Latest news with #JohorDarulTa'zim's
The Star
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Poser over player selection
Malaysia's Junior Eldstal (Putera Nadher Amarhan) celebrates with goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi after winning 4-2 against India at the Merdeka Tournament at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, October 13, 2023. — GLENN GUAN/The Star KELANA JAYA: Has national football coach Peter Cklamovski chosen the best players for Malaysia's game against Vietnam? There were room for questions when several names were missing from Cklamovski's latest 38-man list for the the crucial third-round Group F 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers against regional rivals on June 10 at National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. Eyebrows were raised when names like Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) Junior Eldstal and Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan were included although these players had limited game time in the domestic season. Centreback Eldstal, 33, did not feature in the Super League this season and has only played once each in the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup. His teammate, midfielder Nathaniel, 24, has similarly struggled for minutes after returning from injury – registering just 13 appearances in all competitions during the 2024-25 season. The in-form Pahang duo - centreback Adam Nor Azlin and defensive midfielder Ibrahim Manusi did not make the cut. Of the 38 players called up, 25 had been retained from the squad that faced Nepal on March 25. Cklamovski, however, stood firm on his decisions, offering a spirited defence during the squad announcement at the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) headquarters yesterday. 'Junior has been training hard every day. I observe JDT and other clubs closely and what matters to me is the intensity and hunger I see in those sessions. He's got that,' said the Australian. 'Hong Wan has been back in training for a few weeks and looks sharp. This is a chance for him to show what he can do and re-establish himself in the national setup.' Cklamovski, who previously faced similar questions when picking JDT winger Mohamadou Sumareh for his first camp, assured that all decisions were made with a long-term plan in mind and encouraged those dropped to keep pushing. 'Just look at Fergus (Tierney). He wasn't selected for the game against Nepal, but now he's back in. My message to all players is – stay positive, keep improving. Your chance will come,' he said. 'I'm aware of Adam and Ibrahim's performances and they will remain under my radar for future selections. The centralised training camp that will start on Sunday will be conducted in three phases. The first batch of 28 players will report for duty first and a second group of eight — including regulars like JDT centreback Matthew Davies, striker Romel Morales and winger Arif Aiman Hanapi will join on May 25, while Buriram United defender Dion Cools and Portimonense midfielder Hector Hevel will join on June 1. The squad will train in Johor Baru from May 18 to 26 before shifting base to Kuala Lumpur to complete preparations. 'This is a unique situation. We're one of the few national teams dealing with a longer off-season, with our league ending earlier than most but we will make the best out of it,' Cklamovski noted.
The Star
01-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Adam targets Harimau Malaya spot after showing stripes in Malaysia Cup final
Pillar at the back: Pahang's Adam Nor Azlin blocking a shot by Johor Darul Ta'zim's Arif Aiman Hanapi during the Malaysia Cup final on Saturday. PETALING JAYA: Pahang centreback Adam Nor Azlin's commanding performance during the recent Malaysia Cup final may lead to his return to the national team. Despite Pahang's narrow 1-2 loss to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), the 29-year-old stood tall at the back, registering an impressive six tackles and numerous timely interventions to keep the Southern Tigers at bay for large stretches of the match. In fact, the former Harimau Muda star has been a rock throughout the season, making 28 appearances across all competitions and even chipping in with three goals in the Super League, a testament to his versatility and hunger. Adam last featured for Malaysia in 2019, helping the team to a 1-0 friendly win over Tajikistan. Though he was called up in 2021, he didn't see any playing time. Adam knows the competition under new national coach Peter Cklamovski is fierce, with the likes of Dominic Tan, Harith Haiqal, and Shahrul Saad in top form. But he's not letting that dampen his drive. 'My goal this season was simple, which was to get as many minutes as possible and perform,' said Adam. 'When it comes to the national team, it is up to the coaches to decide who fits their plans. 'Of course, I want to be part of Harimau Malaya again. But for now, I will just keep doing my job.' While the Cup slipped from Pahang's grasp, Adam said the team left the pitch with pride. 'Even though we lost, it felt like a win because of how we played. We fought until the very end, and we are satisfied knowing we gave it everything.'
