Get down on it: Bergson Da Silva (right) doing the Samba moves with the now retired Diogo Santo after their Super League match against KL in 2023.
PETALING JAYA: Every time Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) striker Bergson Da Silva finds the net, he entertains the fans with his one-of-a-kind celebrations, which involves knee slides and Samba moves.
And the showman promises more as the Southern Tigers eye their third consecutive Malaysia Cup victory when they take on Pahang at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
The mercurial Brazilian striker is even more motivated after winning two awards during the Malaysian Football Awards night on Wednesday and is hoping to end the season in a fantastic style.
Da Silva won the best import and Super League Golden Boot to cement his reputation as a fearsome striker in Malaysia.
“Winning the awards gives me more reason to be more excited and happy,” said the 34-year-old, who has scored six golds in the Malaysia Cup so far.
“I want to work harder to achieve another title. We push each other for this reason and hope to end the season with the Malaysia Cup.
“Every year in Malaysia, the hunger and responsibility to achieve success gets stronger. I am grateful to the boss (Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim) because he has helped me change as a person.
“Why do I thank him? He is always behind us. He wants us to be better, to be competitive and change our mentality to play for this club. It is a pleasure.”
This year, Da Silva has helped JDT win the Charity Shield, FA Cup and Super League.
Meanwhile, Pahang’s experienced centreback Fadhli Shas, who once donned the JDT jersey and lifted the trophy with them, had mixed feelings.
“It was the sweetest moment with JDT in 2017 when we won against Kedah 2-0 in 2017. We brought back the Cup after Johor last claimed it in 1985 and 1991,” reminisced Fadhli.
“I’m excited to be back in the final but it’s a bit different this time because I’m with Pahang and JDT are stronger than before,” said Fadhli, who was quick to affirm that his team would rise to the challenge.
“I have extraordinary teammates in Pahang. They are highly motivated, and I’m amazed with their spirit. We will put our best performance.”
