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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Who will win the Charity Shield? Fans split as JDT and Selangor clash tonight
KUALA LUMPUR: Fans are split over who will lift the 2025 Charity Shield as Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor square off in the curtain-raiser to the Super League season tonight. A New Straits Times poll revealed close calls across the board. On Telegram, 55 per cent voted for JDT to win, while 45 per cent backed Selangor. The WhatsApp poll had a similar pattern, with 242 users picking the Southern Tigers, while 222 supported the Red Giants. However, the sentiment flipped on X (formerly Twitter), where 67 per cent predicted a Selangor victory, and just 33 per cent believed JDT would prevail. The match kicks off at 9pm tonight at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri. It serves as a high-stakes opener between two of the biggest names in Malaysian football. JDT are aiming for their 10th Charity Shield title since 2015, having won in 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. Their only loss in that span came in 2017, when Kedah defeated them. JDT also previously won the shield once in 1986, before the league was privatised. Selangor have not lifted the Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup since 2011 with their last win in 2010, and are still searching for their first title in the privatised era. The Red Giants boast eight pre-2014 titles (2010, 2009, 2002, 1997, 1996, 1990, 1987, 1985), making them one of the most successful teams in the competition's early history. With both clubs making significant moves in the off-season and looking to start strong, tonight's clash is more than just an opener, but a statement of intent.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
JDT coach seeks statement win
Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) head coach Xisco Munoz has warned that his team are determined to put on a commanding performance against Selangor in the Charity Shield tomorrow, as they chase a staggering 10th title since 2015. Having won the Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup nine times in the last decade, the Southern Tigers remain the dominant force in Malaysian football. However, Munoz stressed that history counts for little and that this year's clash at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is a chance to prove JDT's readiness to defend their Super League crown. "We want to show our fans that we are prepared. We've worked hard in pre-season, and this is our first chance to show the level we are at," said Munoz. "I know Selangor are hungry and motivated, but we are playing in our stadium, with our people, and we want to start with a statement performance." JDT's consistency since the league's privatisation in 2014 has been unrivalled. They have lifted the Charity Shield in every year they contested it except 2017, including triumphs in 2024, 2023, 2022, and 2021. The last time they lost the curtain-raiser was in 2017 to Kedah (4-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time). Before their privatisation era, they had only won the trophy once, in 1986. Meanwhile, Selangor have not featured in the showpiece since 2016, where they lost 6-7 on penalties after a 1-1 draw with JDT. Their last official Charity Shield win dates back to 2010, the tail end of their glory years that saw them lift the title eight times. For Munoz, the motivation is not just to keep the winning tradition alive, but to sharpen the squad's cohesion ahead of a gruelling season. "The important thing is not just the title, it's also about building momentum. "We are focused on being competitive in every competition. But tomorrow, it's about intensity, pride, and winning the first trophy of the season." Despite missing several key players for this clash, JDT captain Natxo Insa insists the team are prepared for the challenge ahead and ready to defend the club's reputation. "We've had a terrific pre-season and we're ready to give everything tomorrow," said Insa. "We know how important it is to start the season with good feelings. We've had a few problems and injuries, but that's part of the challenge, and JDT are always ready to face big games." Insa, 39, has been with JDT since 2017. The Spanish-Malaysian midfielder, who will captain the side, has made 133 appearances, scored six goals and provided seven assists for the club. And he is not slowing down. "Of course, I am ready. I am still hungry. I may have my age, but I'm still motivated to give 100 per cent." With a mix of new and experienced players, Insa stressed that JDT are focused solely on themselves, not their opponents. "This is about our mentality. We are JDT, we are playing at home, and we want to give everything. "This club is made for achieving things. We must win every game. Everyone understands who we are and what we need to show every time we play." Meanwhile, Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi, who took charge of the Red Giants last November, is set to lead the team in his first competitive match. But he is keeping the pressure off himself despite the magnitude of the occasion. "I don't put too much focus on the fact that this is my first match against JDT. We're honoured to face them in this beautiful stadium. We want to enjoy the match, and by enjoy, I mean to work hard and show our strong mentality."
