JDT legends Safiq Rahim, Farizal Marlias among 11 players released ahead of new season
The club announced the duo's departure via a tribute on its official Facebook page, recognising their years of commitment, leadership, and achievements that helped shape JDT into a dominant force in Malaysian and regional football.
Safiq, 37, joined JDT in 2013 and has been instrumental in the team's success, including captaining the side to the historic 2015 AFC Cup victory, the first time an East Asian club clinched the prestigious continental title.
Over the course of 270 appearances, the attacking midfielder netted 59 goals and provided 68 assists, helping the club secure an impressive list of honours - nine Malaysia Super League titles, seven Charity Shields, four Malaysia Cups, four FA Cups, and one AFC Cup.
Farizal, 38, who donned the JDT jersey in 2015, on the other hand, established himself as one of the country's finest goalkeepers, keeping 102 clean sheets in 222 appearances.safiq
His tenure saw him win 10 league titles, nine Charity Shields, five Malaysia Cups, four FA Cups and the historic AFC Cup in 2015.
The Johor-born duo are widely regarded as legends, not only for their on-field success but also for their leadership and influence within the club.
Yesterday, JDT confirmed the release of 11 players ahead of the 2025–2026 M-League season through a post on social media.
Among those released were goalkeepers Farizal Marlias and Izham Tarmizi, as well as midfield legend Safiq Rahim.
The Southern Tigers also parted ways with seven foreign players, Jordi Amat, Jese Rodriguez, Murilo Henrique, Jonathan Viera, Alvaro Gonzalez, Roque Mesa, and Anselmo de Moraes, as the club looks to refresh its squad for the upcoming campaign.
The eleventh departure is Ramadhan Saifullah, who has completed a permanent transfer to Kuching City FC, officially bringing his journey with the Southern Tigers to a close. — Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
24 minutes ago
- Malay Mail
For Malaysia: Azizulhasni, Cheah Liek Hou and Mickey's fight for sporting glory
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 22 — More than just a lyric, the verse 'Pahit getir hidup dan pengorbanan, terpaksa dihadapi demi kejayaan' from Ella's Standing in the Eyes of the World reflects the blood, sweat and sacrifices of athletes striving to uplift the Jalur Gemilang on the world stage. Every time the song plays, one can almost hear the roar of thousands in the stadium, the Jalur Gemilang waving proudly, and athletes on the podium singing the national anthem through tears. For them, the fight is more than medals; it is a vow of loyalty to self, family and nation — a promise that every step and heartbeat will raise Malaysia's name higher. It is this very spirit that has defined Datuk Mohd Azizulhasni Awang, Cheah Liek Hou and Muhammad Faisal Abdul Halim as icons of Malaysian sports, proving to the next generation that there are countless ways to lift the Jalur Gemilang with pride before the world. Azizulhasni's journey speaks volumes: collapsing on the track, enduring heart surgery, living apart from his family and missing out on Olympic gold by the slimmest margin. Yet none of these struggles ever broke his resolve. Mohd Azizulhasni, 37, is prepared to step down from the national squad to make way for the younger generation, while choosing the tougher path of competing as a professional racer - all for his love of the country. 'I am very patriotic. Whatever I do in sports, my number one priority is always the country — it's never about the individual, but about Malaysia. Every time I compete, it is for Malaysia. 'For me, the moment of hearing the Negaraku is very special. That is why when I watch other athletes, for example, karate athletes on stage, even if I see them only on TV at home, I cry. Because I know that standing on the podium, winning for the nation, is never easy. It takes enormous sacrifice, hardship and perseverance,' he said. For Azizul, seeing Malaysians of all races standing united in support with an unwavering spirit motivates him to 'send a message' to the younger generation that victory never comes overnight. 'When I meet young people or junior athletes, I will honestly tell them that if they want to go far in sport, they must be prepared — mentally and physically. You have to make sacrifices, endure injuries, live with expectations and face all sorts of challenges,' he said. 'At the SEA Games level, it may seem easier. But once you step onto the world stage, especially the Olympics, the scale is enormous. Many athletes, under the spotlight and immense pressure, struggle to perform — we call it 'choking'. 'It's not easy, but experience is the best teacher. Mental preparation is crucial, as is working with sports psychologists and learning for yourself how to face those challenges,' he said. National shuttler Cheah Liek Hou smiles as he shows off the gold medal he won in the men's SU5 singles (physical impairment) event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris September 5, 2024. — Bernama file pic For Paralympic badminton star Cheah Liek Hou, every insult is not poison that weakens him, but a vitamin that fuels his spirit to keep chasing success. Ridicule, to him, is simply 'fuel' — a reminder that nothing can break the determination of a champion. The two-time Paralympic gold medallist said his achievements speak for themselves, silencing doubts about his abilities. Yet, he insists his journey is far from over as he continues to pursue greater success. 