Another Indonesian celebrity has involved themselves with the country’s footballing scene after up-and-coming actress Prilly Latucosina completed her takeover of Liga 3 Indonesia side Persikota Tangerang on Sunday. The 25-year old put pen into paper the agreement that saw her assume complete control of the Bayi Ajaib, who won this year’s Liga 3 Banten that sent them into the national round of the 2021/22 Liga 3 season.
Ganteng Ganteng Serigala and Danur star Prilly have officially succeeded fellow celebrity Gading Marten as Persikota owner, becoming the first female celebrity to own a football club in Indonesia in the process. It is unknown whether Gading will still be involved with Persikota underneath Prilly’s leadership, however, the actor is currently working as the vice president of Liga 1 club Persik Kediri’s marketing department, as well as serving as president of Indonesia Basketball League side West Bandits Solo.
Once she had officially become the owner of Persikota, Prilly could not hide her excitement on social media.
“Women can do it too! I’m delighted to announce that I’m officially the owner of Persikota Tangerang,” Prilly posted on her Instagram, “I’ll do my best to return Persikota to their glory days!”
In her Instagram post, Prilly also stated her ambitions of taking Persikota up the Indonesian football pyramid into the promised land that is the Liga 1.
“I hope in the next few years Persikota could reach the Liga 1 and win the top-flight title,” Prilly wrote, “Nothing is impossible!”
Born and raised in Tangerang, Prilly became interested in owning a football club in Indonesia after witnessing her country’s superb run in the recently-concluded 2020 AFF Championship. Despite finishing as runners-up for a record sixth time, Shin Tae-yong’s charges managed to reignite a dwindling enthusiasm towards Indonesian football, with Prilly becoming one such individual inspired by the Timnas Garuda.
“We started communicating with Prilly after the 2020 AFF Championship,” said Persikota manager Mahdiar, “As a Tangerang native, she’s very motivated in helping her hometown club.”
With her ownership of Persikota, Prilly joins a list of Indonesian public figures who involved themselves with the country’s footballing scene. Prior to Prilly and Gading, there was Raffi Ahmad who co-owns RANS Cilegon FC, Atta Halilintar who co-owns AHHA PS Pati, and Kaesang Pangarep, son of Indonesian president Joko Widodo, who holds control over Persis Solo.