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Issue: Okto could play in Europe: ESPN
Jan
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an. 1, Online
ESPN Soccernet has selected Indonesian winger Oktovianus Maniani as an Asian soccer player that could play in Europe thanks to his entertaining dribbling ability, which looks similar to Manchester United star Ryan Giggs.
Okto burst on to the regional scene at the recent AFF Suzuki Cup, in which Indonesia made the final before being defeated by Malaysia, ESPN columnist John Duerden said Sunday.
“Oktavianus is certainly fun to watch as he hares down the left flank, and, at the tender age of 20, is only going to improve. If the “Indonesian Ryan Giggs” is to match up to the original, he needs to follow in his footsteps and find a consistent end product. Still very raw, but that just makes him all the more exciting,” Duerden wrote on the ESPN website.
Other Asian talents on Duerden’s list include Deng Zhuoxiang of China and Koo Ja-cheol of South Korea.
Your comments:
It is a great pity that PSSI or even regional soccer teams in Indonesia waste so much money and time hiring foreign or imported players. On the contrary, there are so many young, talented, and skilled and natural players in Papua province of Indonesia.
Oktovianus Maniani is just one of those black pearls.
But we need a great leader such as the late (former) governor Acub Zainal to recognize and mentally lead these raw natural players to change the image of Indonesia through sports.
Hopefully the next Miss World from Indonesia will not be recruited from overseas either.
Indonesia Raya (great Indonesia), where is your “pride” and “dignity”?
Come on Garuda, keep flying!
Henk Rumbewas
Sydney, Australia
You’re a great soccer player, indeed, Okto!
We were proud of you even before the ESPN Soccernet stated this.
Hopefully your skills won’t be “used” by those politicians merely for their benefit.
Amelia Winnie
Jakarta
Well done Okto. Do well, guy. I hope to see you in Serie A, Bundesliga, Premier League, or whichever European team hires you.
You have our support to go international, Okto. Do your best and God will do the rest.
Hendro
Banda Aceh
I think Okto is one of the best wingers Indonesia has ever had. Keep going with your talent and achievement and please keep away from being utilized by politicians for their campaign interests. Europe’s leagues are a good possibility ahead for you.
Well done Okto, I am really proud of you.
Alue Dohong
Palangka Raya, C. Kalimantan
Okto is indeed a quality player,
and Indonesia also still has other great players. They have hidden talents.
Hopefully, Okto will open further opportunities for other players from Indonesia.
Erik Saputra
Pelalawan, Riau
A great talented player who could be a star.
Ozi
Jakarta
He is very talented player with tremendous skills. I hope he will develop his talent by playing in other countries especially in Europe.
I hope he will take the national team to its highest achievement.
Azkiya
Jakarta
Okto, I am very proud of you.
I hope you can improve your play and make it perfect. With practice and effort, I believe you can do it.
Ruben Hamadi
London
He is a good player. It was sad that he could not perform at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium (in the second leg of the AFF Cup finals).
Naim Mulana
Selangor, Malaysia
We are proud of you, dude, and Indonesia. Definitely!
Joshy
Sydney
