JAKARTA (20 Jan 2013) – Indonesia’s prolific striker Bambang Pamungkas has decided to take a time out – at least for the next six months.
The talismanic front man of Persija Jakarta and who has scored 37 goals for Indonesia said that he does not know how long he will be staying away from the game although for the moment, it will be at least for the next six months.
“At this point in time, I really can’t say how long I will be staying away,” said Bambang, who was born in the city of Salatiga. “I want to take time to rest, so it is very likely that I will not be playing for any team for at least the first round of the league.
Other than a short spell with Dutch club EHC Norad and also Malaysia’s Selangor, Persija had been the only team for the 32-year-old Bambang. But it would seem that the continued dilemma in Indonesian football between the official PSSI and also the unofficial KPSI is an issue with Bambang.
“A lot of things have happened since I started off with Persija Jakarta, some good and some bad. So I would like to take time to assess things. But I would like to implore the fans to continue to support Persija, no matter what.”
Bambang (second from left) with Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the president of Indonesia
