Rudolof Yanto Basna, an Indonesian player in the Thai Football League, revealed that Papuan footballers are in great demand in the Thai League. This is why Basna chose to stay there.
Basna said, based on his experience playing in Thailand, the club he is in does not want him to change clubs before getting another Papuan player.
“This year is my fourth year of career in Thailand. When I wanted to move clubs, my Thai agent said that I can do so, but I have to bring Papuan players to take my place,” Basna said.
The former defender of Mitra Kukar and Persib Bandung revealed that the clubs in the Thai League have long been interested in players from Papua.
However, Basna admitted that it is difficult to find young Papuan players who wanted to play in Thailand.
“The clubs in Thailand prioritize Papuan children. Since my first year, I have been trying to find them, but ultimately the decision goes back to the players. It goes back to each individual,” he said.
Basna acknowledges that most young players in Papua are commonly interested in playing for Persipura, but he said not all players are able get in and play for the club. That’s why he suggested that young players would also follow in his footsteps by playing in the Thai League.
After four years of career in the Thai League, Basna said that until now there are still many people in Thailand who do not know Papua.
Because of this, Basna chose to stay in Thailand. He wants to become a bridge for Papuan footballers who wishes to go international and have a career abroad. He stated that he wants to introduce Papua more to the world.
“The reason I’m still in Thailand is because, hopefully I can be a bridge for Papuan players who want to play abroad. I have a dream that at least 5 or 6 people can play in Thailand too. There are many players here who don’t know where Papua is. I’m really sad. Therefore, through football I hope to be able to make Papua known by more people in the world,” concluded Basna.
Source: Indosport
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