Former Inglewood United player Ndumba Makeche has signed with Indonesian Liga 1 side Bali United.   For Makeche, who turns 25 next month, it’s a dream scenario to be earning a living playing the game you love in your favourite holiday destination.   But the Zambian-born striker recognises the time has come to establish himself in South-East Asia after showing his promise in Malaysia.

“I feel comfortable because I’ve been here as a tourist before, but it’s a totally different ball game because I’m here for work,” Makeche said.   “It’s a beautiful city so it’s a good place to play football, and that plays a part because you want to be happy and enjoy it.   But I know that I’ve got to perform on the pitch and score goals for Bali United.”

Any thoughts Makeche had of a smooth introduction to Liga 1 were dismissed last week when he took part in bruising pre-season friendly against Pusamania Borneo.   “Indonesian football is faster than Malaysian football, so it will be a good test for me,” he said.   “Malaysia was important because it helped me gain experience as a professional over three years.   I have good memories of the country.”

Makeche shot to prominence with Inglewood in 2011, the then teenager placing fifth in the Gold Medal after scoring 14 goals in 26 appearances.   He signed his first professional deal soon after with Perth Glory but would be restricted to just six appearances.   A move to Malayisia in 2014 took him to Felda United before switching to Sarawak last season.

Makecke bagged 15 goals in 35 league games across his two seasons at Felda, who he helping to the 2014 FA Cup Final and the last four of the Malaysia Cup in both 2014 and 2015.   He continued to find the back of the net last year at Sarawak, scoring 11 times in 27 games for a struggling team that only narrowly avoided relegation.