BEHIND every leader, there is a long journey filled with struggles and challenges. Hamka Hamzah, the legendary Indonesian footballer, is a true example of such a journey. Born in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on January 29, 1984, young Hamka spent his days playing football in narrow alleys, using sandals as goalposts.
That was the beginning of a young boy's big dream, which would later inspire millions.
All football life was born in Makassar, at the Karebosi field.
At the age of 11, Hamka began to seriously pursue football by joining the Bangau Putra Football School (SSB). The dream of becoming a professional player became more tangible. A historic moment occurred when he served as a ball boy during a PSM Makassar match at Karebosi Stadium. Watching his idol play on the field gave him an extra boost.
Joining the national team was initially just a dream. It was just a ball boy's fantasy at the time. It seemed impossible.
His football career began in 2001 when he joined the senior PSM Makassar team. Although he only played in 12 matches without scoring a goal, this experience laid the foundation for his long career. After one season with PSM, Hamka continued his journey by joining Persebaya Surabaya in 2002, marking the start of his shining career.
Back then, I was with PSM Makassar’s junior team, up to the semifinals. That’s when my name started to be recognized.
However, his true breakthrough came when Hamka joined Persik Kediri in 2003. There, his impressive performance as a solid defender made him a key player in the backline. In two seasons with Persik, he played in 50 matches and scored two goals. Hamka's name continued to shine, and in 2005, he moved to Persija Jakarta, where his career soared even higher. Over three seasons there, he appeared in 62 matches and scored five goals.
But it wasn't just at the club level that Hamka showed extraordinary leadership; he also displayed it on the national team. He was first called up to the U-21 national team in 2002 and later became an important part of Indonesia's senior team.
My leadership spirit emerged during the junior national team. I often gathered my teammates, even though we came from different regions, to share thoughts and suggestions.
Hamka's success in the junior national team carried over to the senior level, where he was eventually trusted as the captain of Indonesia's national team. Hamka also captained Persija Jakarta, Mitra Kukar, Arema FC, and Persita Tangerang. He demonstrated leadership that was not just about skills but also about camaraderie.
I finally realized that teamwork, both in the national team and at clubs, is not just about skills, but about togetherness.
His wise leadership, both on the national team and the clubs he represented, led him to numerous achievements, including being part of the Indonesian national team that reached the AFF Cup final in 2004 and 2010.
Hamka's success wasn't only visible through his on-field accomplishments. In 2013, he had the opportunity to play abroad by joining PKNS FC in Malaysia, adding an international dimension to his career. His journey through various clubs, from PSM Makassar to Arema, earned him the nickname "Manusia 5 Pulau" (The Man of Five Islands) for playing in clubs across five different islands in Indonesia.
After retiring as a player, Hamka didn't leave the world of football. In 2023, he was appointed manager of RANS Nusantara FC, proving that his dedication to Indonesian football remains unwavering. Hamka, who now inspires the younger generation, emphasizes that success in football isn't just about talent but also about relentless fighting spirit and hard work.
With dedication and commitment, big dreams can come true.
Hamka Hamzah is a symbol of hard work and perseverance, a real-life example that a humble background is no obstacle to reaching the peak of achievement. The leadership he demonstrated on the field, both in the national team and the clubs he played for, will continue to be remembered as an inspiration for young Indonesian football players.
