PETALING JAYA: Bergson Da Silva is not new to intense rivalry for the starting berth in the front line with the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT)
And at 35, the Brazilian has not lost his competitive edge.
With Iranian forward Shahab Zahedi, fellow Brazilian Jairo Da Silva and Argentinian Matias Nahuel all vying for a place in JDT’s attack this new season starting this month, Da Silva said he would not shrink back.
“Competition is nothing new to me. I have been with the club for six seasons,” said Da Silva.
“The club will bring in new players – that’s nothing new too. I will make sure I am at my best and in the best possible state.’’
Bergson’s usual response has been to let his form do the talking.
His 86th-minute strike put JDT 3-2 ahead before Chelsea drew 3-3 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Sunday.
Antonio Glauder’s stoppage-time own goal denied the Malaysian champions a famous win over the Premier League side.
“I feel proud. This was about more than the result – it was about character,” he said.
“We are never tired of surprising people. We played a much bigger opponent, and that is the most important thing, showing we could fight them too.
“Who expected us to hold Chelsea? No one did – and we almost won it.’’
JDT will next face Kuching City in the Charity Shield on Aug 21 at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri.
“We want to be champions again. Our idea is to keep moving forward and stay excited for the season. No expectations, just hard work.”
He helped the club win four titles - Charity Shield, Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup - last season, and also bagged the league golden boot award with 27 goals.
Since joining JDT in 2021, he has slotted in 192 goals in all competitions.
Before Chelsea, JDT played eight friendly matches during their training camp, recording two wins, five draws and one defeat.
The Malaysian champions beat CD Contestano 8-0 and FC Cartagena 2-0, drew with Rangers (2-2), Elche (0-0), UD Castellonense (1-1), Asociacion de Futbolistas Espanoles (1-1) and Qatar Sports Club (2-2), while their only defeat was a 3-2 loss to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq.
