Makassar to be ready to host big matches

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The organizing committee chairman of the Asian Club Championships eastern quarterfinals, Ilham Arief Siradjuddin, was optimistic that the renovation of the Mattoangin stadium would be completed before the matches start.

Ilham said on Wednesday that 65 percent of the facilities had been renovated except for the grass pitch and the lighting system.

"We are optimistic that we will complete the renovations as requested by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) before the event, which runs from March 21 through March 25," he said.

He said the organizers had fitted out the stadium's facilities, including tribune seats, press room, media center, changing rooms and players' lounge with local products.

The organizers had also planted high quality grass and would import the lighting equipment from China.

"With the lighting capacity, photographers will be able to take pictures without flashbulbs. Hongkong-based Star TV will have no light problems when filming here," Ilham said.

Star TV has bought the rights to broadcast the match live.

The renovations have cost about Rp 6.5 billion (US$684,000).

"During the first phase, the Makassar local authority has allocated Rp 2.5 billion for the renovations," Ilham said.

Dani Amanto, director of the renovation project, said the management had reduced the number of workers from 1,000 to 700 as the renovations were nearing completion.

"Insya Allah (God willing), the newly-refurbished stadium will be as modern as any."

Ilham said the organizers had also been collaborating with the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and local hotels for accommodating the visiting teams and supporters.

PSM will take on Jubilo Iwata of Japan, Suwon Samsung Bluewings of South Korea and Sandong Lumen Thaysan of China for two semifinals berths.

Ilham said he had contacted the teams from Japan and China.

"China and Japan will send a team to survey the preparation," he said, adding that Japan would also take supporters and 60 reporters.

On Monday, PSSI spokesman Eddi Elison said that only 55 percent of the facility had been renovated only one week away from the deadline, triggering doubts that the PSM management could finish it before the AFC announced the host for the league next week.

The AFC sent David Tully, Alex Soosay and Simpson Samson on Jan. 14 to observe the PSM's preparations and concluded that the stadium needed a total overhaul. (27)