PSSI has to bounce back and move onward: Try

PSSI has to bounce back and move onward: Try

JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno urged the All- Indonesia Football Association to conduct some introspection if it is to go on its bid for better international achievement.

In this subtle criticism, Try zeroed in on Indonesia's upset defeat to Vietnam in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand in his key note speech at the opening day of the association's 31st congress at the Pondok Gede Haj dormitory, East Jakarta yesterday.

"Let's take our defeat in SEA Games seriously, although it should not adversely affect our enthusiasm in developing national soccer," Try said.

"Whatever situation we face, we have to bounce back and move onward."

The 0-1 loss to Vietnam, which sent star-studded Indonesia packing from the SEA Games soccer competition, received massive coverage in local mass media. Some believed that the modest outcome was a result of poor administration under incumbent Azwar Anas.

Try declined to point the finger of blame at anybody, but asked the congressmen to seek any route to success for Indonesia.

"I call on those who are concerned about the development of national soccer to roll up their sleeves and work harder. We are facing tougher challenges in the near future," Try said.

After a series of discussions about the strategy for the next four years, the two-day congress will wind up with the election of a new chairman.

A total of 833 people, including all top executives, officials from the association's 27 branches throughout the country and observers, are attending the congress, which was originally slated to be held in Medan, North Sumatra.

Try asked the attendants to respect all decisions made through deliberations during the congress. "Keep up your wisdom, professionalism and sportsmanship. These are all we require to build up a strong national team, I think," Try said.

Apology

In response to mounting criticism over Indonesia's SEA Games agony, reigning president Azwar made a formal apology to the country's soccer fans.

Azwar, who is also the Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, said in front of Try that he is the only person to be held responsible for the loss and would account for the defeat during the congress.

"I personally apologize to Mr. Vice President and all Indonesian soccer fans that our team has yet to chalk up any major successes," Azwar said.

Despite the tragic outcome at the SEA Games, Azwar's fate remains in the balance as congressmen head for today's election. A number of provincial representatives felt Azwar deserves the second four-year term.

Azwar's strongest contender is Arie Sudewo, Indonesian SEA Games team's leader who announced his retirement following the thumping defeat to host Thailand.

Head of the East Javanese delegation, Susanto, said that he would stand behind Azwar because of the impressive initiatives of the incumbent chairman. "The revival of national league that involves foreign players is his outstanding contribution in developing soccer here," Susanto said.

South Kalimantan and Aceh also lined up to back Azwar. "We still need a figure like Mr. Azwar," Sulaiman, who represents Aceh, said. (amd)