Soccer clubs gear up for league's semifinals
JAKARTA (JP): PSM Makassar of South Sulawesi and home favorite Persija remained the strongest candidates to win the Bank Mandiri national soccer league semifinals at Senayan Stadium Thursday.
But their roads to the final will not be easy as underdogs Persikota Tangerang and Pupuk Kaltim of East Kalimantan (PKT) have pledged to perform their best to clinch this year's title and earn Rp 75 million (US$7,895) prize money.
PSM is scheduled to face Persija in the first match at 5.00 p.m. Jakarta Time while PKT will challenge Persikota in the second match at 7.00 p.m.
PSM, coached by Dutchman, Henk Wullems, has a solid team with skilled players. It was undefeated in three matches in the quarterfinals last week. Wullems, formerly coach of the country's top clubs, Bandung Raya and Pelita Jaya, coached the national team in 1997 when Indonesia won bronze in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games here.
PSM's two stalwarts, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto and Miro Baldo Bento, make it clear that it will not be easily defeated. The absence of its top goalie, Hendro Kartiko, will not disturb the team's performance.
Kurniawan, a former member of Primavera team -- the Indonesian under 19 team that trained in Italy -- is striving to be the top scorer over junior Bambang Pamungkas of Persija. Bambang has collected 24 goals, three more than Kurniawan.
PSM's team manager Kadir Halid refused to comment on the Soccer Association of Indonesia's (PSSI) recommendation to clear Kurniawan from charges of consuming illegal drugs.
"But I'm afraid that our supporters will be offended if other team's supporters start to disgrace Kurniawan during the semis. Kurniawan is in better condition than he was in Jakarta. His mentality is good and he's mature enough," Kadir said on Tuesday.
Kadir also hoped that PSSI would deploy professional referees to avoid unfairness. He added that his team was ready to accept winning or defeat. "I won't seek a scapegoat if the team loses."
Persija's team secretary, Asrizal, said his team is not afraid of PSM's big name. Persija will benefit from its 10,000 supporters expected to crowd the stadium.
"Persija was successful in beating PSM in a friendly match in Jakarta last year. That fact can help boost our confidence."
Rahmat Darmawan, Persikota's assistant coach, said the team would keep its attacking style in the semis and depend on solid teamwork.
"It will be a tough match Thursday as PKT and Persikota have similar styles of play. Both teams will rely on solid teamwork and motivation to win," he said.
PKT team manager Arif Budisantoso assured that his team would not be easily cracked under pressure.
"I hope the team can maintain its fighting spirit, and not easily give up to the other team. I have observed Persikota's performances on TV and our team will try to intensify the attacks and control the center field." (ivy)