Feature Stories

Meet the Papuans pillars of Indonesian football

Posted : 16 Nov 2011 10:17:42

Jakarta (UR): Three Papuan youngsters have cemented their integral role in leading the charge of Indonesia’s under-23 side at the 26th SEA Games.

Patrich Wanggai, Titus “Tibo” Bonai and Oktavianus Manianihave stood out in the host’s run to the semifinals.

Patrich has scored four goalsin the competition, two shy of tournament top scorer Lamnao Singto of Laos. But Patrich may likely add to his tally as Indonesia will play in the semifinal against either Myanmar or Vietnam while Laos has been eliminated.

However, Patrich is playing down any speculation of finishing the tournament as top scorer. “I am happy I can score goals, but it’s not a big issue if I don’t score in the upcoming match. The most important thing is Indonesia becomes champion,” he said.

Patrich and Tibo are causing a stir among the other teams, as they have scored in all three of Indonesia’s matches in Group A so far, contributingseven of Indonesia’s 11 goals.

Speaking of his on-field bond with Patrich, Tibo said “I got to know Patrich as a person and as a player. That’swhat makes us solid.”

“We probably close because have a lot in common as we’re both from Papua,” Patrich said.

The duo’s striking flair is supported in large part by playmaker and fellow Papuan Oktavianus “Okto” Maniani. UR-11