Final hurrah: Mora lifting the Charity Shield trophy with skipper Farizal Marlias after JDT beat Kuala Lumpur.
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) preparations for the knockout stage of the AFC Champions League next month have hit a hitch after the departure of their long-serving coach Benjamin Mora.
The 43-year-old Mexican, who joined the club in 2015, has requested to be released due to family commitments.
Mora’s position in the team was under scrutiny when he was missing from the bench in JDT’s last two matches against Penang in the Super League and Melaka in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
In his absence, assistant coach Mohd Hamzani Omar handled the team.
JDT have less than three weeks to prepare for their last 16 challenge against Japan’s Urawa Red Diamond in the AFC Champions League clash in Saitama on Aug 16.
It is believed JDT owner, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, and the team management have acted fast in securing Mora’s replacement.
Speculations are rife that they will appoint an Argentine and his identity will be announced this week.
With the Super League at the halfway stage, the eight-time champions currently lead the standings. They have also qualified for the FA Cup semi-finals.
JDT in a statement paid tribute to Mora.
“JDT Football Club would like to thank Mora for his services. Mora has asked to be allowed to return to Mexico to attend to personal matters. JDT respect his request and our door will always be open for him to return in the future.
“Benjamin has been the most successful JDT coach with four Malaysia Super League titles, four Charity Cups, one Malaysia Cup and leading JDT to the AFC Champions League knockout rounds this year.
“Benjamin has taken charge of 148 games over two stints as JDT coach since 2017, winning 102 games.
“Thank you, Benjamin. You’ll forever be part of the JDT family. See you again.”
