PETALING JAYA: Ramadhan Sananta who has been under fire for his low strike rate could provide the sting for Brunei as they face an in-form Immigration at the Perlis Stadium in Kangar today.
The Wasps’ Indonesian hitman Ramadhan intends to use the heavy criticism he has faced as fuel to inspire the Borneo side to a win.
The 23-year-old, who joined Brunei from Indonesian club Persis Solo, said the brickbats he has endured will motivate him to rediscover his scoring touch.
“I’m using the criticisms as motivation to become better. I’m not focused on what’s being said outside, but on what I can improve within myself,” said the imposing Ramadhan, who stands 1.82m.
“I’m working on my weaknesses and putting in the extra work at training.”
Ramadhan, however, faces a tall order to live up to the expectations as he has only scored four goals in Brunei’s 25 matches so far.
His dry spell extends to the international stage as well as he has been singled out for blame last month after failing to find the net in two friendlies – a 4-0 win over St Kitts and Nevis and a 1-0 loss to Bulgaria.
Ramadhan has so far earned 18 caps with Indonesia, scoring six goals.
Despite the frustrating misses up front, Ramadhan remains a vital figure in Brunei coach Jamie McAllister’s attacking set-up.
His ability to hold up play and create opportunities for teammates has proven instrumental, even when he is not on the scoresheet.
His pace and movement have also caused problems for opposing defences, often drawing markers and creating space for teammates such as Jordan Murray and Hakeme Yazid Said.
Indonesia coach John Herdman has also jumped to his defence, urging fans to assess Ramadhan’s overall contribution rather than judging him solely on goals.
All that moral support could be the tonic that recharges him as Brunei, currently eighth in the league with 23 points from 21 matches, seek a win over Immigration today.
