Persik Kediri Send Khanafi to Borneo FC in Search of Regular Playing Time

Persik Kediri have officially loaned out local striker M Khanafi to Borneo FC for the remainder of the 2025-26 Super League season. The move was primarily driven by the need to ensure the player gains more consistent match experience, something he struggled to achieve during the first half of the campaign.

The club’s management emphasized that the decision followed a thorough internal evaluation. Technical considerations, tactical balance, and Khanafi’s long-term development were all factored in before agreeing to the loan. With fierce competition in Persik’s attacking line, opportunities for regular minutes had become increasingly limited.

Khanafi’s career record suggests strong potential. Since joining Persik Kediri in the 2022-23 season, he has shown promise as a forward capable of contributing at Super League level. However, during the first half of the current season, he featured in only a handful of matches, a situation considered far from ideal for a player entering his prime years.

The loan to Borneo FC is expected to provide a fresh environment where Khanafi can rediscover confidence, sharpen his finishing, and develop through consistent exposure to competitive matches. For Persik, the hope is that he will return as a more mature and battle-ready striker after gaining valuable experience elsewhere.

This move also reflects Persik Kediri’s broader squad restructuring under head coach Marcos Reina. Alongside loaning out players, the club has been active in the transfer market by strengthening the squad with several foreign signings. The strategy underlines Persik’s ambition to rebalance the team while still investing in the growth of local talent like Khanafi.