Stefano Lilipaly reveals reasons for joining Semen Padang

Semen Padang player Stefano Lilipaly has revealed his reasons for agreeing to join the club nicknamed Kabau Sirah for Indonesia’s Liga 2, or the 2026/27 Championship.

Lilipaly said the strong reason he was willing to join Semen Padang was their big ambition this season to win the Championship and return to playing in the top tier of Liga 1 Indonesia, or the 2027/28 Super League.

“They want to be champions, and that is good. And I want to help Semen Padang return to Liga 1. That is also an advantage for me,” said Lilipaly when met by media at the team launch event in Alam Sutera, Tangerang, on Tuesday.

Semen Padang are the first second-tier Indonesian club Lilipaly has played for. Previously, the player born in Arnhem, the Netherlands, had always played for Liga 1 Indonesia clubs, starting with Persija Jakarta, Bali United, Borneo FC, and most recently Dewa United Banten FC.

Lilipaly has also earned 33 caps for the Indonesian national team since his debut in August 2013 against the Philippines. His last match for the Garuda squad was against Lebanon in September last year.

“This is very suitable for me, I also want to be a champion. Hopefully I can make the best contribution to this team this year. Together we can bring this team back to Liga 1,” he said.

Regarding the title target, Lilipaly believes his team can achieve it. As a former Indonesian national team player, he is not alone. The team also includes other names who have played for the Garuda squad, including Ilija Spasojevic, Rezaldi Hehanusa, and Hargianto.

“I am here at Semen Padang, speaking about targets, I really believe we can be champions. Then, the most important thing is that next year we can be in Liga 1, and that is the most important thing,” he said.

In the 2026/27 Championship, Semen Padang, who are in Group A, will begin the competition on 13 September against hosts Persiraja Banda Aceh at Haji Dimurthala Stadium, Banda Aceh.