SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Persib Bandung’s star striker, David da Silva, is back on track. The top scorer of last season’s BRI Liga 1 showcased his sharp instincts on November 9, scoring a crucial goal against Lion City Sailors in the AFC Champions League Two and helping Persib secure a thrilling 3-2 comeback victory.

Persib’s coach, Bojan Hodak, had been missing da Silva due to his recent injury. During his absence, the team relied on Dimas Drajad and Ciro Alves for offensive support, but Hodak views da Silva’s recent performance as a promising sign. 

“David isn’t completely fit, so I only played him for 45 minutes, but he performed well in those 25-30 minutes,” said Hodak, underscoring da Silva’s immediate impact.

Hodak remains cautious as da Silva works back to full health. The coach recognizes that the recovery process requires patience and constant monitoring, especially after an injury that kept the forward sidelined for several matches.

“It’s normal when a striker has been injured for a while; there’s always that worry about re-injury,” Hodak explained, reflecting his experience managing players' recoveries. The Croatian coach has been coordinating closely with the medical team, ensuring that da Silva’s return is smooth and effective.

Hodak is optimistic that da Silva will soon return to peak form. The Brazilian forward, who scored 30 goals last season, was not only the league’s top scorer but also a key player who drove Persib’s success in BRI Liga 1.

“I hope he can return to his best because he’s a crucial player,” Hodak stated. Even last season, da Silva had a slow start before finding his rhythm and finishing strong, amassing an impressive 30 goals.

Persib fans, the Bobotoh, eagerly await da Silva’s full comeback. His return to form could be a game-changer as Persib sets its sights on another successful season in BRI Liga 1.

Writer: Fariz Ahmad Luthfi