PBVSI gives reluctant players ultimatum to join training camp
PBVSI gives reluctant players ultimatum to join training camp
Arya Abhiseka, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) has given three
volleyballers who have refused to join the men's national team
until Sunday to reverse their decision.
"We will allow them until July 13 to join the training camp.
Otherwise, we will replace them with junior players," Graito
Usodo, the national team's training director, said here on
Monday.
The retired Air Force Rear Marshall hinted that sanctions
would be imposed against the players if they failed to join the
team, but he did not come out and say this directly.
The three players -- spikers Robby Meliala, Minar Rohman and
setter Loudry Maspaitella -- refused the call to join the
training camp for the upcoming SEA Games in Vietnam, citing other
commitments.
With the three players appearing unlikely to report, the PBVSI
might have to turn to less-experienced players who are currently
going through a boot camp-like training regime.
Graito said the young players were ready to take over for the
seniors.
While Robby and Minar seem certain to be replaced, according
to Graito, the association will try to persuade Loudry to come to
camp given his vital role on the team.
Under Chinese coach Li Quijang, 17 players are currently
training in Sentul, West Java.
In their most recent outing, the team finished in third place
behind Japan and Thailand at the Asia-Pacific Championship in
Fukuoka, Japan.
This was a step back from last year when the team finished in
second, which could be partly attributable to the absence of
Loudry, Robby and Minar.
Meanwhile, PBVSI chairwoman Rita Subowo said the association
had abandoned the hunt for a Russian coach to train the women's
national team, and will now look to China.
Rita had previously mentioned Karikov from Russia as the
probable replacement for Cuban Lesme Araujo Cintra, who is moving
to South Sumatra to coach a local team.
"A Russian coach would not suitable to Indonesia's style of
play," Rita said.
While the PBVSI continues its search, Mahfud Irsyada from the
Gresik Phonska team has been assigned as the caretaker coach.
However, Graito Usodo said he would urge the PBVSI to give
Mahfud the job on a full-time basis, reasoning a local coach
would have better knowledge of the depth of the team and would
cost less than a foreign hire.