Persebaya pledges to play hard against PSMS in 1st semifinal

JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Persebaya Surabaya and home favorite Persija Jakarta will play aggressively in the soccer league (Ligina) semifinals on Thursday at the Senayan main stadium.

Persebaya, which aims to break the jinx of winning the title once every decade, will face the 1995 champion PSMS Medan in the first match. Persija, hoping to win its first title in the league, will then face underdog PSIS.

Persebaya coach Rusdy Bahalwan said his team would strengthen its defense and optimize its offense.

"People say Persebaya is an offensive team that is weak in defense. But I told my players to intensify their attack and also focus on their defense," said the former national team coach.

Persebaya defenders will guard PSMS top players such as midfielders M. Afan Lubis and Edwin Daud who could tactically pass the ball to their teammate striker Jean Michel Baboaken from Cameroon.

"PSMS Medan was always lucky in odd years, but Persebaya had a decade-long cycle. It claimed the title in 1977, 1987 and 1997. This year we want to extend our success and become the champion," Rusdy said.

PSMS team secretary Antonny Wendry, in response to Rusdy's remark, said his team were prepared to face the "Bajul Ijo" (green crocodile) team.

"We are ready to challenge Persebaya. We will play without any pressure and I'm sure we can obtain the title as champion," he said.

Persija's team manager Ahmadin Ahmad said his team had been unsuccessful in winning a title since the first league was kicked off in 1991.

"We are surprised that we reached the semifinals and we'll give our best shot to reach the final," he said, adding that his players would put intense pressure on PSIS top striker Tugiyo and midfielder Ali Sunan.

Ahmadin expressed hope Persija fans from various ethnic groups, calling themselves the Jak mania, would provide positive support for the players.

"We will organize our supporters step by step not only to direct their highly fanatical support to the team because they must be able to show discipline as good soccer fans."

PSIS team manager Sudarmanto said his team was keen to win its first title in 12 years. PSIS, better known as the Mahesa Jenar team, won 1-0 defeating Persebaya in the First Division soccer federation championship in 1986.

PSSI spokesman Tondo Widodo said the final and semifinal would use the sudden death rule if both teams tied at the end of the game. (ivy)