by Antony Sutton
Persipura Jayapura v Chonburi - AFC Cup
13th April, 2011
Persipura Jayapura's impressive start in the 2011 Asian Football Confederation Cup will be put to the test today against Thai side Chonburi in a home match at Mandala Stadium. The two sides share the lead in their group with four points from their opening two games, both having won their home games and drawn their away legs. Chonburi, however, is no pushover, as one of the strongest teams in the burgeoning Thai Premier League. This will be a good test of how far Persipura has come on the international stage after last season's disastrous AFC Champions League campaign.
The Sharks bring a side to Indonesia brimming with experience and internationals. Perhaps the best-known member of Chonburi to fans of Indonesian football is goalkeeper Sinthaweechai Thathairattanakool, better known (thankfully) as Kosin. The Thai international keeper played with Persib Bandung for a spell and could at least advise his teammates on what to expect playing out in Papua. Another familiar name is Therdsak Chaiman, a gifted and respected midfielder.
Chonburi is a hard team to hate. It was notably the first team in Thailand to veer away from the cutthroat business model that made the domestic league unpopular. While other clubs were preoccupied with drawing in serious cash, Chonburi focused on solidifying its fan base. It helped, of course, that in their early days, the Sharks enjoyed plenty of success, winning the TPL in 2007 and were consistent runners-up in the next couple of seasons.
Chonburi's crowds are impressive. Attendances average between 8,000 and 10,000 for home games, while 1,500 or so manage to go to away games. While the numbers may be on par with an Indonesian second-tier club, Chonburi leaves its counterparts in the dust when it comes to revenue streams, with retail outlets at the stadium full to overflowing on matchday. Merchandise sales can be up to two-thirds of gate receipts. Most Indonesian clubs lack any kind of communication with their supporters and any merchandise they have are sold by sidewalk vendors.
Steve Darby has spent the last three years in Thailand working with the national team and has had plenty of opportunities to see Chonburi up close. "Chonburi have been playing well recently, some excellent passing on their quality pitch, and look a very well-organized and tactically disciplined team", the Englishman said.
Forward Adul Lahso epitomizes the Chonburi approach: aggressive and willing to work his way up. Darby was also impressed by defender Anucha Kitpongsri, whom he called "a revelation". Chonburi and Persipura have undoubted talent. It would be great for Southeast Asian football if both teams could make it through to the knockout rounds.
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