Esti Puji Lestari has been appointed as the Chairman of United City FC (UCFC), marking a significant moment in the club’s history. The confirmation of Esti’s investment into the revitalized UCFC underscores the beginning of a promising new chapter for the football club.
Hailing from Sukabumi, Indonesia, Esti Lestari brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her newfound role at United City FC. With a distinguished career in the sports industry, Esti has previously held key leadership positions, including majority ownership and presidency at Persijap Jepara, along with serving as the CEO of QD Red Lions China. Her leadership played pivotal roles in driving organizational growth and success in both instances.
“Reviving United City FC is my mission. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of a club with such a great tradition and long history, and my aim is to match the outstanding achievements of the past with similar ones in the future. I feel I have unfinished business in football, and as an esports owner, I intend to add value to the club off the field as well as on it. I am grateful for this opportunity and know that the Philippines football landscape is very supportive of not only the men’s game but also the women’s with their participation in the recent World Cup. In the spirit of ASEAN cooperation, I would also like this to be a pathway for both men and women from Indonesia as well as Philippines to gain valuable experience and benefit from the synergy between two nations,” according to Esti Lestari.
In her role as the only female owner of a football club in Indonesia with a 63-year history, Esti led strategic initiatives to bolster the club’s brand visibility, optimize revenue streams, and engage with the community. This effort solidified the club’s position as a sustainable football entity in Indonesia. Furthermore, Esti has been a prominent advocate for women’s football, actively supporting initiatives aimed at the development and promotion of women’s football at all levels.
In China, as the CEO of Red Lions, Esti brought her dynamic leadership and strategic acumen to oversee the administration and development of the club. Her visionary approach and dedicated efforts contributed significantly to the growth and success of QD Red Lions during her tenure.
“We are privileged and proud to have such an esteemed investor and seasoned football expert join our Club to catapult the development of UCFC forward. Esti has been a long-time personal friend, and I am pleased to work alongside her as I know what she will bring to the Club. Our project and mission of UCFC have never changed, even when we took a break from football in 2023, but now we are back, and with Esti’s support, we will continue the legacy of the club and raise the bar once again for the gold standard of Philippines football,” said Eric Gottschalk, President of United City FC.
Under Esti’s leadership, United City FC reaffirms its commitment to excellence both on and off the field, with goals that encompass achieving sporting success, engaging with the community, fostering youth development, driving commercial growth, and establishing a women’s football team.
As United City FC enters this new era guided by Esti’s vision, the club is poised to reach new heights of success, leveraging her expertise to make significant strides in various facets of the sport.