'Magic' to come next year

'Magic' to come next year

JAKARTA (JP): Former NBA legend Earvin "Magic" Johnson is
expected to visit Indonesia early next year for a friendly match,
a source said yesterday.

Johnson, who was banned from entering Indonesia in January
1994 because he suffered from HIV, and his team - the Magic
Johnson All Stars - are to challenge Indonesia's national team
and Aspac, the winner of the NBA-like Kobatama league, at the
Senayan Indoor Stadium on Jan. 8 and Jan. 9.

The source said that the organizers are still waiting for an
official permit from the State Minister for Youth Affairs and
Sports Office before promoting the event to the public.

The permit is expected to be issued this week but the
organizers may have to wait until next week, the source said.

Johnson was a star for the LA Lakers before retiring after
contracting HIV. He was a member of the first Dream Team in the
1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona which easily won the gold medal.

Johnson is scheduled to arrive on Jan. 6 or Jan. 7, the source
said. (yan)