Marcilio Calls on Bobotoh to Fill GBLA for Persib’s Home Opener vs Semen Padang

Persib Bandung’s new forward, William Marcilio, has called on the club’s passionate supporters — Bobotoh — to fill the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium as Maung Bandung prepares to kick off its 2025/26 Super League campaign this Saturday, August 9, against Semen Padang.

The fixture marks Persib’s first home opener at GBLA since 2023, and Marcilio hopes it will set the tone for a strong season.

Fan support key to Marcilio’s decision to join Persib

The Brazilian striker, signed ahead of the new season, emphasized that the club’s passionate home crowd was one of the main reasons he joined Maung Bandung.

“The energy came from them, putting pressure on the opponent and pushing us to keep going throughout the match. This was something different,” Marcilio said during a media session in Bandung on Thursday, according to reports.

“Let’s make history from the start,” says Marcilio

Marcilio, who recently scored the winning goal in a friendly against Western Sydney Wanderers, hopes to build early momentum in the league — driven by the energy of the supporters.

“I’m honored to play with the support of Bobotoh in the stands, and I know how their presence impacts the game,” he said.

“For the first match, we need that kind of strength more than usual. When Bobotoh are with us, we’ll be stronger. So let’s fill the stadium and together, let’s make history from the start.”

Beckham Putra highlights improved team chemistry

Meanwhile, midfielder Beckham Putra Nugraha expressed confidence in the squad’s readiness. The 23-year-old said the team has shown noticeable improvement following their recent training camp in Thailand.

According to Beckham, one of the biggest positives heading into the season is the improved chemistry among players.

“We’ve been together for quite some time and know each other well,” Beckham said.

“We played quite well and were compact from the back to the front.”

Key takeaways from Persib’s preseason

Beckham highlighted three main improvements the team has made during the preseason:

• Stronger understanding among teammates

• Better coordination between defense and attack

• Positive performance against Western Sydney Wanderers

Wearing jersey number 7, Beckham is expected to play a pivotal role in midfield this season, helping Persib control the tempo and link up effectively with attackers like Marcilio.

Momentum building ahead of crucial home opener

With the combination of Marcilio’s attacking presence and Beckham’s midfield control, Persib is aiming for a strong start in front of their home fans.

Marcilio’s message reflects the growing excitement ahead of Saturday’s clash — and the importance of Bobotoh in making GBLA a fortress once again.