SPASO: Naturalisasi Bukan Sebatas Lisensi | Beyond Series

Summary

This video features Ilyas, a player for Bali United and the Indonesian National Team, sharing his journey from Montenegro to Indonesia. He reflects on his football career, his love for Indonesia, and his decision to become an Indonesian citizen. Ilyas discusses his experiences playing in various countries, the challenges of adapting to Indonesian football, and his passion for helping advance the sport in the country. He also speaks about the importance of mental strength, the influence of football idols like Muhammad Ali, and his future goals within the sport, particularly his desire to win more championships.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ilyas, a professional footballer from Montenegro, has played for Bali United and the Indonesian National Team.
• 😀 Ilyas' nickname 'Spaso' was given to him by the Georgian media, and he uses it as motivation to keep scoring goals.
• 😀 Ilyas emphasizes the importance of perseverance, even in tough times when supporters show impatience.
• 😀 He shares his experience playing in the Greek Championship with Panathinaikos, and how it taught him the impact of passionate fans.
• 😀 Ilyas highlights the differences in football culture between Europe and Indonesia, stating that Indonesian fans and players are very welcoming.
• 😀 After playing in Europe, Ilyas fell in love with Indonesia and made the decision to become an Indonesian citizen in 2017.
• 😀 He is proud of Indonesia's unity despite cultural, religious, and ethnic differences, calling it his 'home.'
• 😀 Ilyas reflects on the breakup of Yugoslavia and the impact it had on the region, expressing regret over the lost unity.
• 😀 He has set personal and team goals, including winning the Indonesian football league and qualifying for the AFC.
• 😀 Ilyas plans to remain in football after his playing career, possibly as a coach or in the technical side of the sport, due to his lifelong passion for the game.

Q & A

What motivated Ilyas to move to Indonesia and play football there?

Ilyas was initially uncertain about his decision to move to Indonesia, but when he arrived, he was impressed by the stadiums, good players, and the football prospects in the country. He saw Indonesia as having extraordinary football potential.

How did Ilyas adapt to the Indonesian football culture?

Ilyas adapted well to the Indonesian football culture by understanding the local players' mentality and adjusting his approach. He learned not to take criticism personally and changed the way he communicated with players, focusing on positive reinforcement.

Why did Ilyas decide to become an Indonesian citizen?

Ilyas felt at home in Indonesia, where he was warmly accepted by the people. He was proud of the country's unity despite its diversity, and in 2017, he became an Indonesian citizen as a reflection of his deep connection to the country.

What was Ilyas’s relationship with the Indonesian supporters?

Ilyas appreciates the passion of Indonesian supporters, acknowledging that while they can be impatient, it reflects their belief in him. He views their criticism as a source of motivation to improve and continue scoring goals.

How does Ilyas view the differences between Indonesia and his homeland, Montenegro?

Ilyas values the unity in Indonesia, where people from different religions, tribes, and languages come together as one. He contrasts this with the division and conflicts that took place in his homeland, Montenegro, due to political and social issues.

What is Ilyas’s most memorable football experience?

Ilyas recalls playing against strong teams like Panathinaikos in Greece during a championship qualification, where the intense atmosphere and large crowds left a lasting impact on him. He was particularly struck by the enormity of the experience in front of 70,000 spectators.

What does football mean to Ilyas beyond just a career?

Football is a way of life for Ilyas. It's not just a hobby or work for him; it's an integral part of his existence. He has been involved in football from a young age and plans to stay connected to the sport, even possibly as a coach or technical director after retiring.

What is Ilyas’s long-term goal in Indonesian football?

Ilyas aims to win the Indonesian league championship 10 times before retiring. He is focused on helping Bali United defend their title and is committed to consistently scoring goals and contributing to the team’s success.

How did Ilyas handle his transition from playing in Europe to playing in Indonesia?

Ilyas initially faced doubts about his career choice when moving from Europe to Indonesia. However, he quickly adapted, recognizing the opportunities in Indonesian football. He began to enjoy the challenges and opportunities that came with playing in Indonesia.

What is Ilyas’s approach to overcoming criticism and personal challenges?

Ilyas uses criticism as a tool for self-improvement. He has learned to focus on his mental strength, viewing setbacks as normal in football, and focusing on working hard to achieve his goals. His belief in mental strength and stability has helped him navigate personal and professional challenges.