PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have lived up to their reputation by dominating the Super League season so far with five straight wins, even exceeding expectations with the depth in their strikeforce.
For many years, the club have relied on Argentinian striker Fernando Forestieri and Brazilian striker Bergson Da Silva for goals.
Last year, another Brazilian Heberty Fernandes joined the club and added depth to the striker’s department with goals, scoring 10 in 12 domestic matches.
This year, Romel Morales has entered the fray as the Southern Tigers can now rely on four strikers that guarantee goals.
Naturalised Colombian Morales has scored six goals in five domestic matches this season, proving that his signing is not just to fill up the numbers but to make an impact for the Southern Tigers.
On Saturday, the 26-year-old helped JDT beat Sabah 3-1 in a Super League match at the Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu.
Morales scored in the 20th and 43rd minutes, while the third came via Da Silva in the 92nd minute. Sabah’s solitary goal was scored by Brazilian centreback Gabriel Peres in the 49th minute.
JDT coach Hector Bidoglio is loving the competition within the squad and is able to rotate players without having to worry that the quality will drop.
“We have an excellent squad. Our dressing room is united, so I can rely on anyone. It is a happy working environment,” said the Venezuelan.
“Take Romel for example, he joined this year and has quickly adapted. He knows the demands of the club, and delivers.
“He helps off the field too, which is good for us. Sometimes you should not just see what they do on the ball, but off it too.
‘‘I’m happy that all my players, including Romel, are doing just that.”
Bidoglio was glad that his boys adapted to Sabah’s quick long balls when they conceded.
“Sabah played the long ball several times, while we liked to keep possession. When we lost the ball, they immediately launched forward and got the penalty in the 48th minute.
“We learnt, reorganised and managed to grind out a 3-1 win, which is good for us.”
JDT remain at the top with 15 points, while Sabah are fourth with seven points.
