FIVE REASONS JDT ARE EXCITED ABOUT 2019 Having ended the 2018 campaign with a record fifth straight Malaysia Super League title, Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT) have set sight on an intriguing 2019 season that is promising to be exciting. [1/12]

Here are five things the Southern Tigers are eagerly awaiting in 2019:-

1. AFC Champions League

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HRH Major General Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim,the Crown Prince of Johor and JDT owner,had once set a target of rubbing shoulders with the best in Asia and that will become a reality as JDT have qualified for the group stage,becoming the first Malaysian side to do so.

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JDT will play the best teams from Japan, China, South Korea, Thailand and Australia in the round-robin.

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2. The new Sultan Ibrahim Stadium

Though an official date has yet to be announced, JDT are expected to move into the new state-of-the-art Sultan Ibrahim Stadium at some point of the 2019 campaign.

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The much-awaited 40,000 capacity stadium is set to be the leading stadium in the region and among the best in Asia. It will also be the first football-specific stadium in Malaysia with natural grass.

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3. Specially designed 2019 Nike kit

Excellent ties with leading sports apparel brand Nike will enter a new phase in 2019 as the club will have specially designed jerseys instead of picking ready-made designs.

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The design for the new home and away jerseys have already been finalised and JDT are currently in the midst of preparing a promotional video. JDT's 2018 jersey launch saw a video featuring household names such as Robert Pires, Hernan Crespo, Alessandro Nesta and Rivaldo.

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4. New signings

Former Lazio defender Mauricio dos Santo Nascimento has already been confirmed as Marcos Antonio's replacement in the heart of defence.

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The club is expected to make several other additions before the start of the season and according to HRH Tunku Ismail on his Twitter account, an exciting signing to provide a spark in the engine room is on the cards. Who will JDT sign? Stay tuned!

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5. The fruits of a new sports science approach

JDT Sporting Director Martin Prest recently made an announcement that the club has decided to spend RM1.4million on sports science,including new personnel,all in expectation that it provides the team with yet another boost.

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