Bergson Vows To Avoid Repeat Of JDT’s 2021 Final Heartbreak

KUALA LUMPUR, May 22 (Bernama) -- Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) prolific striker Bergson da Silva is determined not to relive the Southern Tigers’ painful defeat to Kuala Lumpur City FC in the 2021 Malaysia Cup final ahead of their title showdown against Kuching City FC here tomorrow night.

The 35-year-old Brazilian said the defeat left a deep impact on the team and became a turning point for JDT to strengthen their identity and winning mentality.

“After that final, we suffered a lot and we really felt the pain of that defeat. I am one of the players who still remembers that day until today.

“After that, we promised each other that we would never lose the way we did back then - without identity. Today, I know we have an identity and whatever happens tomorrow, we will try to show our identity,” he told a pre-match press conference at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here today.

Bergson said the 2021 defeat served as a major lesson for JDT to continue improving while maintaining the style of play that has become the team’s strength.

He added that JDT have not suffered another defeat in a final since then and hopes the team can maintain their momentum and identity moving forward.

JDT lost 0-2 to KL City in the 2021 final.

JDT are chasing their sixth Malaysia Cup title after winning the competition in 2017, 2019, 2022, 2023 and the 2024/2025 season, while Kuching City under the guidance of Aidil Sharin Sahak have the opportunity to create history by lifting the trophy for the first time.

Tomorrow’s match will be officiated by four high-profile match officials from Qatar as part of the Malaysian Football League’s effort to ensure officiating standards are at the highest level, in line with the reputation of Malaysia’s oldest and most prestigious football competition.

Commenting on the appointment, Bergson said JDT viewed it as a positive for the game.

“It is always good for us when we have the opportunity to improve our level in the game, together with the referees as well… for us, the advantage is staying united and being one team. As I said, we do not need many words. We just need to do our job and try to bring the trophy home,” he said.

-- BERNAMA