JDT gives opportunities to Junior and Reserve players in Shopee Cup
Johor Darul Ta'zim has established a new club policy designed to ensure young players receive meaningful exposure and genuine opportunities to feature in the senior squad, building on the significant recent success achieved by the JDT Academy — particularly the U21 team, which recently claimed a gold medal at the Malaysia Games (SUKMA) and secured the President's Cup title for four consecutive years.
The policy reflects a broader vision championed by JDT Chief Executive Officer Luis Garcia, underlining the club's commitment to developing homegrown talent as part of its long-term strategy, even as the Southern Tigers continue competing at the highest level across multiple fronts domestically and internationally.
Following discussions between management, the senior squad coaching staff and academy coaches, the club has decided to prioritize full-strength selection for the Malaysia Super League, AFC Champions League Elite and FA Cup, while ensuring junior and reserve players are given genuine opportunities to feature in the Malaysia Cup and Shopee Cup competitions.
The strategic approach is designed to ensure young players gain valuable experience across both domestic and international action, while simultaneously helping JDT navigate a demanding schedule spanning five separate senior squad competitions and ensuring all players remain in optimal condition to compete across every tournament on the calendar.
Several players from the U21 squad and reserve team have already begun training with the first team and will receive opportunities under the new framework, as demonstrated by the impressive debut of Under-21 forward Muhammad Daniesh Amirruddin, who scored twice on his first senior appearance against UM-Damansara United in recent FA Cup action — an early and emphatic proof of concept for the club's new direction.
The initiative is designed to provide young and reserve players with valuable experience competing at high intensity alongside the first-team squad, while simultaneously preparing them for the eventual transition into full senior squad football and helping secure their long-term futures with the club.
Credit Photo : JST
