PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) have scored 62 goals in all competitions in just 13 matches, but Brunei centreback Clark Robertson (pic) insists his side will not go into today’s FA Cup semi-final first leg overawed.
The defending champions are the clear favourites to beat the Wasps at the Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, and the home side know they must be at their best defensively.
Robertson, who played 391 matches in the English, Israeli and Scottish leagues before joining Brunei in August, said the team have worked hard in training for what they expect to be a difficult challenge.
“We’re good as a team, and confidence is high. We’ve shown what we’re capable of, and now it’s about taking that momentum into the semi-final,” said the 33-year-old.
“We are disciplined, and have been trying to perform to our best over the two legs. I still feel there is more to come from us as a team.
“JDT have quality throughout their team, and they score a lot of goals, so we know we’ll have to be at our best defensively.
“As a defender, you enjoy these challenges because you want to test yourself against the best players.
“It’s about staying organised, being aggressive in the right moments and concentrating for the full 90 minutes.
“We need to embrace it rather than fear it.”
The former Aberdeen and Blackpool defender has started six matches in all competitions for Brunei and has formed a strong partnership with Ghanaian Ebenezer Abban.
The pair will have to contain a JDT attack featuring Iranian striker Shahab Zahedi, winger Arif Aiman Hanapi and Brazilian winger Marcus Guilherme, who bring predatory finishing, trickery and pace respectively.
“I think we’ve built a really good understanding. As centrebacks, communication and trust are massive, and the more games you play together, the more you understand each other’s strengths.
“Ultimately, it’s not just about the two centrebacks; it’s about the whole team defending together. When everyone is organised and working for each other, it makes our job a lot easier.”
Robertson added that Brunei need to raise their game to stop JDT from reaching their fifth consecutive final.
