Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) continue to make history, earning their second 100PLUS Special Award at the 2024 SAM-100PLUS Awards, in recognition of their monumental impact on both domestic and Asian football.
JDT, widely regarded as the pride of Malaysian football, have consistently set the benchmark for excellence, both on and off the pitch. From retaining their domestic titles – the Charity Shield and FA Cup – to making headlines in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Elite 2023/24, the Southern Tigers have shown unrelenting ambition.
Their standout performance in the East Zone group stage of the ACL Elite under head coach Héctor Bidoglio saw them make history as the first Malaysian club to reach the Round of 16 in this elite competition – a feat never before achieved by any team from Malaysia.
This extraordinary campaign earned JDT the prestigious 100PLUS Special Award at the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) ceremony – a recognition of the club’s pivotal role in elevating Malaysian football to new heights on the Asian stage.
It marks JDT’s second time winning the award, following their first triumph in 2015, when they became the first Malaysian team to lift the AFC Cup.
Speaking on the recognition, Hazreen Mubarak, Chairman of the SAM-100PLUS 2024 Awards Committee, said:
“JDT were selected for this honour based on their tremendous impact on Malaysian football development and their powerful image as a professional club. Their ACL Elite achievement is proof that Malaysian clubs can compete on Asia’s biggest stage.”
“This award is a tribute to their vision, hard work, and world-class standards that have become a benchmark for all local teams.”
Since their formation, JDT have redefined the footballing landscape in Malaysia through world-class infrastructure, a strong team structure, and unwavering fan support. They’ve not only raised the bar domestically but have also challenged the norms, daring to dream and proving that Malaysian clubs belong among Asia’s elite.
Their latest achievement cements their legacy as one of the most successful and visionary clubs in the region.
The SAM-100PLUS 2024 Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 14 July at Sunway Resort Hotel, Petaling Jaya, and will be officiated by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hannah Yeoh.
Credit Photo : Jayden Seah/SNE-Photo