New Straits Times
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
Fireworks and drones celebrate JDT's historic triumph
ISKANDAR PUTERI: A dazzling fireworks and drone display marked Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) achievement of winning their 11th consecutive Super League title during the "JDT Chapter 2: The 11" celebration at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, here last night. Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, graced the grand celebration alongside the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, and Che' Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor. The Super League trophy was presented by Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan, accompanied by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi. Over 30,000 supporters filled the stadium, enjoying performances from international artistes including Busta Rhymes, Fabolous, Big Ben, Onefour, and the Jabbawockeez. Southern Tigers fans also participated in the 'FanFest' Carnival with local performances, food trucks, and merchandise booths set up outside the stadium. On Saturday, JDT completed their triple treble achievement, clinching the 2024/2025 Malaysia Cup after a 2-1 victory against Sri Pahang FC in Bukit Jalil. The triple treble signifies winning the Super League, FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup thrice in a single season. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Arif keeps raising the bar for himself
KUALA LUMPUR: For many footballers, scoring in a Malaysia Cup final and being named Man of the Match would be the perfect way to cap a long season, but for Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) Arif Aiman Hanapi, there is no time to rest on his laurels. On Saturday, the 23-year-old winger delivered once again for the Southern Tigers, helping them come from behind to beat Sri Pahang 2-1 and secure a historic triple quadruple at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. After his decisive role, Arif believes he still has much more to give. "This match was tough, Sri Pahang gave us a hard time. Even though we were one goal down, we stayed serious, we kept playing hard because we believed the goals would come. "It was not just me, we are one team, and we all worked hard to get that second goal because we wanted to win tonight," said the Kuantan-born player. Though Arif has won everything that is to be won in Malaysian football, he feels that he needs to keep improving. "Honestly, I do not feel satisfied with myself. As a footballer, my career is short. We do not know how long we will play, so at this age, I need to work hard. "I need to forget about my personal life and focus on my career, to build it, for however long I can. "I have to keep going, I have to keep becoming better. That is it. Sometimes people ask me the same question, and I will keep trying until I succeed. If I fail 10 times, I will try 10 times." Arif, who scored JDT's second goal in the final after Bergson da Silva had equalised from the penalty spot (54th minute), shared that he had kept his teammates motivated at half-time, even when they were trailing. "I told them during the break that we had chances to score. We needed to believe. "Tonight was tough for us. It has been a long season, full of ups and downs, but we gave our best in every match," he said. As Harimau Malaya prepare for their next competition in June, Arif hinted that there will be little rest. "I will prepare as best as I can for the next game in June (Malaysia vs Vietnam Asian Cup qualifier on June 10). Asked about his future with JDT, Arif said he remains committed to the club, but left the door open to whatever lies ahead. "I do not know what will happen, but whatever it is, I know JDT will keep growing because JDT is a big club. I will always be ready to help." Arif made history when he became the first player to be crowned Most Valuable Player (MVP) for four consecutive years at the recent National Football Awards. He scored 18 goals and made 15 assists this season in 41 games.
The Sun
27-04-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Arif Aiman never doubted JDT'S goals would come
KUALA LUMPUR: High fighting spirit proved to be the key to Johor Darul Ta'zim's (JDT) success in winning the 2024/2025 Malaysia Cup after coming from behind to defeat Sri Pahang FC 2-1 in the final at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here last night. The Southern Tigers' sensation Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi admitted that the Elephants gave a strong fight but JDT did not easily succumb to the pressure. He said conceding an early goal did not dampen the team's spirit, which was firmly focused on winning the prestigious title for a third consecutive time. 'Sri Pahang gave a tough fight but we kept playing with full effort even when trailing 1-0. We believed the goals would come, and not just myself, the entire team worked hard to equalise, and the second goal came because we really wanted to win this match,' he said at the post-final press conference. The high-intensity final saw both teams reduced to 10 men after referee Razlan Joffri Ali showed red cards to Sri Pahang striker Sergio Aguero and JDT defender Park Jun Heong. Sri Pahang, coached by Singaporean football legend Fandi Ahmad, had earlier stunned JDT when winger T. Saravanan scored the opening goal in the 14th minute. Drawing on their experience, JDT fought back to equalise through a penalty converted by prolific striker Bergson Da Silva in the 54th minute, before Arif Aiman struck the winning goal in the 74th minute. The victory completed a historic triple treble for JDT, making them the only team to achieve such a feat since Kedah's double treble in the 2007 and 2008 seasons. The triple treble refers to winning the three major Malaysian football competitions — the Super League, FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup — in a single season. Meanwhile, Arif Aiman expressed his determination to further elevate his career to the highest level. 'At my age now, I just have to work hard. I need to forget about any other lifestyle. I must focus on building my career and continuing to improve. That is all,' said the 22-year-old player. Arif Aiman made history when he became the first player to be named Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the National Football Awards for four consecutive years, last Wednesday.
