Johor Malaysia Super League Watch

Can Johor win the Malaysia Super League 2013 title?

When JCorp decided to allow Tunku Ismail Ibrahim to take the reins of the very top seat in football, that is the moment that will change Johor's fate forever. Once the 2012 season ends, the Crown Prince of Johor immediately signify the changes by spending heavily during transfer window in the off-season including two proven imports of European heavyweight, Euro 2008 winner Dani Guiza and Lazio legend Simone Del Nero. They later added a long list of Malaysia international star, Kelantan star Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Nurul Azwan Roya, Selangor star Safiq Rahim alongside ATM trio Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha and Azmi Muslim. They even went as far as trying to have a loan deal with Malaysia star striker Safee Sali while AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 tournament is in commence as if it wasn't enough for the Southern Tiger. Ludicrous it may seems, given that Johor FC only finished 9th in the Super League last season, a fair assessment to a very average performance throughout the season. They didn't just signed several players, but to the point that they revamp the whole Johor FC and Johor FA squad to make it under one management. Later, they assign Fandi Ahmad as their new head coach ,they change the emblem and even the name to Darul Takzim FC and Johor United. This may displeased the majority of non-Johor fans due to their financial and royal advantage but the prince get the support he wanted from the fans. While he may largely neglected one of the most important part of football which is local derby inside his own state, his ambition to succeed were applauded by many. It is remain to be seen whether such a short-term plan will end with glorious towards the end, but 2013 season will expected to be more interesting than ever before.

Key Player: Dani Guiza, Simone Del Nero, Safee Sali, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safiq Rahim, Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha, Azmi Muslim

Young Talented Player: Zamir Selamat, Muslim Ahmad        

Malaysia Super League 2012: finished 9th

Team Chance Status: Title candidate

Simone Del Nero is the latest signing for Johor

Photo Courtesy from kosmo.com.my

Johor has pulled another major transfer coup , after the capture of Dani Guiza, by landing former Lazio player, Simone Del Nero for a one year deal. The 31 year-old has been a free agent after his contract with Lazio ended in July 2012. Del Nero claimed that numerous offers has been made to him by a lot of bigger club, notably Serie A clubs, but he turn down all the offer to accept Johor bid for his signature. He stated that he is highly impressed with the Johor's plan to make the team as one of top footballing side in Malaysia, as well as winning titles and trophies. Johor concedes that Del Nero will make Johor's midfield more formidable and hope Del Nero could make an instant impact for a new season. Del Nero is part of Italy that won Olympic Bronze medal in Olympic Athens 2004 and is part of Lazio who is the winner of 2008-2009 Coppa Italia as well as 2009 Supercopa Italia.