How did JDT get so big? The club has made a film to explain

Just a decade ago, Johor FC were on the brink of survival in Malaysia’s top division. Fast forward to today, and they stand as the leading football club in the nation. This remarkable transformation is chronicled in Untamed, a 76-minute documentary produced by Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT). The film aims to shed light on the club’s milestones, triumphs, and controversies, taking viewers behind the scenes to showcase the mechanics of their success.

Speaking at a screening in Kuala Lumpur, chief operating officer Alistair Edwards explained the club’s rapid rise, crediting their achievements to a talented roster led by a visionary leader. Johor FC traces its roots back to 1972 when it was established as the Johor State Economic Development Corporation Football Club. It underwent a name change to Johor FC in 1996 and adopted its current name, Johor Darul Ta’zim, in 2013, under the ownership of Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, the Regent of Johor.

Since 2014, the team has been consistently competing in Asian tournaments. The documentary features insights from key figures within the club, including Edwards, finance director Datuk Seri Jaifuddin, special projects manager Kevin Ramalingam, and former sporting director Martin Prest. It also includes current players such as Arif Aiman, Bergson da Silva, Matt Davies, and Corbin Ong, as well as former members like Safiq Rahim, Safee Sali, and former head coach Bojan Hodak.

Notable appearances from former youth and sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin and rapper Joe Flizzow add depth to the narrative. Streaming on JDT+, the club’s exclusive platform, the film is set to be followed by Unbound, a series exploring the club’s AFC Champions League Elite campaigns, slated for release in November. Edwards expressed optimism that the film will serve as a source of motivation for young players, inspiring them to prepare for their professional journeys and beyond in football and life.