PSIS the underdog in Manado showdown
By Ivy Susanti
MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Defending champion Persebaya Surabaya's coach Rusdy Bahalwan is fearful his players will be lulled into overconfidence against dark horse PSIS Semarang in the fifth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina) final on Friday.
In contrast, PSIS coach Edy Paryono promises his team will do its best to bring back the nostalgia of its last victory in 1987, which also came with a final victory over Persebaya.
Former national coach Rusdy said on Thursday his team's success in overpowering PSIS in two stages of the competition could lead to the players taking their opponents lightly.
"This attitude could be dangerous for their fighting spirit and prevent us from developing our strategy during the match," said Rusdy, known for his reserve.
The match will be broadcast live from Klabat stadium by state- owned television network TVRI and RRI radio network beginning at 5:15 p.m. local time (4:15 p.m. Jakarta time).
Persebaya met PSIS in a Ligina qualifying round in November which ended in a scoreless draw. In their second and third meetings, Persebaya won 2-0 and 3-0 respectively.
"I have asked them to play seriously and not underestimate PSIS. Our opponent has something special that enabled it to enter the final. So we have to be careful about their strength," Rusdy said.
He added Persebaya would devise a special strategy and not rely solely on its players' excellent individual skills for the final. He also told his players to score the first goal.
"We won't have our self-confidence if PSIS scores first. I told them to concentrate and play seriously to avoid it. They must have high motivation to win."
Rusdy said PSIS possessed equal strength in all sectors, including defenders Bonggo Pribadi, Agung Setiabudi and Wasis Purwoko, strikers Hadi Surento and Tugiyo and captain and midfielder Ali Sunan, the inspiration for the team to break through its rivals' defense.
"I haven't given them special instructions to guard each PSIS defender, but I asked them to keep a close watch on Ali and Tugiyo."
PSIS is looking to bring home the President's Cup after a 12- year title drought.
Edy said the loss to Persebaya in the quarterfinals was not indicative of PSIS' form.
"The quarterfinal result did not reflect the real strength of our team. We will play our best to win the final. Both teams have equal chances to win," he said.
Ali Sunan, winger Agung Setyabudi and goalkeeper I Komang Putra also vowed to play all-out in the final.
"This is the final. I have to play hard to make PSIS the champion," said Agung, who will mark top midfielder Aji Santoso.
Edy said his team was without a special strategy for the final.
"Let's see how the match goes. We will find Persebaya's slightest weakness and use it to achieve victory," he said.
Originally scheduled for Senayan stadium in Jakarta last Sunday, the final was abruptly moved to North Sulawesi after Jakarta Police revoked the permit due to security concerns.