Having been a mainstay of the PSM Makassar side that won its first league title since 2000, Rizky Eka Pratama has become a key player in the Indonesian side’s revival in both domestic and continental competitions in recent times.
Born in Bone Regency in South Sulawesi, Rizky moved to the capital of the province, Makassar, at a young age and has been with the club for the entirety of his professional career and he is now targeting winning a first major international trophy, the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™, for PSM.
“I can’t wait for the Shopee Cup to begin. It is going to be tough but we will give our best. We are sure it will be a great experience for us,” said Rizky in an exclusive interview with ASEAN United FC.
“We always win and lose together and our biggest strength in the Shopee Cup will be that we believe and support each other.”
That belief had been pivotal for the club in the 2022-23 Liga 1 season when they finished nine points ahead of Persija Jakarta to end their long wait for a second league title.
Rizky played in 28 league matches for PSM and was one of the most versatile players in the team, predominantly featuring as a left winger, but also played as a right winger and left-back when needed, proving to be an invaluable asset for Bernardo Tavares’ side.
"I felt over the moon during the Makassar trophy tour after we won our first league title in 23 years. It was an unforgettable moment and I can’t describe it with words," he recalled.
“I am very happy and proud to have achieved this (winning the league title) after being with the club since my youth career. It gives me plenty of joy and happiness when I think about it.
“The journey with PSM Makassar wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family and parents.”
It has indeed been a wonderful ride for Rizky, and he even scored a rare but important goal against Singaporean side Tampines Rovers en route to PSM reaching the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal Final in 2022.
