Jakarta – Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung’s aggressive overhaul of its foreign player roster midway through the 2025/26 Super League season is yielding immediate dividends. The arrival of six international players has demonstrably boosted the performance of “The Guardian,” propelling them up the league standings.
Moussa Sidibe, Hendry Doumbia, Privat Mbarga, Alan Cardoso, Sho Yamamoto, and Ryo Matsumura were brought in to revitalize a team that had struggled to find consistency in the first half of the campaign. The investment appears to be paying off handsomely.
The team recently completed a successful sweep of their East Java tour, securing victories against Persebaya Surabaya and Persik Kediri. These wins represent a significant turning point for Bhayangkara, signaling a potential resurgence in the latter stages of the season.
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Moussa Sidibe has quickly established himself as a key player, contributing two goals and three assists in just five appearances. Doumbia and Mbarga have also made significant contributions in attack, adding further firepower to the Bhayangkara lineup.
“The new players have adapted very quickly,” said Bhayangkara coach Paul Munster. “They are working hard to understand each other’s game, and the chemistry is starting to build.”
Despite the recent success, Munster is keen to maintain a sense of perspective. “This represents still a step-by-step process,” he cautioned. “This will be the Bhayangkara mentality. I want the players to remain humble.”
The points gained from these recent victories have propelled Bhayangkara to eighth place in the Super League standings with 32 points, overtaking both Arema FC and Bali United. This climb demonstrates the immediate impact of the new signings and suggests a potential push for a top-five finish.
Statistical Overview of Bhayangkara’s New Foreign Players:
- Moussa Sidibe
5 matches, 2 goals, 3 assists - Hendry Doumbia
5 matches, 2 goals, 1 assist - Privat Mbarga
5 matches, 3 goals, 2 assists - Ryo Matsumura
2 matches, 2 assists - Sho Yamamoto
3 matches - Alan Cardoso
2 matches
Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung’s promotion from Liga 2 to the Super League for the 2025/2026 season came with a clear ambition: to continue the club’s tradition of competing at the top level. The club’s launch event, held on , at the Sumpah Pemuda Stadium in Bandar Lampung, signaled their intent. The team unveiled its new jersey and squad, demonstrating a commitment to building a competitive force.
The club’s COO, Sumardji, emphasized that Bhayangkara wasn’t content with simply surviving in the Super League. “We have prepared seriously with stadium improvements, the recruitment of quality players, and early preparation,” he stated. The acquisition of ten foreign players – Moises Gaucho, Stjepan Plazonja, Christian Ilic, Slavko Damjanovic, Andres Nieto, Nehar Sadiki, Leonardo da Silva, Dejan Racic, Fareed Sadat, and Shanyder Borgelin – underscored this commitment.
The team’s initial target is to finish in the top five, with a top-three finish considered a bonus. This ambition is rooted in the club’s history of success, having won the Liga 1 title in 2017 and consistently competing at the top of the table in subsequent seasons. While a dip in form occurred in the 2022/23 season, the club is determined to return to its winning ways.
The move to Bandar Lampung and the adoption of the Sumpah Pemuda Stadium as their home ground represent a new chapter for the club. The club aims to not only compete at a high level but also to contribute to the development of football in the Lampung province, hoping to inspire the local community.
The recent influx of talent, coupled with a clear strategic vision, positions Bhayangkara Presisi Lampung as a team to watch in the remainder of the 2025/2026 Super League season. Their ability to maintain this momentum and build upon their recent successes will be crucial as they strive to achieve their ambitious goals.
