Yann Mabella Eyes Bigger Role at Persebaya: Two Goals, One Assist, and the Persijap Test
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- Striker Kongo itu telah mengemas dua gol dan satu assist dari tujuh penampilan, meski belum selalu menjadi pilihan utama.
- Persebaya akan menjamu Persijap Jepara di GBT pada Jumat (30/10/2026) dengan misi mempertahankan tren positif.
- Efisiensi penyelesaian akhir menjadi sorotan internal tim setelah banyak peluang tercipta dalam beberapa laga terakhir.
Yann Mabella has stressed that he is ready to become the main option in Persebaya Surabaya's attack. The Congo-born forward said he is growing more confident after contributing a goal in the 3-1 win over Madura United on matchday seven of the 2026/2027 BRI Super League at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (GBT) on Monday (26/10/2026). That goal is valuable capital ahead of the clash with Persijap Jepara on Friday (30/10/2026).
Although he came on as a substitute, Mabella closed out the match with a goal in injury time. That strike took his tally to two goals and one assist in seven matches with Bajul Ijo. The numbers are productive given his limited playing time.
Coach Bernardo Tavares now faces a pleasant dilemma. On one hand, Alex Martins remains the first choice in attack. On the other, Mabella has shown sharpness that is hard to ignore. Persebaya do have a deep pool of forwards, but Mabella's ability to score from the bench gives the team's strategy a new dimension.
In a post-match interview, Mabella stressed the importance of contributing fully whenever he is given a chance. He said the win over Madura United was a collective effort that deserved appreciation. "I always try to help the team when I come into the match. In the last match we got three points and scored three goals. I believe we can improve everything," he said.
Even so, Mabella is not blind to the team's shortcomings. According to him, Persebaya still need to improve their finishing efficiency. He highlighted the many chances created but not yet converted into goals. "We created a lot of chances. Now we need more efficiency and accuracy," he added.
Persebaya are known as an aggressive team in building attacks. However, sharpness in front of goal is often the difference between taking all three points and losing momentum. Mabella is optimistic his team is on the right track to fix that aspect. He believes the adaptation process and understanding between players are becoming more solid.
"We play at home, so we try to protect our place, protect our stadium. And do our best in front of the fans so they can be happy," Mabella said.
The support of Bonek at GBT Stadium is an additional factor expected to lift the players' spirits. Persebaya have a positive record when playing in front of their own supporters, and they want to keep that trend going when they host Persijap. Mabella understands that pressure from the fans is in fact motivation to perform better.
Against Persijap, Mabella stressed that his team will not change their approach. He and his teammates are preparing as they would for any normal match. "We prepare for this match like any other match. We will prepare for the next match the same way," he concluded.
The decision on the line-up remains in Bernardo Tavares' hands. However, Mabella's performance signals that he deserves more playing time. If he can maintain his sharpness, it is not impossible that a starting spot in Persebaya's attack will be his in the near future.
For Persebaya, the match against Persijap is not just about taking three points. It is a chance to prove consistency in the 2026/2027 BRI Super League. Can Mabella and his teammates use the momentum to keep pace with the top of the table? The answer will be clear at GBT this weekend.
