PETALING JAYA: It just took three minutes for debutant Ramadhan Sananta to underline his prowess for Brunei as they drew 2-2 against Police in the Super League match at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday.
A darting run, a clean finish and Ramadhan had put Brunei ahead against Police.
Three minutes later, the 22-year-old Indonesian striker turned provider, slipping in a perfect pass for Miguel Oliveira to make it two.
By the sixth minute of his debut, Ramadhan had done what every striker dreams of, a goal and an assist before the opposition had even settled.
And while Police clawed their way back through Park Tae-su’s quickfire double in the second half to force a 2-2 draw, the headlines belonged to the man in Brunei yellow.
Now, the stage is set for a much bigger test.
On Tuesday (Aug 12), last season’s Super League runners-up Selangor await at the Petaling Jaya Stadium and Ramadhan is the man they will be watching closest.
"We know Selangor are a strong and big team in Malaysia. It’s not an easy task, but all the players are ready to give their best," Ramadhan said with quiet confidence.
Signed from Indonesian Liga 1 side Persis Solo, Ramadhan’s move to Brunei was to prove himself against some of South-East Asia’s best defenders.
His mission is clear: become a lethal finisher and win back his place in the Indonesian national team, where competition is fierce with the likes of Rafael Struick, Ole Romeny, Stefano Lilipaly and Ragnar Oratmangoen. Ramadhan has so far won 15 caps with Indonesia, scoring five goals.
"I’m still learning to become a good and sharp striker. Perhaps in every opportunity, I should be able to score a goal.
"I am very happy to be able to play in the Malaysian league, where we know there are many talented and quality players. And I have a strong ambition to score more goals and compete alongside other strikers."
For Selangor’s backline, that’s the danger - Ramadhan does not just get chances, he makes them happen.
Last weekend was his announcement. Next could be his statement.
