Bambang Ends His Drought

Persija Jakarta's tenth game of the season yesterday, Sunday (3/11), against PSBL Bandar Lampung at Pahoman Stadium was a special moment for young striker Bambang Pamungkas. It was in this stadium that Bambang scored his first goal of this season. Two of them.

Because of his two goals contribution, Persija won the match 3-2. The other goal was scored by his partner up front, 22-year-old Budi Sudarsono. Budi now firmly establishes himself as one of the most dangerous strikers in the league, who along with Cameroonian Bako Sadissou of Barito Putra, has collected 10 goals. And his goal yesterday was a beauty, too. From a tight angle in the penalty box, marked by PSBL defender Sapto Nugroho, Budi fired a precision kick into the opponent's goal.

Back to Bambang. The two goals yesterday signify his return to the league. As last season's top scorer and probably the most highly-rated young stars in Indonesian football, Bambang has been struggling to find his natural instinct in front of goals. He hasn't scored a goal until yesterday, and he's starting to lose his place in the team. Critics were pounding down on him, and questions were raised whether he should still be called to the national team when there are other young strikers who are banging the goals in the league. That's why, after scoring his first goal - thunderous left-footed kick - Bambang emotionally raised his clenched fists in the air.

He smiled a victor's smile, because he's finally able to set himself loose. The smile was even wider after his second goal in the 38th minute. This time around, he was really explosive, a reminiscent of a player whom people were so fond of last season. Finding a loose ball just outside the penalty area, he took control of the ball and with another even more thunderous left-footed kick, he sunk the ball into the net.

After the match, his cellular phone never stopped ringing. His family members in Salatiga, Central Java, his girlfriend, and his closest friends all called to congratulate him.

"I'm very grateful to finally be able to end my drought. This is a surprise for me," said Bambang.

He's proud of his performance, yet he still thinks that it was not too outstanding.

"There was nothing special about my performance. It's the two goals that really make me proud," admitted Bambang.

One thing for sure, he now has regained his confidence and his self-belief, and that the road to the national team is still wide open for him. As was widely reported, Bambang requested to national team head coach Benny Dollo not to call him up to the national squad if he hadn't shown a solid performance yet in the league. Bambang did this in order to avoid jealousy from fellow players, and to save the national team from any controversy.

But now, everything has changed. His mental strength has been rediscovered, and he's now ready to play for the Red-and-White Squad.

"I heard that I'll be called up again to the national team. I'm ready to give my best," said the spirited Bambang.

source: Jawa Pos Online