PSSI to announce SEA Games team

JAKARTA (JP): All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) secretary for the national team John Halmahera met with National Sports Council (KONI) officials on Thursday to report on his organization's preparation for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in August.

John said the federation apologized for its failure to respond to KONI's invitation, saying that it was preoccupied with the pre-Olympics soccer team training program and the fifth Indonesian Soccer League (Ligina), held from March 16 to April 9.

He also explained that PSSI enlisted its core players for the national training center. Also included in the lineup are under- 23-year players of the pre-Olympics team and their seniors, who were selected for their excellent performances during the league, he said.

"During the league, Schumm (PSSI manager/coach) observed the players' performances. We might announce the names for the SEA Games training program before the pre-Olympics soccer team leaves for Malaysia on Saturday," he said.

The SEA Games in Brunei Darussalam, to be held from Aug. 7 to Aug. 12, will offer 235 gold medals in 21 sports. (ivy)