National soccer team offered bonus if it wins Tiger Cup

JAKARTA (JP): Cash bonuses are being dangled in front of the national soccer team for the upcoming Tiger Cup in a bid to motivate players to restore the country's tattered international reputation in the sport.

Even before the national team takes the field in the event in Vietnam, All Indonesian Soccer Federation chairman Azwar Anas and State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Agung Laksono have made bonus commitments to players if they win during the monetary crisis.

Azwar gave his word yesterday to provide Rp 1 billion (US$83,000) if the team comes home with the cup.

"Giving cash bonuses is to motivate athletes to fight as hard as they can for the country's name," he said. He added it would be an award for the players' work during training over two months.

Agung said he still had no idea on the amount of the bonus.

"Soccer should be an example to other sports in reaching international achievements. Giving bonuses is not about favoritism, but it's to boost players' motivation to win the championship so they can compete at the 13th Asian Games," he said after receiving the team before they leave for Vietnam.

The championships kicks off tomorrow until Sept. 5.

Agung handed over Rp 24 million assistance to the team.

The National Sports Council is requiring the team to win the Tiger Cup or at least lose in a penalty shoot-out in the final if it wants to compete in the Asiad.

The Tiger Cup winner will receive US$80,000, the runner-up $50,000, third-place team $30,000 and $10,000 for the fourth squad.

Azwar said the bonus would belong entirely to the players.

"The federation won't ask for a penny from the bonus," said the former coordinating minister for people's welfare.

He also expressed confidence the players would not be motivated only by the bonus but also the country's honor.

Azwar said the team's difficulties would begin in the semifinals.

"The hard barrier is to reach the final because we must fight hard against host Vietnam and arch-rival Thailand."

The 18-member team leaves today, headed by coach Rusdy Bahalwan.

Rusdy said he was confident the team was in top form to win the cup.

"Just wait and see our results in Vietnam. I don't want to be ahead of God's will but I'm sure we can win the championships as requested by the federation and the council."

The national team will face the Philippines, Myanmar and Thailand in Group A qualification in Ho Chi Minh City.

Group B consisting of Vietnam, Laos, Singapore and Malaysia will compete in Hanoi. (yan)