KUALA LUMPUR: The more the merrier, or more difficult.
It could even be so for nine-time Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). With the Super League expanded to 14 teams this season, the Southern Tigers are expected to face tougher competition.
That is because every team are arming themselves to the teeth now that the league allows a maximum of nine import players.
Even newly promoted teams such as Kelantan, Kelantan United, Kuching City, Police and Perak have made significant signings.
Sports observer Datuk Dr. Pekan Ramli said for the past nine seasons, JDT have been on auto-pilot in cruising their way to the Super League title. But this season they should see threats from the likes of Kedah, Selangor and KL City.
"Teams are now braver with bigger budget, this is a good sign and more like an early warning for JDT as we can see strong teams like Kedah, Selangor and KL City.
"Selangor now have Faisal Halim and new imports like Ayron del Valle. They have good combination play.
"JDT are well prepared too, but it will be interesting to see them being confronted.
"KL City always have the potential to go far and they are stronger this season. So, a match between the City Boys and JDT should be interesting."
Pekan said he doesn't want the Super League to be monopolised by just one team like JDT, and he hopes there will be some serious contenders slugging it out with the Southern Tigers. Last year, JDT won the treble: Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.
"There are going to be 14 teams competing so they need to be consistent, and rotation of players is important. Those on the bench have to be just as effective as the first 11," said Pekan.
"I think this year could even see some teams challenging JDT for the league title."
The 14 Super League teams are JDT, Kedah, Kelantan, Kelantan United, Kuching City, KL City, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Perak, Police, Sabah, Selangor, Sri Pahang and Terengganu.