1 week Ago By Farah Azharie
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) are hot favourites to retain their Malaysia Cup crown, but Sri Pahang are ready to rip up the script at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Saturday. Led by Fandi Ahmad – a five-time Malaysia Cup winner as a player with KL (1987-89), Pahang (1992) and Singapore FA (1980, 1994) – the Elephants are dreaming of a famous upset.Fandi, who once coached the Southern Tigers in 2012 and 2013, knows exactly what it takes to win silverware.
And while the odds are stacked against his team, he's relishing the underdog tag.JDT are unbeaten in domestic competitions this season, have wrapped up the Charity Cup and Super League titles, and are chasing yet another quadruple. But Sri Pahang aren't rolling over.
The East Coast side head into the final with momentum, having won their last four league matches to climb to eighth."Yes, we're the underdogs – and we like that," said Fandi with a grin at the pre-match press conference. "Everyone knows JDT are favourites, but we've prepared well and we're ready to fight.
"His side will be without Liberian striker Kpah Sherman and Argentine winger Lucas Hidalgo, but they've been working hard behind the scenes — even shifting training to the National Football Development Programme base in Gambang for better pitch conditions."Our spirit is high. Against a team like JDT, motivation is key.
If you let negativity creep in, it's game over."We've got young players hungry to prove themselves. I've had to rotate the squad to find the right blend, but what matters is their mentality.
We respect JDT, but we fear no one."Fandi knows JDT's structure, depth, and discipline make them a formidable force. But he believes finals are not won on reputation.
"You switch off for a minute against JDT, and you're punished."But football is a funny game. Skill isn't enough – it's about desire, sacrifice, and fighting for your teammates.
That's what I've told the boys — play for the team, not for yourself."For Fandi, it's not just about tactics. It's about heart.
He remembers battling for a place in the senior team as a teenager, and he wants that same hunger from his squad."I never wasted a chance, and I expect the same from them. We don't carry the pressure JDT do.
We're free. No pressure, just fight."Pahang captain Fadhli Shas, once a JDT player himself, knows what they're up against.
"JDT are a quality side, no question. Every position, they've got experience and depth. But we've got nothing to lose.
We'll fight for every ball and play for the badge," said Fadhli.For JDT, it's about cementing legacy. For Sri Pahang, it's about rewriting theirs.
It's been more than a decade since they last lifted the Malaysia Cup. Under Fandi, belief is growing."I don't know what comes after the final," said Fandi.
"Right now, all that matters is this game. We focus, we fight, and we'll see what happens."© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
