PETALING JAYA: The Johor football team will not settle for anything less than the gold after reaching the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Games (Sukma) competition.
That’s the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) DNA which has been instilled in the young Southern Tigers, who have booked their last-eight ticket after winning both their Group B matches.
They edged Negri Sembilan 1-0 on Saturday after beating Pahang 3-2 in their opening match on Thursday.
Both matches were played at the Bandar Baru Salak Tinggi Stadium in Sepang.
Johor coach Pedro Collado Celda has reminded his charges of what it means to wear the blue and red jersey of their state, who are the kings of domestic football.
“Our players are from JDT, so there is the pressure of setting high standards as we always try to win every game whatever the tournament,” said the Spaniard.
“Our team are also blessed with seven national Under-19 players, so we have no excuses but to give our best in every game.
“The group matches have been won but we need to land ourselves in the knockout stages, which means putting up stronger and consistent performances.
“We are here to win it.”
Some of the notable national under-19 players in the Johor team are striker Arayyan Hakeem Norizam, midfielder Arsyad Shamsul Aswadi and defenders Aqim Hazmi Hasmadi and Haziq Aziz.
