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Eka’s Departure from Persib Stuns, Angers Fans
Antony Sutton | September 23, 2011

Eka Ramdani, left, one of Persib’s most beloved players who’s been with the team for over a decade, has finally left to play in Kalimantan. (JG Photo) Eka Ramdani, left, one of Persib’s most beloved players who’s been with the team for over a decade, has finally left to play in Kalimantan. (JG Photo)
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The idea of a one club player seems as antiquated as the cold war, black and white TV and the race to the moon. Players change clubs like the rest of us change our socks, with a dull, monotonous regularity.

With its penchant for 12 month contracts, Indonesia football is especially prone to this trend, with many players switching teams mid-season.

If ever there was a player who broke that mold, it was Eka Ramdani. The 27-year-old midfielder epitomized Persib Bandung in the way Steven Gerrard is Mr. Liverpool.

Eka, who started his professional career with Persib at age 16, was worshiped by fans on the terraces – the legions of waifs were known as Bobotoh in Sundanese, the local language. When Eka ticked on the field, the team ticked. He inspired, cajoled and led Persib by his presence alone.

But despite its squad and passionate support, Persib has struggled to make any impact in recent seasons. While Sriwijaya and Persipura have all but dominated the local game, Persib has struggled to keep up, and it has seen the trophies, and the glory, pass it by.

There have been rumors of player power unseating coaches, divided dressing rooms and management interference. Last season produced a flurry of insipid performances home and away, which saw three coaches struggle to achieve mediocrity. And all the while, fans still turned up, lauding their heroes, especially Eka Ramdani.

Now, the unthinkable has happened. Eka is gone. The Indonesian international has followed his coach from last season, Daniel Roekito, and striker Cristian Gonzales to Persisam Samarinda Putra.

For fans, it was the ultimate betrayal. Life without Eka is something they’ve never considered, and they reacted with anger – Eka’s boutique in Bandung was attacked, and fans gathered outside the club offices, making vague threats suggesting it would not be safe for him to return to Bandung in his new colors.

The episode echoes of Sol Campbell moving from Tottenham to Arsenal, and effigies of the defender hanging from lamp posts outside White Hart Lane.

But the question remains: Why would this player, above all others, leave the football club?

Persib is currently getting rid of much of last season’s squad and hoping to reinvigorate the team ahead of the new season – but there was never any indication Eka would leave, and it was taken for granted that he’d stay.

Instead of finding Eka guilty in absentia, fans should ask why the most dedicated player in the history of Persib decided to suddenly leave the lackluster club.