TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former coach and player of Jakarta football club Persija, Sofyan Hadi, passed away today, March 11, at the age of 69.

Sofyan, along with Kemayoran Tiger–the club’s familiar call, achieved many champion titles as the player and the trainer. While being the player, the midfielder won three titles in 1973, 1975, and 1979.

When Sofyan served as the trainer, he succeeded to take Persija as the champion in 2001 after defeated Makassar football club PSM in the final match, bringing a total of 11 titles of the highest soccer competition level in the country.

“On behalf of all Persija Jakarta management, we offer deep condolence for the passing of Sofyan Hadi. Goodbye coach, your service will never be forgotten and we will always remember it,” said Persija director Ferry Paulus as quoted from the club’s official page.

Ferry said the sad news caused sorrow to Persija. “He is respectable for contributing one star on Persija’s symbol as he won titles as a player and a trainer making Kemayoran Tiger as the top team with the most champion titles in Indonesia,” he added.

“The late Sofyan Hadi is an inspiration for all of us to love Persija Jakarta. Although he was no longer part of Persija, he often watched matches in stadiums and TV. He always prayed for Persija too,” Ferry concluded.

RINA WIDIASTUTI | PERSIJA.ID