Ceres shoots for repeat over Persija

JAKARTA—Ceres-Negros star Stephan Schrock has played in front of some of the most passionate and lively crowds when he was still in Europe.

That experience should help him as he and the rest of the Busmen go up against Indonesia’s most popular club, Persija Jakarta, on Tuesday in Group G of the AFC Cup in this populous capital city.

Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in Manila) with the Busmen looking to close in on a spot in the knockout stage at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, which can seat 80,000 fans.

Schrock is already familiar with rabid Indonesian football fans because of his post on social media during last year’s AFF Suzuki Cup that took a swipe at comments made by then national coach Bima Sakti about the Azkals being “half-bloods.”

Persija coach Ivan Kolev likened Ceres to a European team. “This is not a squad from the Philippines, they are trained in Europe and are like European players,” the Bulgarian coach said.

Schrock is prepared for the hostile response from Persija fans, especially with the Indonesians needing a victory to get back on track in their group.

The Busmen are in a strong position to qualify for the zonal semifinals for the third straight year after winning their first three matches, including a 1-0 triumph over Persija at Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City three weeks ago.

“These are the type of matches you want to play,” said Schrock. “We welcome the challenge. It’s not just me against the other team, but the rest of Ceres.”