Older players to join team

JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) invited older players to join the 33-member women's team training for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur from Sept. 8 to Sept. 17.

The team also called teenagers from various clubs and students from State University of Jakarta, whose ages range between 15 and 30 years.

Seven of the 33 players had joined the 1997 Games here where Indonesia only reached the semifinals. Women's soccer was not featured in the 1999 Games in Brunei Darussalam.

The seven players are goalie Sophia, 34; defenders Sri Lestari, 36 and A. Fatmawati, 38; midfielder Lely Martini, 32; strikers Yakso Bukor Piopen, 34; Syamkarya, 27; and Nelly Liboy, 32.

The oldest players are goalie Mutiah Permanahati and defender Paima Hutabarat, both 43.

Coach Muhardi said the players were still in good form and skilled despite their age. He said they were needed in the team to share their experience with the juniors.

He was quoted by Antara as saying that tough contenders would come from host Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and Myanmar. (ivy)