ISKANDAR PUTERI: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) lifted the 2022 Super League trophy last night to register their ninth consecutive title and received the trophy during a glittering ceremony in front of 35,000 cheering fans at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, here.
The crowd was entertained by a dazzling display of fireworks and laser show that lighted up the stadium and the Iskandar Puteri skyline while international entertainer Jason Derulo was on stage to entertain the crowd.
The highlight of the night came when JDT skipper Mohd Farizal Marlias and JDT head coach Hector Bidoglio lifted the trophy to a thunderous applause from the adoring fans.
The historic moment was witnessed by JDT owner and Tunku Mahkota of Johor Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Malaysian Football League (MFL) president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan.
En route to the title, JDT who are also known as the Southern Lions, produced a dominant performance throughout the league season to accumulate 56 points as well as maintained an unbeaten record when the 22 match league was completed.
To usher in the celebrations, the successful JDT II, the Johor contingent that emerged as the overall champion in the 20th Malaysia Games (Sukma), players from the Johor Academy, JDT Ice Hockey squad, Johor Jewels netball team, Johor Tigris (Sepak Takraw) and state rugby players were all invited.
JDT II won the 2022 Premier League while the Johor contingent emerged as the overall champion for the first time in 36-year history of the Sukma.
The JDT Ice Hockey squad won the Weekend Warriors League, Johor Jewels lifted the Sooka Netball Super League, Johor Tigris were champion in the Tun Ali Trophy while the rugby teams won four age group tournaments.
As the Super League champion, JDT earns an automatic slot to the AFC 2023 Champions League while Super League runner up and Malaysia Cup winner play in the 2023 AFC Cup. - BERNAMA