By Girald Gaston

PHOTO: JOHOR Southern Tigers


'Stray dogs' found a new home.

Philippine Azkals pride Bienvenido Marañon and Carli De Murga will join the tiger side this time as they inked a deal with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), the team announced on Thursday.

The pair of top dogs will bolster the already tough squad of Southern Tigers, trying to claw its way to nine straight championships in the Malaysian Super League.

Marañon had a stellar stint in the Philippines with Ceres Negros/United City, tallying a total of 65 goals and 24 assists in 85 games played with the club, and expected to strengthen the defending champions’ forward line. 

In his Twitter post, the Spanish-born star expressed his excitement about joining the Malaysian-based team and was grateful for the opportunity JDT gave.

“New challenge, new goals with the tigers. Can’t wait to play in front of our amazing supporters,” the Azkals’ Suzuki Cup top scorer tweeted.

Meanwhile, De Murga extended his stay in Malaysia, as he moved from one club to another from Terengganu to Southern Tigers. 

The Azkals’ defender entered the field 22 times in his last stint with Terengganu that finished fourth place in the Malaysian Super League and battled in the semifinals of the Malaysia Cup.

The two will be reunited in Malaysia, after joining forces at Ceres Negros last 2017 where the squad bagged the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal title that year.