep talk did the trick as they were motivated after the breather.
“However, we still need good results in our remaining two matches to maintain our Super League spot,” he said.
Sabah netted through Dennis Buschening (25th and 64th) and Rodoljub Paunovic (72nd) while Uche Agba (15th) and Sony Norde (45th) replied for Melaka.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Football League (MFL) chief executive officer Datuk Ghani Ab Hassan disclosed that matches could be rescheduled due to the surge in C ovid-19 case s in East Malaysia.
“East Malaysia teams will be subjected to a swab test when they arrive in Kuala Lumpur. They will need to wait for three days for the results.
“During the wait, these teams will not be allowed to train so we may have to reschedule matches,” said Ghani.