Johor bahru: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) centre forward Bergson da Silva insists there is no secret to his phenomenal striking prowess. The Brazil-born player who netted the first hat-trick of the 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup Against Bangkok United in September stresses the recipe to success is old fashioned hard work.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Bergson emphasized the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving success on the field. "As a striker, when I score goals, the people in the club always push me to score more. As a player, for me, it's never enough. Also, when I step on the pitch, I push myself to do my best and then this is the way, this is the target and mentality I have," Bergson stated in a recent statement.
He also acknowledged the influence of JDT's owner, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who constantly motivates the team to improve both on and off the field. Bergson remarked, "And then we have our boss, who always pushes us to be a better player, a better person. So this is the idea, the key is the mentality."
Bergson is also setting his sights on potential revenge against the Thai League 1 champions and reigning Shopee Cup champions Buriram United FC. Reflecting on past encounters, he noted, "We know they're our big opponents in Asian football because they played against us a few times and they have caught us. But we have another opportunity to create a new history, to start a new challenge, to think forward about the next games."
JDT is participating in the Shopee Cup for the first time and has made a strong start to the competition. They secured victories over Lion City Sailors FC and Bangkok United, but were held to a draw by PKR Svay Rieng FC last month in Phnom Penh. With seven points from these three games, Xisco Munoz's side is currently in second place in Group B, trailing behind Nam Dinh FC from Vietnam, with two rounds remaining in the opening phase of the competition.
JDT will return to action in the Shopee Cup on January 29 against Shan United, while Svay Rieng will host Bangkok United, and Nam Dinh will face the Lion City Sailors. A day earlier, champions Buriram United will travel to Singapore to play Group A leaders Tampines Rovers FC, while BG Pathum United FC will host DH Cebu FC, and Selangor FC will entertain last season's runners-up, Cong An Ha Noi FC.