PETALING JAYA: Looks like national centreback Junior Eldstal is looking to challenge himself in another top league in South-East Asia after joining Indonesian club Dewa United on loan from Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
After playing in the Malaysian Super League and Thai League One in the past, the Malaysian international looks forward to showcasing his abilities as a defender in the football-crazy nation of Indonesia.
The 31-year-old, who is also capable of playing as a defensive midfielder, revealed that after his six-month loan, he will sign on permanently for the Indonesian club until the end of the season, which is mid-2024.
Before the Dewa United offer came, Junior was exploring options in Thailand or returning to JDT.
“After the last national call up we had to head back to our house in Thailand from last season. We were debating as a family to head back to Johor but this deal came up and it felt right,” said the former Sarawak player.
“A new challenge and a new league. The deal was done through both my agent and the club agent in Indonesia.
“The deal was longer term as they’ve agreed to take my contract over once my contract in Johor was finished. At this age, security for my family is key.
“I also can see that a lot of investment has gone into the Indonesian league this year and it’s heading onwards and upwards and a club with big ambition. This will be nice to be a part of.”
Junior revealed that he decided to join Dewa United as they are under the tutelage of Dutch coach Jan Olde Riekerink, who used to train players at the Ajax Academy and went on to train European sides like Gent (Belgium), Galatasaray (Turkey) and SC Heerenveen (Holland).
“This was a big pull for me. To work under Jan who has been influential at huge clubs in Europe. I’m a player who still has a lot in the tank and I needed a team who still believe in me. Dewa has shown a lot of faith and I hope I can repay them for that.
Most importantly, Junior wants to ensure that his move would lead to consistent call-ups to Harimau Malaya in the future.
“My relationship with Coach Kim (Pan-gon) is great and he supports my move and we hope it will be beneficial for both club and country.”
