The Indonesia Soccer Championship resumes today,  with some exciting matches across the country,  but all focus will be at the 15,000-seater Stadion Gelora Bangkalan, where fans will gather to watch two of Liberia’s international players battle each other.

For the first time in the Indonesia Championship, football fans are expected to watch newcomer Dirkir Glay go against league veteran Eric Weeks.

Weeks, who had just returned to Indonesia with Madura United, will welcome Dirkir Glay’s Persiba Balikpapan that has so far struggled in its current league campaign. From their last five league matches, Balikpapan has managed just a single win, two draws, and two defeats while Weeks’ Madura United has managed two wins, two draws and a defeat from their opening five matches.

Despite the weak form of Persiba Balikpapan, Glay is expecting a victory, although he is anticipating a tough game.

“Since the league opener, the results had not been coming our way. We have played very well, but always unlucky [not] to win, except our last game before the international break. This time around, we are not going away to drop points, but to win. We are strong enough, and we are very optimistic about a win. It will be a tough match, but we are confident of getting nothing less than victory,” Glay said.

When asked about his feelings going against Weeks for the first time, Glay expressed confidence, saying, “It will be a great experience for me going against Weeks, but I won’t offer him an easy ride. We are excellent friends. Since I came to Indonesia, he helped me settle down before he left for Malaysia. I was just a stranger here. Now, it’s all about football. He will be defending his team, while I will be defending mine. As a defender, I won’t be taking anything for granted because I know how dangerous he is in attack. Although it will be a great experience for me, but there will be no friendship until the 90 minutes ends.”

Eric Weeks spent seven years in Indonesia where he played for four distinguished clubs before moving to the Malaysian Super League club Perak FA on a six-month contract back in January. After his short spell in Malaysia, he returned to Indonesia after signing with Madura United.

Weeks, who featured in Madura’s last league match against Persib Bandung before the FIFA international break, told The Bush Chicken he is happy to be back in Indonesia and wants to help Madura win. The left-footed winger refused to predict the match result but stated it will be a difficult one.

“For now, I can’t tell you who will win. The only thing I can say is that it will be a difficult one.  Both teams have to be careful. Persiba has not been in good form. Probably, they will fight for a win to put their season on track. We will do our best to get the three points at home,” Weeks said.

 Featured photo courtesy of Eric Weeks.