PSSI and Kolev 'likely to part'

Eva C. Komandjaja, Jakarta

The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) is undecided over Ivan Kolev, who failed to take the national team beyond the group stage at the ongoing Asian Cup in China.

However, it is unlikely that Kolev of Bulgaria will stay after August when his term expires.

PSSI secretary-general Nugraha Besoes said on Tuesday that it was unlikely that the PSSI would extend the contract.

"PSSI officials think that Kolev has not been successful in taking charge of the national team in international competition," Nugraha said.

The Indonesian soccer team chalked up a surprise 2-1 win over Qatar in the opening match in Group A in the Asian Cup.

But Agung Setiabudi and teammates failed to maintain the momentum in subsequent matches as they were trashed 5-0 by China and thumped 3-1 by Bahrain, to exit the 16-team tournament.

Nugraha said that the national team's performance had been inconsistent under Kolev's training program.

While Kolev's departure is almost certain, Nugraha said that the PSSI would have to evaluate the performance of the national team, including that of the coach after they got home from Beijing on Wednesday.

The evaluation, he said, would be based not only on the Asia Cup result but on the team's performance in international events, including those during last year.

"The evaluation will determine whether we should keep Kolev or not, but from what I heard from Kolev himself, he said that he wanted to go home," Nugraha said.

He added that the players would also be allowed to express their own opinion on the coach.

Kolev's partnership with the PSSI is his second visit to Indonesia. His first Indonesian stint was when he coached Jakarta-based Persija in 1999 before he took charge of the Bulgarian under-20 team.

Upon his return to Indonesia, he signed a one-year contract in 2002 before it was extended to 2004.