The Papuan Thunderbolt
Yance Sayuri is a dynamic Indonesian professional footballer whose career is defined by explosive versatility, a powerful left-footed strike, and a unique professional journey alongside his twin brother, Yakob. Born in the remote Yapen Islands, the 1.65m full-back has risen from humble beginnings to become one of Liga 1’s elite players. Primarily an attacking left-back, Sayuri’s relentless work rate and tactical flexibility allow him to dominate the flank, contributing as both a defender and a potent goal threat. After winning a league title with PSM Makassar, he now plays a starring role for Malut United, where he and his brother form one of the most formidable wing-play systems in the country.
The Story So Far
Yance Sayuri’s path to the pinnacle of Indonesian football is a testament to raw talent and perseverance, one that diverged significantly from the conventional academy route. Hailing from the remote Yapen Islands in Papua, he and his twin brother, Yakob, were not products of a high-profile youth system. Their journey began playing football casually in their hometown of Serui, where they were discovered by former national team coach Eduard Ivakdalam.
Yance’s early senior career was spent in the lower tiers with Persemi Mimika from 2018 to 2020. The pivotal moment arrived in 2021, when he joined Liga 1 powerhouse PSM Makassar. His entry was unconventional; he arrived not as a star signing but as a trialist for the Menpora Cup, a move facilitated by Yakob, who was already established at the club.
Initially operating in his brother’s shadow, Yance’s tenacity and high-level performances won over coaches and fans, transforming him from a squad player into an indispensable starter and a new club idol. His rise culminated in the explosive 2022–23 season, where he was an instrumental cog in PSM Makassar’s league-championship-winning machine. This single campaign was the catalyst for his entire career, earning him individual awards and his first national team call-up.
On 28 March 2023, he made his international debut for Indonesia against Burundi, taking the field alongside Yakob to mark the first time in the history of the senior national team that twin brothers had ever played simultaneously in the same match.
Following this success, Yance and Yakob embarked on a new chapter. On 1 July 2024, they completed a high-profile free transfer to the ambitious, newly promoted Malut United, continuing their shared professional journey at a new project.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Yance Sayuri embodies the modern, all-action wing-back, blending defensive responsibility with a consistent and potent attacking threat. His identity is defined by his versatility, exceptional physical attributes, and a technical skill set that makes him a weapon in the final third.
While his primary position is left-back, his role is far more dynamic. He is frequently tasked with providing the team’s primary width, making relentless overlapping runs and joining the attack, often spending significant time in the opponent’s half. This flexibility is a major asset, with coaches having deployed him as a left winger, right winger, and even a centre-back when required.
Sayuri’s game is built on several standout strengths:
- Powerful Left-Footed Shooting: Perhaps his most feared trait is his ability to strike the ball with immense power and accuracy from long range. He has scored numerous spectacular goals from outside the box, including a memorable strike compared to Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s famous 2010 World Cup goal.
- High Offensive Contribution: His statistics reflect his deep involvement in the attack. In his 2022–23 title-winning season, he registered an impressive 5 goals and 6 assists, alongside 35 key passes, proving his ability to both score and create.
- Exceptional Work Rate: Known for his relentless energy and “pantang menyerah” (never give up) spirit, Sayuri covers vast distances on the left flank, contributing heavily in both defensive and offensive transitions for the full 90 minutes.
- Intelligent Defending: While celebrated for his attacking skills, he is a competent and proactive defender. He excels at reading the game and anticipating opposition attacks, as evidenced by his high volume of interceptions (102 in the 2022–23 season).
His impact is magnified when playing in tandem with his twin. The “Sayuri Wing” tactical system—with Yance (a left-footer) on the left and Yakob (a right-footer) on the right—creates a balanced, dual-pronged attack that stretches defenses and forms the “kekuatan utama” (main strength) of their team.
Future Outlook
Now established as one of the premier full-backs in Indonesia and a key player for Malut United, Yance Sayuri’s trajectory remains on a sharp upward curve. His immediate future is focused on solidifying Malut United’s status as a top-tier club, built around the tactical centerpiece of his and his brother’s wing play. A significant personal challenge will be to overcome the unfortunate pattern of untimely injuries that have previously forced his withdrawal from the national team. If he can maintain his fitness, he is poised to become a long-term, locked-in starter for Indonesia, cementing his status as one of the nation’s elite talents.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
Team Honours
- PSM Makassar
- Liga 1 Champions: 2022–23
Individual Honours
- Liga 1 Team of the Season: 2022–23
- APPI Indonesian Football Award Best XI: 2023–24, 2024–25
- Liga 1 Goal of the Month: December 2022
The Record (Career Statistics)
| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
| 2021–22 | PSM Makassar | Liga 1 | 16 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – |
| 2021–22 | PSM Makassar | AFC Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 270′ |
| 2022–23 | PSM Makassar | Liga 1 | 31 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2,328′ |
| 2022–23 | PSM Makassar | Liga 1 ACL Playoff | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 165′ |
| 2023–24 | PSM Makassar | Liga 1 | 31 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2,391′ |
| 2023–24 | PSM Makassar | AFC Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 143′ |
| 2023–24 | PSM Makassar | AFC Cup Qualifiers | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 90′ |
| 2024–25 | Malut United | Liga 1 | 32 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 2,738′ |