KUALA LUMPUR, October 14 2026, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) coach Xisco Munoz has reaffirmed the club’s commitment to developing local football talent following questions over its heavy reliance on foreign players.
The issue arose after a Korean journalist questioned whether starting matches with eight or nine foreign players would benefit Malaysian football.
During JDT’s 2-0 victory over South Korea’s Pohang Steelers in the Asian Champions League Elite on Tuesday, captain Arif Aiman Hanapi and goalkeeper Ahmad Syihan Azmi Mohamed were the only Malaysian-born players in the starting line-up.
In comparison, three-time Asian champions Pohang fielded six South Korean players in their starting eleven.
Responding to the criticism, Munoz highlighted the progress of Malaysian football and the potential of young players, particularly 20-year-old JDT prospect Daniesh Amirruddin.
The Spanish coach also pointed to the club’s academy development programme and said JDT provides opportunities for local players through squad rotation and competitions such as the Asean Club Championship, where three or four Malaysian players feature.
Munoz added that JDT faces a demanding fixture schedule but remains confident in the quality of its Malaysian players.
On the pitch, Brazilian forward Marcos Guilherme scored twice after half-time to secure JDT’s first win of the campaign, following a 1-1 draw against Buriram United in their opening match.
Pohang were reduced to 10 men in the 43rd minute after captain Jeon Min Gwang was sent off for bringing down Shahab Zahedi.
Guilherme opened the scoring in the 49th minute before completing his brace in the 89th minute.
JDT will next face Thai club Port FC at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Oct 27.
-NST
