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Being a club’s top scorer apparently does not earn one much loyalty these days.

Despite leading his club with 25 goals in all competitions and helping it retain the Copa Indonesia title, Claude Ngon A Djam is on the way out at Sriwijaya FC after the club decided not to extend his contract.

Sriwijaya also decided not to retain Richard Anoure Obiora, who was named the best player at the Copa Indonesia. The two Cameroonians joined countryman Joel Jacques Tsimi, who left for newly promoted Persisam Samarinda, in leaving the 2007 double winners.

With their departure, Sriwijaya has two imports left on its roster — club captain and striker Keith Kayamba Gumbs and playmaker Zah Rahan Kranggar.

Coach Rahmad Darmawan said the decision was made based on the Asian Football Confederation’s new “3 plus 2” rule.

“I really didn’t want to lose them, but the decision had to be made and it is for the team’s best interest,” Rahmad said on Sunday, refusing to elaborate.

The new rule, recently adopted by the Indonesian Football Association, states that clubs may have three foreign players of any nationality. The other two spots are reserved for players from AFC member nations.

Ngon A Djam said he was upset with the decision.

“I’m disappointed because the coach didn’t talk or negotiate with me first,” the 29-year-old said. “Sriwijaya’s management also has yet to give me the bonus money they’d promised for the Copa Indonesia victory. It is so unprofessional. This makes me think twice about playing in Indonesia again.”

The striker has reportedly drawn interest from several clubs, with his agent naming Shandong Luneng of China, Japan’s Urawa Reds and French Ligue 1 side Grenoble among potential suitors. Indonesian Super League clubs Persisam and Persib Bandung are also reportedly interested.

Rahmad said he submitted a list of six possible replacements to club management and confirmed one of the names is Persija Jakarta midfielder Greg Nwokolo.

Greg’s agent, Eddy Syahputra, said the Nigerian has received offers from Sriwijaya and Pelita Jaya.

Sriwijaya technical director Hendri Zainuddin said the club has also talked with Nigeria-born Singaporean striker Agu Casmir.

“Casmir wants Rp 1.5 billion for a one-year contract, and we’re still considering his demand because it is higher than our Rp 1.2 billion limit for foreign players,” he said.

Persisam is not the only promoted side making waves. Persebaya Surabaya has reportedly approached Persipura Jayapura coach Jacksen Tiago, who was the coach for Persebaya’s Indonesia League titles in 2004 and 2007, about leading the club again.

The Brazilian had an “informal meeting” last weekend in Surabaya with Persebaya chairman Cholid Goromah.

ISL

Antara, JG