'We can't win every tournament, but I can prove myself to those who insult or criticise on social media. I've already shown strong performances — two gold medals at the Paralympic Games,' he said. However, the 37-year-old admits that cynical remarks can still cut deep, especially when they come from those closest to him. 'Someone close to me once said, 'Liek Hou is old, he can't do it anymore, his body is all worn out.' I told myself, 'It's okay, I'll show them,'' said the shuttler, who is now determined to defend his gold in another Olympic cycle at Los Angeles 2028. For him, the key to staying at the top is not only discipline in training but also a relentless hunger to succeed, a quality he believes is fading among many younger athletes. 'Criticism is normal. As athletes, we must be mentally strong and not be shaken by every small remark. People don't know our journey; they don't know our preparation. Only we and our coaches truly understand,' he said. National team player Muhammad Faisal bin Abdul Halim (right) celebrates his goal in the first half of the first semi-final match of the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 between Malaysia and Thailand at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur January 7, 2023. — Bernama file pic For Mohamad Faisal, even after suffering an acid attack, his love for Malaysia continues to burn brighter. To him, the scars on his body are symbols of sacrifice, while his unyielding spirit is living proof of a patriotism that has never faded. The acid attack may have left permanent scars on his body, but Mohamad Faisal's passion to don the Harimau Malaya jersey burns just as strong, with that dark moment instead becoming the spark for his comeback. The 26-year-old winger admitted that his family, teammates and fellow Malaysians were the pillars of strength who helped him through the ordeal that nearly ended his career. 'Yes, as a Malaysian, I must continue my fight, I must continue my career. My friends are my spirit, my family is my spirit, and Malaysians are my spirit — they give me the strength to rise again as a footballer,' he said. Fondly known as 'Mickey' among family and friends, Mohamad Faisal believes this year marks a turning point after his long recovery. 'I think this is the year for me to return to the football arena,' he said. That moment of fulfilment finally came last March when he helped Malaysia secure a 2-0 victory over Nepal in the opening match of Group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. The sacrifices of Mohd Azizulhasni, Cheah Liek Hou and Mohamad Faisal are only a few among thousands of untold stories — all bound by one common spirit: For Malaysia! — Bernama
Barnama
10 hours ago
- Barnama
ASEAN Club C'ship: Munoz Praises His Men After 3-1 Win Over Lion City Sailors
ISKANDAR PUTERI, Aug 21 (Bernama) – Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz praised his players for delivering an impressive performance after defeating Lion City Sailors (LCS) 3-1 in their opening Group B match of the ASEAN Club Championship at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium here tonight. He said the Southern Tigers managed to control the match, especially in the first half, noting that the players capitalised on their chances to secure all three points in front of their home supporters. 'The players gave an amazing performance in the first 45 minutes to control the game. We scored a goal and created important chances. bootstrap slideshow 'All I can say today is congratulations to the players for delivering a very good performance with what they had,' he said during a post-match press conference. He added that the victory was the result of teamwork and commitment on the pitch, while reminding the players to maintain the same standard in the coming matches. JDT's victory was secured through two goals, including a penalty, from Joao Vitor Brandao Figueredo and one from Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi. The opening victory puts the 11-time consecutive Super League champions at the top of Group B with three points, level with Cambodia's Svay Rieng who edged Myanmar's Shan United 1-0 in another fixture. JDT will face Bangkok United in their second group match at the same venue on Sept 25. Meanwhile, LCS head coach Aleksandar Rankovic urged his players to bounce back in their next match.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- New Straits Times
JDT come out tops in battle of Causeway champions
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) wasted little time announcing themselves on the Asean Club Championship (ACC) stage, storming to a 3-1 win over Lion City Sailors (LCS) in their Group B opener at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today. The much-anticipated "Causeway Champions Clash" pitted Malaysia's Super League winners against Singapore's S-League title holders, and it was the home side who seized the early advantage. The game's first flashpoint came in the eighth minute when former Selangor stalwart Safuwan Baharudin was booked for a rash foul inside the area. After a VAR review, the referee awarded JDT a penalty, which Joao Figueiredo calmly tucked away with a precise right-footed strike into the bottom corner. The Brazilian forward doubled the Southern Tigers' lead just five minutes later, showing his predatory instincts with another composed finish from the centre of the box in the 16th minute. When fans at Iskandar Puteri were making their exit, Arif Aiman Hanapi roared the stadium back to life with a third goal in stoppage time (90+2). But the Singapore club managed to pull one back to reduce the deficit just before the final whistle (90+4) through a fantastic shot outside the box by Shawal Anuar. Next, JDT will host Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United at the same venue on Sept 25.
