| Full Name: |
Firman Utina |
| Common Name: |
Maman |
| Position: |
Striker |
| Idol Club: |
AS Roma |
| Idol Player: |
Michael Owen |
|
Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto |
| Clubs: |
Persita Tangerang (2000-...) |
|
Persma Manado (1999-2000) |
| Nat'l. Team Career |
1999 National U19 Team |
Article from BolaNews
Sportsline
To be a national player is an obsession of Firman Utina (19). To make
that dream come true, he has made a brave decision: move out of his
hometown and the club that has nurtured him, Persma Manado in North
Sulawesi (Celebes), just like what his seniors in Persma, Francis "Enal"
Wewengkang and Stenly Mamuaja, did.
It's a bit strange when at the end he chooses to play for Persita Tangerang,
not for Jakarta FC like Enal or Stenly or for any other bigger clubs.
It turns out that his decision to play for an average team is to prove
his quality.
"I don't just get out of Persma for any reason. My main motivation
is to improve myself and to be a national player. Persita gives me that
chance, a chance to for me to build my career. And I have to admit that
supports from senior players like Enal and Eddy Musriza help me make
this decision," said Firman.
He believes that his opportunity to play for Persita of Tangerang,
which is just minutes away from Jakarta, will someday enable him to
wear the red-and-white jersey. The closest being the next 2001 SEA (South-East
Asian) Games in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, later this year where only U23
players are allowed to play. If he plays in Tangerang, scouts will more
easily assess him.
But by playing for Persita, won't he face tough matches against county
rivals Persikota Kab. Tangerang? And the Bayi Ajaib ("the Magical Baby"
- Persikota's nickname) has shocked the nation the last few years because
of what they've achieved in such a short time.
"That's even better. Derby matches will get more attention, and my
friends and me are highly motivated to be the best in Tangerang. It's
a free promotion for our team, and also for ourselves," said the former
national team U19 player.
Firman - commonly called Maman - revealed that his ambition to wear
the national jersey was inspired by Michael Owen, Liverpool's striker
who has been an English national team regular ever since he was a teenager.
"He's been my idol ever since I was in elementary school. That's why
I have no other ambition but to become a great football player," said
Maman, who picks AS Roma as his favorite team.
Looking at his talent and determination, he may very well follow Michael
Owen's step, though in a smaller scale. Indonesia needs young men like
him, who are highly talented and motivated to defend the country's honor.
picture and data from BolaNews
Sportsline
