Johor Darul Ta’azim (JDT) II have officially clinched the signing of Brazilian centre-back Rafael de Jesus Bonfim from Campeonato Paulista side Capivariano Futebol Clube.
The 24 year-old defender, who stands over six foot tall, will join The Southern Tigers when the transfer window opens at the end of June. The ex-Fortaleza and Coritiba man will begin playing for the second team to get exposure and the understanding of Malaysian football.
Head coach Benjamin Mora has three foreign players in his squad prior to the signing of Rafael de Jesus Bonfim — Baihakki Khaizan, Shahril Ishak and Paulo Rangel — and he has filled in the fourth and final spot in the team with the acquisition of the Brazilian defender.
Rafael Bonfim is seen as a direct replacement for Marcos Antonio when he steps down from local football, and this transfer will only make him comfortable around the new surrounding.
Johor Darul Ta’azim II are currently third in the Malaysia Premier League (MPL) with two points adrift of leaders Malacca United and they will be looking to begin gaining promotion to the Malaysia Super League (MSL) when they visit UiTM when the season resumes in July. They are also drawn alongside T-Team, Kedah and Sarawak in Group A of the Malaysia Cup.
Other posts by Prashant Kharbanda
