Used To Be In Persib And Persebaya Costumes, Now Persija Is Strong, Eat Konate: I'm Still Professional

JAKARTA - Football player from Mali, Makan Konate has finally officially become part of the capital club, Persija Jakarta. He became the Kemayoran Tigers' fourth signing ahead of the second round of the 2021/2022 Liga 1 competition.

Officially in Persija uniform, Konate is determined to make a big contribution to this team. At his new club, Konate also wants to bring change by making the Kemayoran Tigers appear better than before.

"God willing, I have come to make a big contribution. I will give my maximum for the team," he said, quoted from Persija Jakarta's official website.

"Hopefully with my presence, I want Persija to be better and stronger than the first round," continued Konate.

Konate was officially introduced by Persija on Wednesday, December 29 with three other players, namely Ichsan Kurniawan, Samuel Christianson, and Ahmad Bustomi.

Konate's presence at Persija itself is projected to fill the vacant position left by Yann Motta. Now, his presence in midfield is expected to raise the team's breaking power.

Because, during the first round, Persija is still considered inconsistent. Until the 17th week, the Kemayoran Tigers were still stuck in 8th position in the standings.

Under Angelo Alessio's tutelage, Persija have drawn more often. So far, from 17 appearances in domestic competitions, Persija have won six times, drawn seven times and lost four times.

Despite this record, Persija became the seventh Indonesian League club that Konate had strengthened. Previously, Konate had strengthened big teams such as Persib Bandung, Persebaya Surabaya, and Arema FC.

Konate even managed to win the 2014 Indonesian Super League title with Persib. Despite having strengthened Persib and Persebaya, which are Persija's rivals, Konate promised to give the best performance with the Kemayoran Tigers.

"I'm very happy to be here. I've played in Persib, Persebaya, Arema, but that was then, I was still professional. That's my memory, I have respect for those teams,"

"Now I have become a Persija player and I am happy to join this team," said Konate.