The untouchables
JDT clinched their 12th straight league title to underline their supremacy. They won 23 of 24 matches, scored 117 goals and conceded only 10, highlighting the huge gap between them and the rest of the league. Despite injury to star man and winger Arif Aiman Hanapi, squad changes and FIFA suspensions involving several mixed-heritage players, coach Xisco Munoz still guided the club to another flawless campaign. Soon-to-be naturalised players Bergson da Silva led the attack while Manuel Hidalgo of Argentina topped the assist charts, and goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Hazmi anchored the best defence.
Borneo brilliance
Kuching City’s rise has been extraordinary. After competing in amateur football a decade ago and finishing 13th in their debut Super League season in 2023, they are now preparing for continental football. Under coach Aidil Sharin, the club built their success on defensive discipline, conceding just 14 goals in 24 matches. Key figures included defender James Okwuosa, striker Ronald Ngah Wanja, and midfielders Petrus Shitembi and Ramadhan Saifullah.
VAR still under par
Despite the introduction of VAR, refereeing controversies remained frequent, especially involving handball, suspicious fouls and denial of goalscoring decisions. Fans and pundits repeatedly questioned inconsistent interpretations, highlighting concerns over officiating standards even with technology in place.
Dynamic duo
Selangor winger Faisal Halim enjoyed a strong comeback season with six goals and seven assists, while Safawi Rasid revived his career at Kuala Lumpur with 13 goals and four assists. Their resurgence will boost Harimau Malaya coach Peter Cklamovski ahead of future international assignments.
Cash is king
Financial instability continued to trouble several clubs, with salary delays, budget constraints and sponsorship uncertainty persisting throughout the season. Clubs that were impacted by salary issues include Police and Kelantan, but Police have since settled some of the dues while Kelantan players have gone public over their arrears. It is learnt that some clubs owe players two months but managements promise to settle.
