Photo courtesy of aXrosstheline.com

tpufc.org takes a closer look at Johor Darul Ta’zim which will play host to the visiting Jaguars this Friday.

Club

Founded in 1955 in , Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Johor (Johor Football Association); initially based in Kluang, Johor; is the governing body of football in Johor Bahru, Malaysia.

As Johor FA, the club won several silverware including the 1985 and 1991 Malaysia Cup and managed to win its first Malaysia Premier League title in 2001. JDT also clinched the Malaysian League title in 1991.The club renamed itself to Darul Takzim F.C. in 2012 and finally to Johor Darul Ta’zim in 2013. Between 2012 and 2014, the club boosted several big name signings like Daniel Güiza (in 2012/13 on loan from Getafe) and Pablo Aimar in 2014.

JDT is currently the champions of the 2014 edition of the Malaysian Super League and are in the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup.

Stadium

Officially known as Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, the 30,000 seater is currently located in Larkin, Johor Bahru, West Malaysia. Built in 1964, it was only able to accomdate a capacity of 15,000 people until a minor revamp in 1991 allowed the seating to double. In 1997, Larkin Stadium, as it is commonly known, hosted the 1997 World Youth Cup competition.

It is also worth noting that the 1998 World Cup qualifier game between Iran and Japan were also held at Larkin Stadium.

Current team

In early 2014, JDT made the announcement of signing former C.F. Valencia playmaker Pablo Aimar and former Panathinaikos forward Luciano Figueroa. In addition to retaining Malaysian Internationals Safiq Rahim and Safee Sali, the club also signed Selangor F.A. star Amri Yahyah to boost their attacking prowess. Aimar subsequently resigned half a season in.

Trivia

It is interesting to note that Jaguars skipper – Ahmad Latiff once plied his trade for the club when they were still known as Johor FA in the 2006/07 season.

Manager

Prior to joining JDT, Bojan Hodak enjoyed two successful seasons with Kelantan F.A., winning the Malaysia Super League, Malaysia FA Cup and Malaysia Cup titles in 2012. He left after the conclusion of the 2013 season after winning the Malaysia FA Cup that year.

Before retiring as a player, Hodak plied his trade in the early years of the S.League, turning out for Balestier Central and Jurong FC.