PSSI to grant greater say to provincial chapters

PSSI to grant greater say to provincial chapters

JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) is
to give more freedom to its 27 provincial chapters to raise funds
and groom young players in clubs across the country.

PSSI secretary-general Nugraha Besoes told a media briefing on
Tuesday that provincial chapters were also obligated to hold
competitions to find talented young players.

He said the decision was reached because PSSI was having
difficulties finding young and talented players for its national
team. The plan is to be ratified in the PSSI four-day national
congress at Hotel Indonesia starting on Sunday.

"We will change the name of the regional commissariats (Komda)
-- which have served as PSSI's extension in provinces and
accommodated people's aspirations -- to regional chapters."

"We hope the new chapters can absorb more potential players.
It relieves our burden. In the future, PSSI will only serve as
facilitator, coordinator and supervisor," he said.

Nugraha said any provincial chapters which failed to hold
competitions would be suspended and barred from attending the
national congress.

"If any clubs or federations do not take part in any division
competitions, they must renew their membership in PSSI before
they are allowed to take part in any competition in the next
year."

Nugraha said provincial chapters should also supervise and
maintain soccer schools in their areas. He expressed hope that
the chapters could supply talented players.

There are currently 265 soccer schools across the country
registered at PSSI. Children ranging from six to 14 years old are
welcome to join these schools, which also prepare them for
amateur age-group tournaments at 14, 16 and 19 years old.

When the young players reach the age of 18, many of them turn
professional and join soccer clubs. The most talented can be
invited to join the national team.

Young players face obstacles on the path to professional
soccer as their skills must meet club standards. A lack of inter-
club competition prevents young players sharpening their skills.

Players also need to find regular jobs because a career on the
soccer field cannot guarantee to support a family.

Nugraha said the national congress, which is usually held
every five years, would hear the accountability report of the
current chairman, Agum Gumelar. Agum replaced Azwar Anas on Oct.
8 last year.

PSSI would also explain its work plan for the 1999-2003 term.

The congress would be capped by the election of the PSSI
chairman for the next five-year term. The new chairman will then
form his new committee boards.

Nugraha said that 292 of PSSI's 369 members, consisting of the
main division soccer clubs and federations, would attend the
congress. (ivy)