PETALING JAYA: A1 Semi-Pro League side Malaysian Universities stunned the cops to make it into the FA Cup round of 16. But they may now be in for a footballing lesson from the country’s masters of the game – Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
Cup competitions do throw up up fairy tales where Davids slay Goliaths but few, if any, will bet on the University Tigers even scratching the Southern Tigers, who have been winning everything at senior level.
Both legs will be played at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor. The first-leg will be held today, while the second will be held on July 5.
The university team’s captain Amirul Fazly Zamri said the quarter-final meeting would be a great learning experience for him and his mates.
“It is a dream to play against a side like JDT. It would be great to take on the stars of Malaysian football and learn what makes them the best,” said the 24-year-old UiTM student.
“I will be honest, we still can’t believe that we will be playing JDT on this stage. It will be an experience to cherish.
We are going to learn and improve our skills and abilities for future matches, especially in the Semi-Pro League.”
The Universities lads are not complaining about having to play their home leg at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium instead of at the UPM Sports Centre because of commercial and broadcast rights.
Instead, they are happy to be playing in one of the best stadiums in the nation.
“I see this as a form of appreciation for us because the public knows that Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is the best stadium in the country,” said Amirul.
Meanwhile, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio said he would not underestimate the Malaysian Universities.
“This is a side that beat Police 3-0 in the Round-of-16. That shows how good they are as a team. They may be young and students, but this is football. This is a Cup, anything can happen,” said the Venezuelan coach.
“Am I going to play all my reserves or just field locals? No, I will decide based on the training sessions I had.
“I want the best players for the game. We want to retain this Cup.”
JDT are the defending champions, having beaten Kuala Lumpur 2-0 in last year’s final, which was also held at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
