JDT receive visit from Japan University Football Association

Two friendlies between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and JDT II and Japan University Football Association (JUFA) and a workshop over a week will be a big boost for the two teams, according to JDT Sports Director Alistair Edwards.

"We are happy to receive the JUFA delegation and will take the opportunity to learn from each other," he told reporters here today.

He said such exchanges were also good for raising Malaysia's profile as Japan was a powerhouse in football.

The friendlies will be held at the Pasir Gudang Stadium and Tan Sri Haji Hassan Yunos Larkin Stadium on March 12 and 16.

Meanwhile, JUFA coach Junichi Miyazaki said the choice of the Tan Sri Haji Hassan Yunos Larkin Stadium as the training location was special and sentimental to them.

"We selected this place as our overseas training ground due to a memorable experience at Larkin Stadium. This is 'the holy land' where the Japanese team qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time," he said.

Japan achieved the feat on Nov 16, 1997, beating Iran 3-2 with a golden goal in overtime, in a one-game playoff to determine the third Asian representative.

Japan were among the 32 teams at the 1998 France World Cup.

Apart from that, JDT's performance as champions in the Malaysian Super League as well as reputation in providing a good sports environment also attracted JUFA to train in Johor Baharu, said Miyazaki.

The 32-strong JUFA delegation also includes players from the Blue Samurai's Under-19 team.