After illustrious playing career, JDT faithful decides to take up coaching role

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak is ready to begin a new chapter with his football club as a coach.

The 36-year-old player, who has won 26 titles and is the only player to have lifted 10 straight Super League titles, has ended his career as a player but decided to stick with JDT to chart his new career path as the club’s coach.

He has been given the mandate to be one of the coaches under the stewardship of Hector Bidoglio, who returns to the dugout after coaching them in 2022 before being moved as the technical director this year.

Bidoglio replaces Esteban Solari, who leaves the stable after leading the club to a spectacular season where they swept all the four domestic titles this year.

Aidil is excited and says it is only an ideal transition after playing for the club for 20 years.

“I’m thankful to the Crown Prince (Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim) for giving me this new opportunity in my career. I’ve been in the game for 20 years, so it’s nice to begin a new chapter,” said Aidil.

“Being a coach is something new. It felt awkward at first but I know I’m gifted. Not everyone can be a coach in JDT.

“I’ve learned a lot from all the coaches in JDT. I’m like a baby in this field but I hope to learn and do more for the club.”

When asked if he received offers from other clubs in the Super League, Aidil said some teams were keen but he decided to accept the offer from JDT because of Tunku Ismail.

“I’ve been with JDT for a long time. I feel indebted to them and accepted the offer by the Prince.”

Aidil said he would cherish his playing days with JDT.

“I have been with them since 2013. I started from zero until what they have achieved now, I’ve been part of their growth,” he said.

“Thanks to the club, I’ve achieved it all in the game. I’m lucky to be part of this team.

“For 10 years, the prince showed his trust in me. Whatever plans he had for the club, I would be one of the first ones to know.

“He has always been there for me and I want to thank him for everything he has done for me over the years.”

Besides Aidil, Bidoglio will be assisted by Pablo Ricchetti, who was also an assistant coach last season.

They will also have a new assistant coach from Argentina in addition to several coaches including fitness and medical staff joining the club next season.

Said the club’s chief executive officer Alistair Edwards: “Hector rose through the ranks as a coach with Argentinean club Newell’s Old Boys.

“He has previously coached in the top divisions in Argentina, Peru and Ecuador,”

“He also had several attachments with Spanish clubs such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla and Real Betis, and took tutelage under the renowned Marcelo Bielsa with the Chile national team in 2009.”