Captains collide

The Star

2 days ago

Men in charge: JDT captain Natxo Insa and Selangor skipper Nooa Laine .
PETALING JAYA: The 2025-2026 Malaysian Super League season kicks off with a blockbuster Charity Shield clash between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor, and all eyes will be on the battle between captains Natxo Insa and Nooa Laine in the heart of midfield.
It is a meeting of generations and styles at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium today.
In one corner stands Insa , 39, the seasoned Spanish general who has helped define JDT's dominance over the past decade.
In the other, Laine , 22, the Finnish-born rising Malaysian star is tasked with leading a revamped Selangor side into a new era.
Despite facing a team with a near-impenetrable home record, Laine is not letting history weigh him down.
'Honestly, I don't think we should dwell on their (JDT) record in the league and the Charity Shield. It's just another game,' said Laine at the pre-match press conference at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium yesterday.
'We'll do our best and see what happens.'
Laine acknowledged the challenge of integrating new players into the squad but said the team are quietly confident heading into the clash.
'It always takes time to get new players going but if the coach wants me to lead, I'll do it. It's an honour and a privilege.'
Selangor have yet to beat JDT at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium but Laine is choosing to focus on their strengths.
'We know how strong they are at home but we believe in ourselves. We're ready to fight.'
On the other side, Insa made it clear that JDT are approaching the fixture with the same mindset that has made them serial winners.
'We are a club with a strong reputation. We've won so many titles and we want to protect that,' said the JDT captain.
'We will go after Selangor to maintain our status.'
Insa, who has been a key part of JDT's engine room since 2017, said the squad's mentality remains high even without Spanish playmaker Juan Muniz, who departed in the off-season.
'Juan gave everything for the club and he was important. But we have other players ready to perform.
'Whoever starts will give their best - that's the standard at JDT.'
He praised the team's pre-season, which included matches against high-quality opponents, and said the squad are ready to hit the ground running.
'We respect the fixture. It's important to start the season with good feelings. We've prepared well and will give everything in front of our fans.'
With both teams aiming to assert dominance early in the campaign, the midfield battle could determine the flow and ultimately the outcome of the game.
JDT will be aiming to extend their legacy while Selangor are desperate to shake off the underdogs tag and prove they belong at the top.