Thousands of soccer fans cheered President'€™s Cup champion Persib Bandung in a victory parade beginning with a religious ritual of rain-seeking Islamic prayers at the City Park on Sunday.

During the occasion Bandung Mayor Ridwan Kamil announced a charity collection of Rp 250 million (US$18,364), to be donated to pollution-plagued victims in Sumatra and Kalimantan.

'€œThe donation and prayers are a token of gratitude for the victory,'€ Ridwan said, adding that the collection of funds would continue next week.

Persib won the inaugural President'€™s Cup after defeating Sriwijaya FC 2-0 in the final at the Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta last week.

A release of six pigeons closed the ritual as the congregation hoped that rain would fall soon to end the prolonged drought season.

'€œBandung is also dry, but the prayers are inclusive for areas affected by the smoke haze,'€ the mayor said.

The parade started at the Kota Baru Parahyangan in the Bandung Regency with the team members being escorted on City Tour buses, locally called Bandros. The motorcade ended at Tegallega field where thousands of bobotoh, the nickname of Persib fans, had flocked since morning.

A number of school students held a convoy despite a police warning against it, issued for fear of traffic jams.

'€œI'€™m enthusiastic about convoying with friends,'€ Rendo, 16, said.

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