Kuala Lumpur City FC (“KLCFC”), a distinguished football club recently celebrated as Asia’s second-best team in the AFC Cup, now under the financial umbrella of Rinani Group Berhad (“Rinani” or “the Company”), has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with PT Persija Jaya Jakarta (“PERSIJA”).
This collaborative initiative aims to advance football development and strengthen cultural ties between the cities of Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta.
Rinani’s director Azri Azerai said, “As part of the Rinani family, KLCFC continues to be a trailblazer in the sporting arena. This partnership signifies our commitment to fostering both football development and international goodwill.”
Azri further added, “Through this collaboration, we are excited to cultivate and showcase emerging talent from both sides. We believe that sport is a universal language, and what better way to connect our communities than through a shared passion for football.”
The MoU acknowledges the significant role of nurturing young football talent and fostering the sport’s growth. KLCFC and PERSIJA will explore joint initiatives that encompass ongoing training programmes in Indonesia and Malaysia, organising football camps either under the PERSIJA brand or co-branded with KLCFC, and facilitating visits by the KLCFC team to PERSIJA’s training facilities in Indonesia for friendlies and pre-season preparations.
Beyond the pitch, the collaboration aims to reinforce the cultural and sports ties between Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. Both clubs are committed to enhancing these connections through football-related events and activities, promoting goodwill and understanding between the respective cities and fostering camaraderie among fans, players, and officials.
The MoU also outlines plans for friendly matches. A date for a match in Kuala Lumpur remains to be confirmed, with PERSIJA committing to hosting a return friendly match in Jakarta. Details will be provided in accordance with the MoU’s terms.
To ensure the sustainability and growth of this alliance, Azri confirmed that representatives from KLCFC and PT Persija Jaya Jakarta will meet at least once a year to review the progress of the collaborative efforts and explore areas for future expansion.