JAKARTA (5 June 2011) – Persipura Jayapura are fast proving that they are the new kingpins of the new era of Indonesian football as they close in on their second Indonesia Super League (ISL) crown in three years.
Persipura who had only one title (2005) in the previous Premier Division, have shown that they have the quality to live up to their billing as the ‘Black Pearls’ won the inaugural ISL title in 2008-2009 season.
The Black Pearls are currently at the top of the ISL standings with 52 points, while defending champions Arema Indonesia are second with 43 points, and Semen Padang third with 43 points.
Persipura have played 24 matches as against Arema and Semen who have both played a game more.
A 1-1 away draw against Deltras Sidoarjo – Paulin Pierre Bio’s goal in the 70th minute for the Papuan club was cancelled out by Marcio da Silva nine minutes later – was enough for them to inch even closer as they look to the crown.
Their remaining four matches are away to both Persisam Samarinda and strugglers Bontang FC before wrapping up their season at home to Pelita Jaya (16 June 2011) and Semen Padang (19 June 2011).
“I hope the boys focus on every single match,” said Persipura coach Jacksen Tiago.
CURRENT INDONESIA SUPER LEAGUE 2011 STANDINGS
TEAMS P W D L GD PTS
1 PERSIPURA 24 15 7 2 38 52
2 AREMA INDONESIA 25 12 7 6 16 43
3 SEMEN PADANG 25 11 10 4 13 43
4 PERSIJA 24 12 6 6 19 42
5 PERSISAM 25 12 3 10 -6 39
6 SRIWIJAYA FC 24 11 5 8 -11 38
7 PSPS 24 10 3 11 -1 33
8 PERSIB 26 9 6 11 -4 33
9 PERSIBA BALIKPAPAN 24 9 5 10 -1 32
10 PERSELA 24 9 5 10 -3 32
11 PERSIWA 23 9 5 9 -7 32
12 PELITA JAYA 24 8 3 13 -3 27
13 DELTRAS 24 8 2 14 -13 26
14 PERSIJAP 25 7 5 13 -21 26
15 BONTANG FC 25 3 4 18 -38 13
