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)