JDT to 'rest' Baihakki for season

Former LionsXII defender Baihakki Khaizan has apparently played his last game for Malaysian Super League (MSL) side Johor Darul Takzim (JDT).

The Singapore international centre-back wrote in a post on his Instagram photo-sharing account that he would be "rested" for the remainder of JDT's season.

Furthermore, he will turn out only for their second side, JDT2, next season. They are currently playing in the second-tier Malaysian Premier League.

"Farewell my friends from Johor, both on and off the field," said Baihakki, 30. "I would like to say thank you for the many opportunities I have had to don the colours of Johor.

"But this is where my contribution ends. I didn't think something like this would happen but it's what the management has decided.

"Hopefully the change will make room for further growth in JDT."

When contacted by The Sunday Times yesterday, he declined further comment.

JDT coach Bojan Hodak, 42, also declined to comment on the issue, adding: "Until the transfer window closes (at midnight last night), we will not be speaking on anything regarding the team."

Baihakki was one of three LionsXII stalwarts - the others being midfielders Hariss Harun and skipper Shahril Ishak - who joined JDT after the Singapore side's title-winning campaign last year.

He is reportedly on a four-year contract worth $1.5 million.

This article was published on April 20 in The Straits Times.

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