KUALA LUMPUR: The Super League, it is said, is a one-horse race in recent years with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) unrivalled.
But former international Safee Sali doesn't see only one front runner this season.
He believes there are at least five rivals to JDT when the league kicks off on Feb 25.
Safee reckons that Kedah, Sabah, Selangor, Terengganu and KL City can give nine-time Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim a run for their money this season.
Safee, 39, doesn't think that the others will be reduced to just fighting for second place behind the Southern Tigers.
That is because he is impressed by the preseason preparations of Kedah, Sabah, Selangor, Terengganu and KL City.
"I think this year many can challenge JDT because they have made good preparations.
"I can see that Kedah, Sabah, Selangor, Terengganu and KL are formidable sides.
"Of course JDT's strengths and preparations are superb, but the other teams can still challenge them to become No 1 in the M-League."
However, Safee said of the five strong challengers, it is difficult to predict who will come closest to JDT as it is still early season.
JDT, who achieved a treble last season by winning the Malaysia Cup, FA Cup and Super League, have made it known they will focus on the Asian Champions League.
Meanwhile Safee said he will make an announcement on his future at a press conference on Tuesday next week.
Safee, who was one of Malaysia's most well known strikers, is said to be retiring from local competition and joining his former club, JDT, in a different role.