IT seems nobody is backing KL City FC to win the Malaysia Cup final tomorrow.
Coaches Association of Malaysia president B. Satiananthan, pundit Shebby Singh and former Kedah coach Azraai Khor predict JDT will lift the prestigious trophy at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Shebby, who has no doubt that JDT will emerge winners, has the distinction of having played for both Johor and Kuala Lumpur as a centre-back.
In 1985, he turned out for KL, then known as Federal Territory, against Johor in the Malaysia Cup final. Johor won 2-0.
However, Shebby went on to help KL secure a Malaysia Cup treble from 1987 to 1989.
"The JDT of this season have been practical and functional. This makes them difficult to break down, but KL are known for dominating opponents," said Shebby yesterday.
"If anything, KL will have to prevent conceding early (goals) because JDT have made it a habit of killing games with early goals, a trend we've seen throughout this season.
"JDT to do the double," he said.
Satiananthan, who won the Malaysia Cup with Kelantan in 2010, said JDT have a higher percentage of winning due to their overall quality.
"If JDT score early, then it will be difficult for KL to get into the game.
"But KL have their strong points in defence in the middle and in counterattacking with Romel Morales, Paulo Josue, J. Partiban and Zhafri Yahya, the new kid on the block
"It will be an attacking team (JDT) versus a defensive team (KL City). JDT have got a lot of variations in attack and buildup play.
"I go for JDT, but it will be a close one," said Satiananthan.
Kedah's three-time Malaysia Cup winner Azraai Khor expects JDT to beat KL City.
He said the Southern Tigers have overall strength — from the backline to the front.
He pointed out that JDT's 3-0 win against Terengganu in the semi-final return leg was a demonstration of their all round strength.
"JDT's young striker Arif Aiman Hanapi, I would say, is the most promising player of the year.
"And Bergson (da Silva) is one of Johor's best. In the second leg semi-final, his finishing... it's like 'kaki puaka'. Just touch and goal!" said Azraai who coached Kedah to back-to-back Malaysia Cup title triumphs in 2007-2008, and led Negri Sembilan to the Malaysia Cup title in 2011.
"JDT have the essence to be champions, but we know Bojan Hodak (KL coach) has been in the league for a long time, so he knows.
"I'm sure he will prepare well, and he's got a lot of league experience.
"As a coach, he will need to produce an element of surprise," said Azraai.
