As is commonly known, Malang's pride and joy football team, Arema Cronous Indonesia, has become the champion in the 2013 East Java Governor's Cup competition. The team with the lion's head logo managed to defeat Persebaya Surabaya with a score of 1-0 in the final match held on Tuesday (24/12) at the Bumimoro field in Surabaya.
In the evening, thousands of Arema's fanatic supporters, namely Aremania and Aremanita welcomed the team's arrival by holding a convoy around Malang City. This achievement is Arema's first trophy since being trained by Suharno, ahead of the 2014 Indonesia Super League (ISL) competition season.
Related to this, after a trial match with a team from Malaysia, Trengganu FC, at Kanjuruhan Stadium, Kepanjen, Malang Regency, Thursday (26/12), the East Java Governor's trophy was paraded around the field. The procession began with the symbolic handover of the permanent trophy from the head of PT Guna Bangun Persada, Agus Soerjanto to Arema manager, Iwan Budianto.
After that, it was the turn of Arema's honorary president, Rendra Kresna who is also the Regent of Malang, to hand over the rotating trophy of the East Java Governor's Cup to Arema's manager Iwan Budianto. Arema's captain in the East Java Governor's Cup final match, Ahmad Bustomi also had the honor of symbolically receiving the rotating trophy from Arema's president. A few moments later, the two trophies were paraded around the field.
From the sidelines, thousands of Arema and Aremanita were seen happily welcoming and cheering proudly when the players, coaches and Arema officials paraded the two trophies. The Arema players took turns brandishing the trophies while jogging and occasionally being immortalized by the media crew. The atmosphere was very lively at that time from the faces of everyone in the stadium.
Arema President, Rendra Kresna said that his party was very proud of what Arema achieved this time. According to the bespectacled man, all of this was a source of pride, because winning the championship requires a persistent and hard struggle. "Arema children, coaches and all officials have fought as hard as they can, and the results are very maximal," said Rendra when met after the event.
"This is a good start for Arema before undergoing the ISL competition later. Apart from that, Arema must perform better and not be satisfied and complacent with what has been achieved so far. However, we are optimistic that Arema will be able to give their best in every competition. Support from all parties is needed, especially from the supporters who have always been loyal in providing support," added Rendra.
The same thing was also conveyed by Arema coach, Suharno who said that his party was very grateful to God Almighty for this achievement. "In the future, Arema must be better, so that it can achieve other champions. I will continue to try to give my best. We can achieve anything if we are willing to work hard and be disciplined. This champion's trophy is for all of us, namely Arema and Aremania," he explained. (say/dmb)
