PETALING JAYA: Bergson Da Silva arrived at Johor Darul Ta’zim in 2021 as a striker looking for more individual glory. Three seasons on, he has evolved into a highly effective team player.
Despite that, the Brazilian has not lost his penchant for scoring goals. He became the club’s first player to score 100 goals in all competition during the 4-1 win over Negri Sembilan in the second leg of the Malaysia Cup on Monday.
The icing on the cake was possibly the match against Police at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Wednesday. He captained his side in the absence of the injured Jordi Amat as the Southern Tigers romped to a 4-0 win and an astonishing 10th consecutive Super League title.
Such an important match without a Bergson goal is unthinkable and the striker duly notched his 102nd goal for JDT by opening the proceedings against Police.
He sidestepped a defender and slotted the ball home from an acute angle in the 37th minute, and he also showed his generous side by allowing Arif Aiman Hanapi to take a penalty in the 54th minute which the young striker converted. Bergson is the team’s usual penalty taker.
“Before I came here, I’m more of an individual player but this team helped me to become better and I am a team player now,” said Bergson after winning his league champions’ medal.
“Now, it does not matter who scores as long as the team win. I allowed Aiman to take the penalty as it will give him confidence and I am happy with the result here today.
“I didn’t expect to be named as captain but I did give my best during training and on the field. This title is the result of the hard work put in by all the players.”
Bergson said he never targeted to become the highest goalscorer for JDT.
However, he is happy and will keep trying to score and win more titles for the club.
His contributions will be crucial as JDT seek to complete a second straight treble by winning the Malaysia Cup along with the Super League title and the FA Cup, which are already in the bag.
They also aim to move into the second stage of the AFC Champions League.
