Moving up the ranks: Feroz Baharudin, a key player in JDT II, has been given the trust to feature for the first team this season. — Johor Southern Tigers
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) young blood are ready to step up to the plate as the Super League and FA Cup champions kick off their Malaysia Cup campaign today.
And one eager beaver who’s out to make his mark is 22-year-old defender Feroz Baharudin.
A key player for JDT II in their Premier League success, he has also featured in the Super League during the last stretch.
Feroz gave a promising show in the top flight in the absence of Australian defender Shane Lowry, who is recovering from a serious shoulder injury.
He is fancied to start the first leg last-16 match away to Petaling Jaya City tonight.
Feroz, a product of the JDT Academy, is grateful for the big opportunity given to him by coach Hector Bidoglio and hopes to make a big impression in the Malaysia Cup.
“I’m just thankful that in the three Super League games I’ve played, I did OK. Now I want to show my abilities in the Malaysia Cup and hope that I’ll be a regular starter,’’ said Feroz.
Bidoglio said Feroz and another youngster, K. Daryl Sham, are among the quality players who must be looked after well as they have a bright future.
But the strict taskmaster won’t allow them to stay in their comfort zone and will make them work hard for their spots in the team.
“Feroz and Daryl are both important players and they’ve played well so far,” said the Venezuelan.
“But if they want to continue playing for the first team, they must keep putting in the effort as there are many things they still need to work on.’’
Meanwhile, PJ City have pledged to donate the proceeds from the match to the family of the late P. Rajes, who was killed in a motorbike accident last Monday.
