In April 2015, Indonesia’s sports minister suspended the country’s top league after their football association held a congress the minister considered void.
In response, the football association put a halt to the league, disappointing supporters, clubs, and players.
After almost a year of conflict, both bodies have come to a conclusion and decided to start a new league season that kicked off this weekend.
The decision to start a new league season will also benefit Liberian international center defender Dikir Glay, who is set to make his debut in the league for Persatuan Sepak Bola Indon Balikpapan, the former club of compatriot, Ansu Toure.
The team will travel away at Arema Cronus FC to honor their opening fixture for the new league season.
After months of trial with Balikpapan, Glay signed a deal that will keep him at the club until December 2016.
The 23-year old told The Bush Chicken that he’s ready for the new challenge, and he’s willing to work harder to move up to another level.
“I’m really happy to be here. Balikpapan is an important club, and this is a big challenge for me. There will be a lot of expectations on me, but not pressure,†he said. “They have followed my performance from Kenya and the national team. They know what I am capable of, but this is a new challenge for me as I’m a new player here.”
The former Thika United defender has quickly admitted that he’s going to work and help his team win trophies.
“I’m happy that Balikpapan Club and the coach have confidence in me and that’s an important thing a player should have,†he said.
Before joining Balikpapan, Glay moved to Kenya premier league side Thika United in 2011 after a brief spell with Liberia first division club Watanga Football Club.
After a year at Thika, Glay was handed a trial by the Albanian top tier club F.K Tirana. However, a deal was not agreed upon, and he had to return to Thika in 2012.
Upon his return, he played two league seasons with Thika before moving to Kenya’s most successful club, Gor Mahai.
His time at Gor Mahai was not fruitful as the club released him before the end of the 2014-2015 Kenya league season.
After being released, Glay was handed a trial by South African Premiership side Mpumalanga Black Aces FC but failed to strike a deal.
He made his debut for Liberia’s national team on June 14, 2015, in Liberia’s 2-1 loss away at Togo. Since his debut, he has played and won seven caps for the Liberia national team.
Featured photo courtesy of Dikir Glay
