Instead Of Competing In The Front Line Of Persija, Rukahu Exel Considers Gustavo Almeida A Place To Learn

Eksel R untukahu sebut Gustavo Almeida sebagai tempat belajar di Persija (VOI/Ulfa Gusti).

JAKARTA - The competition in front of Persija Jakarta is quite fierce, one of which is between Gustavo Almeida and Eksel Runtuahu. However, instead of competing, Eksel prefers to think of Gustavo as a brother.

The name Eksel Runtuahu began to shine in front of the Kemayoran Tigers when Gustavo was forced to miss at the end of October 2025 due to injury. Exel's record in that period was quite brilliant with four goals from the last three matches.

Gustavo Almeida's bad situation apparently did not make Eksel feel profitable. Instead of competing when Gustavo returned, he actually felt that the foreign player was a relative who was actually a place to study.

"I just want to be consistent so that we continue to play well. About competing with Gustavo, we are like brothers."

"He always gives me good advice and communicates with each other. There is no competition. We only focus on the game," said Eksel at a press conference ahead of the match against PSIM Yogyakarta in Jakarta, Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Gustavo has not found his best form this season because he has been hit more by injuries. He has only scored one goal and one assist, which has decreased from a total of 18 goals he scored last season.

Eksel tegas tak mau dibandingkan dengan Gustavo. Ia memilih fokus untuk tampil konsisten demi mendapat kepercayaan lebih banyak.

Ahead of the match against PSIM in the 14th week of the 2025/2026 Super League, Eksel emphasized that Persija already had thorough preparations to win three points in front of The Jakmania.

The Persija vs PSIM duel will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 19.00 WIB. This match became special for the Kemayoran Tigers because it coincided with Persija's 97th anniversary and the moment back home.

"Of course we have to give the best for this team. Other players also want to be like that because tomorrow is Persija's birthday. We want to present the best for them (The Jakmania)," he said.