Newly promoted club Malut United has made another big move ahead of the 2024/25 Liga 1 season by announcing their latest local recruits, the Sayuri Brothers! Yakob Sayuri and Yance Sayuri, who previously played for PSM Makassar, have officially joined Malut United on long-term contracts.
Malut United introduced Yakob Sayuri (26, midfielder) and Yance Sayuri (26, defender) via their official Instagram account on Sunday, June 16, 2024. The announcement came just days after the duo bid farewell to PSM Makassar on Friday, June 14. In their post, Malut United stated, “Malut United proudly announces the arrival of Yakob and Yance Sayuri as new recruits for Laskar Kie Raha ahead of the 2024-2025 Liga 1 season.”

The two players from Kepulauan Yapen, Papua, have signed contracts for a duration of two years. “Malut United management and Yakob and Yance have agreed to a two-year contract,” the club’s official statement read. Both Yakob and Yance warmly welcomed their new family at Malut United. “Welcome to the big family of Malut United, Sayuri Brothers!” the club’s message concluded.
Previously, Yakob and Yance said their goodbyes to PSM Makassar via their personal Instagram accounts. “I personally want to thank the team @psm_makassar for the extraordinary five years I had wearing the pride of Makassar,” Yakob wrote. Yance added, “Where there is a meeting, there must be a parting. Saying goodbye is the hardest thing to do to friends and colleagues who mean so much to me.”
Yakob and Yance immediately showed their seriousness and ambition for the new season with Malut United. “It is a great honor for me to join Malut United. Let’s focus on the upcoming Liga 1 season,” Yakob said. Meanwhile, Yance stated, “I am ready to fight in my new home, Malut United.”
Yakob and Yance have proven their existence in Liga 1 through stellar performances. Yakob, who joined PSM earlier in 2020, has scored 25 goals and provided 16 assists in 105 appearances across all competitions, including the AFC Cup. The two started playing together at PSM Makassar in 2021 and have since played 74 matches together.
Malut United’s decision to recruit Yakob and Yance Sayuri demonstrates their boldness in investing in high-quality local players, surpassing the value of players like Egy Maulana Vikri from Dewa United and Marc Klok from Persib Bandung. However, this move also carries significant financial risks for the club. Attracting much attention, Malut United now faces a substantial challenge: can they stay competitive in the league, or will they struggle to pay player salaries?

On the other hand, there are concerns about the long-term prospects for these two players. Joining a newly promoted club that might lack stability and adequate facilities compared to major clubs could be a questionable step. Yakob, with his skills and experience, is indeed worthy of playing abroad, while Yance should ideally be at a club with better facilities and more suitable conditions.
As an ambitious club, Malut United is expected not only to focus on recruiting star players with national team labels but also to pay attention to club facilities and ensure they obtain AFC licenses to become a truly professional club.
With the addition of Yakob and Yance Sayuri, Malut United is increasingly optimistic about the 2024/25 Liga 1 season. The club’s supporters certainly hope the Sayuri Brothers can bring success and glory to Malut United in the upcoming season. A big challenge awaits, and only time will tell whether this significant move will bear fruit.