Skip to main content
Home The New Paper
  • Home
  • News
    • Singapore
    • World
    • Business
    • Views
    • Backstage
    • Others
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Singapore Football
    • Team Singapore
    • School Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Cricket
    • Swimming
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Racing
    • Others
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV
    • Star Style
    • School of Frock
  • Lifestyle
    • Makan
    • Hed Chef
    • Weets Eats
    • Health
    • Tech
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
    • Biker Boy
    • Celeb Chow
    • Others
  • Racing
  • Your Tip-Offs
  • Read E-Paper
  • Contests
  • Coupon
  • Team

Popular

  • COURT & CRIME
  • Food & Drink
Singapore Football

Bai lauds JDT move

 Bai lauds JDT move
THUMBS UP: Baihakki is expected to play an integral part if JDT II get to play in the S.League. - PHOTO: BH FILE

Defender feels Malaysian side will make big impact in the S.League

Shamir Osman
Sports Correspondent
May 09, 2014 06:00 am
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • E-mail this article
  • 0 Engagements

Baihakki Khaizan is all for the idea of Malaysian side Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) sending their second-tier team to play in the Great Eastern-Yeo's S.League next year. 

While some in the football fraternity are wary of a dilution of local flavour, the 30-year-old believes the participation of JDT II - who ply their trade in the Malaysian Premier League (MPL) - could breathe life into the S.League.

If JDT II's move to the S.League materialises, Baihakki is expected to be an integral member of the team.

The central defender was recently released by JDT's Malaysian Super League (MSL) side and signed with Singapore's MSL representatives, the LionsXII.

But he will return to JDT II at the end of the year. 

"Honestly, I think it will have a big impact on the S.League," said Baihakki, pointing to the likelihood of Johor FA president Ismail Ibrahim signing a big-name player for the second-tier team. 

"JDT fans have been massive and I believe they will attract crowds to the stadiums in Singapore with their presence, while JDT's younger players will get exposure and experience. I'd love to be part of it." 

The 12-team S.League includes three foreign sides - Brunei's DPMM FC, Albirex Niigata of Japan and Malaysian side Harimau Muda B.  

Tampines Rovers chairman Teo Hock Seng and Gombak United chief John Yap also welcome the idea of the Malaysian side in the S.League.

Gombak are sitting out the S.League as they fix their financial situation, and Yap believes Johor could inject some much needed rivalry and excitement. 

"(JDT II's participation) could be a step in the right direction. It may re-ignite the old rivalry against Malaysian state teams," said Yap.

"And if they bring in quality players, then the league will receive an adrenalin boost and it could perhaps raise the profile of the S.League."

Teo said: "Any team are welcome, I think it's good to have a foreign team that are (based) closer to us."

However, Balestier Khalsa chairman S Thavaneson did not share their optimism.

"For me, it's a non-starter. We shouldn't dilute the league to an extent that it is dominated by foreign teams," Thavaneson said.

Although he acknowledged the three foreign sides have added excitement, he added: "Where does it all end? We'll have Felda United wanting to come in next." 

Singapore will host the South-east Asia (SEA) Games in June next year. 

The New Paper understands that plans are being drawn up for the Courts Young Lions - effectively the SEA Games squad - to sit out the S.League in 2015 and go for overseas stints to beef up their gold-medal bid.

If that happens, it will perhaps open up a slot for JDT II. 

Speaking to Malaysian media on Tuesday when he revealed the interest in the S.League, Ismail, who is also Johor FA president, said he was willing to pay RM300,000 ($115,000) in fines to the Football Association of Malaysia for withdrawing his team from the MPL. 

Nenad Bacina, a coach in the JDT set-up, and possibly JDT II coach next year, is looking forward to the challenge. 

"I like the idea, I think both Singapore and Johor can benefit from this," he said.

The Football Association of Singapore said in a statement that it has not received "any official requests" but sources revealed that both parties are planning to meet soon. 


I believe they will attract crowds to the stadiums in Singapore with their presence... I’d love to be part of it.

— Baihakki Khaizan on JDT II’s plan to play in the S.League

Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now

Shamir Osman

Sports Correspondent
shamiro@sph.com.sg
Read articles by Shamir Osman
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Share on WhatsApp
  • E-mail this article
  • Newslink -  Purchase this article for republication

Top Stories this Month

Covid-19 vaccination centres to be opened soon
Singapore

Singapore set to open Covid-19 vaccination centres

Jan 12, 2021
Woman nearly died from abuse by family who took her in
Singapore

Woman nearly died from abuse by family who took her in

Jan 08, 2021
Family of girl raped, killed in 1995 appeal for help with case
Singapore

Family of girl raped, killed in 1995 appeal for help with case

Jan 11, 2021
Home
  • Contests
  • Coupon
  • Team
  • Home
  • News
    • Singapore
    • World
    • Business
    • Views
    • Backstage
    • Others
  • Sports
    • Football
    • Singapore Football
    • Team Singapore
    • School Sports
    • Athletics
    • Basketball
    • Cricket
    • Swimming
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • Racing
    • Others
  • Entertainment
    • Movies
    • Music
    • TV
    • Star Style
    • School of Frock
  • Lifestyle
    • Makan
    • Hed Chef
    • Weets Eats
    • Health
    • Tech
    • Travel
    • Fashion
    • Shopping
    • Biker Boy
    • Celeb Chow
    • Others
  • Racing
  • Your Tip-Offs
  • Read E-Paper
  • Contact TNP
  • About SPH
  • Privacy Statement
  • Data Protection Policy
  • Member Terms & Conditions
  • Website Terms & Conditions
SPH Digital News Copyright © 2021 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. Co. Regn No. 198402868E