JOHOR BAHRU, 5 Nov 2017:
The Johor state government has declared today (Sunday) as a special state public holiday when the Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) team won the Malaysia Cup after a 26-year wait.
The announcement was made by the Johor state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani in a statement after the match – which took place at the Shah Alam Stadium in Selangor, which ended with a Johor victory of 2-0 over Kedah.
“This is a historic success after 26 years of Johor not winning the Malaysia Cup and this special holiday announcement is the state government’s appreciation to the people of Johor.”
He added that the special public holiday announcement was made in accordance to the Sultan of Johor, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar’s earlier announcement in the event that the JDT team emerged champions.
It was also in line with the provisions of the powers conferred under Section 9 (1) of the Public Holidays Act 1951 (Act 369).
JDT head coach Ulisses Morais dedicated the victory to club owner Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
The 57-year-old Portuguese said the Tunku Mahkota of Johor has worked tirelessly since the latter took over the club back in 2013 to ensure they enjoyed success in both local and international competitions including the AFC Cup in 2015.
JDT beat reigning champions Kedah 2-0 in last night’s Malaysia Cup final at the Shah Alam Stadium, thus ending the 26-year wait to clinch the Cup which was last won by Johor FA back in 1991.
“Congratulations to the coaching staff, players, supporters and also our boss, Tunku Ismail and I’m very happy that we finally managed to win this cup after 26 years,” he told a press conference after the match.
Meanwhile Kedah head coach Mohd Nidzam Adzah Yusoff was satisfied with the game traits displayed by his players at the match despite failing to bring home the prestigious Malaysia Cup.
“Whatever it is, I wish to congratulate the players for giving their best shot at the match although luck was not on our side to defend the Malaysia Cup,” said Mohd Nidzam, who was a former Kedah player in the 1990s era.
JDT defetated Kedah 2-0 with goals netted by Mohamad Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak at the third minute and Gonzalo Gabriel Cabrera at the 63rd minute.
– Bernama