Jayapura, 19/2 (Jubi) – Amid public pessimism about defending champions Persipura’s campaign in the Indonesia Super League competition, Jack Kamasan Komboy, a former player of Persipura is among those who remain optimistic about the club’s prospects of winning the title.
“It’s still too early to judge Persipura. The competition has just begun. What they need right now is support from all parties, especially their fans,” Komboy said on Tuesday (18/2).
Komboy, who is also a member of Education and Sport Department of Papua Parliament’s Commision E, said the ‘Black Pearls’ wer still trying to find their form and playing rhythm in their early games.
“We need to give them confidence and support their new players. Persipura will always be on top. Two points from a tour of East Kalimantan is a remarkable achievement. It was not easy because they played two strong teams on their home turf,” he said.
He said he was optimistic Persipura would be able to defend their ISL title this season.
He believes the opportunity is widely open under the new zoning system.
“Though some players in the last season have moved to other clubs, Persipura remain strong. Players come and go and that is normal in the football world,” he said.
Earlier, Persipura coach Jacksen F Tiago also said the zoning system helped him to focus on two competitions i.e. ISL and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competition.
“The competition of this season is not determined by the most obtained points. All teams who are reaching the last eight of competition have a chance to be a champion. We can develop strength and predict the points to be in the quarter final round. For me the first round of the competition is not the real game. The real competition begins in the quarter final round. Hopefully we can retain our title,” he said. (Jubi/Arjuna/rom)
