Malut United continues to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2024/2025 Liga 1 season. On Tuesday (June 11, 2024), the club, known as Laskar Kie Raha, officially announced the arrival of the experienced striker, Yandi Sofyan. The presence of this new player is expected to add more firepower to Malut United’s attacking line.
Yandi Sofyan is a 32-year-old striker with a wealth of experience in football, both domestically and internationally. His career began by honing his football skills in South America with the SAD Uruguay program from 2008 to 2011. During his time there, Yandi acquired invaluable lessons that laid the foundation for his playing style.
Following his stint in South America, Yandi continued his career in Europe by playing in the second division of the Belgian league with CS Vise from 2011 to 2013. His experience in Europe provided him with the opportunity to sharpen his abilities in a more competitive football environment. After that, he ventured to Australia to play with Brisbane U-21 during the 2013-2014 period.
In Asia, Yandi Sofyan has represented several prominent clubs such as Persib Bandung (2014-2017), Bali United (2017-2019), Persikota Tangerang (2021), and Persikabo 1973 (2022-2024). In his last season with Persikabo 1973 in the 2023/2024 BRI Liga 1, Yandi managed to score 11 goals and provided two assists, despite his team being relegated to Liga 2.
Reasons for Recruiting Yandi Sofyan
Malut United’s head coach, Imran Nahumarury, stated that Yandi’s experience in Indonesia’s top-flight football was the main reason for his recruitment. “Yandi has experience playing at the highest level of Indonesian football. His experience can certainly help Malut United compete in the 2024/2025 Liga 1 season,” said Imran.
With Yandi’s arrival, Malut United hopes to gain an additional option in the attacking line. His experience and skills are expected to have a positive impact on the team that has just been promoted to Liga 1. Malut United COO Willem D. Nanlohy also added that Yandi’s presence is hoped to meet the team’s needs in the forward line.
Yandi Sofyan is Malut United’s seventh signing during their preparations for the 2024/2025 Liga 1 season. Previously, Malut United had announced the arrivals of several key players such as Muhammad Fahri (goalkeeper), Manahati Lestusen (defensive midfielder), Safrudin Tahar (defender), and Wahyu Prasetyo (defender). Additionally, two foreign players, Tatsuro Nagamatsu from Japan and Wbeymar Angulo from Brazil, have also officially joined the team.
Malut United’s management has shown their seriousness in preparing the team for the Liga 1 competition by recruiting quality players. Yandi’s presence is expected to provide more dynamic attacking options for the team known as Laskar Kie Raha.
Yandi Sofyan himself expressed his determination to fight alongside Malut United. “I am ready to fight with Malut United in Liga 1,” said Yandi. With his strong commitment, Yandi is expected to quickly adapt to the team and make a significant contribution.
As a striker who can play in various forward positions such as center forward, right winger, and left winger, Yandi offers additional flexibility to the playing schemes that head coach Imran Nahumarury will implement.
The arrival of Yandi Sofyan at Malut United is part of the team’s strategy to be competitive in the 2024/2025 Liga 1 season. With experience playing on four continents and in various leagues, Yandi is expected to become a key pillar for Laskar Kie Raha as they navigate the tough competition in Indonesia’s top-flight football.
The management and all supporters of Malut United certainly hope that this new signing can lead the team to positive results and secure their place in Liga 1. We all look forward to seeing Yandi Sofyan in action on the field and his contributions in every match played by Malut United.
