PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) striker Bergson Da Silva (pic) is just three goals away from becoming Malaysian football’s all time leading scorer.
The 34-year-old Brazilian, who joined the Southern Tigers in 2021, now has a total of 104 goals in the Super League.
The record is 106 goals, held by Malaysian Indra Putra Mahayuddin, who played in the league from 2004 to 2023 for Kelantan, Pahang, Terengganu, Selangor, Felda United and Kuala Lumpur.
Da Silva, who fired five goals in JDT’s 9-0 demolition of Kelantan last week, could equal or break Indra’s mark when JDT face Kuching City in their final league fixture at the State Stadium in Kuching on April 16.
With an impressive tally of 31 goals from 21 matches this season, Da Silva has virtually secured the Golden Boot.
His closest rival, Paulo Josue of Kuala Lumpur, only has 16 goals from 20 games.
Da Silva has also surpassed his own single-season scoring record of 29 goals, set in 2022.
As the talk over his remarkable poaching prowess goes on, Da Silva was quick to remind everyone that he is always a team player first.
“I’m proud and happy to score these goals for the club ... but we still have two more matches – one in the league and the Malaysia Cup final,” said Da Silva, who is keen to play for Malaysia once he completes his five-year residency.
“We want to keep growing as a club. And personally, I want to give something back to the people who believe in me.
“Every time we reach a final, it means something special to me.
“Malaysia is my home. My life and career changed when I came here, and I don’t take these moments for granted.’’
