Veteran Robby Darwis rejects Asia Cup call-up

JAKARTA (JP): Robby Darwis, the veteran utility player of Persib Bandung, confirmed on Wednesday his refusal to join the national team for the 15th Asia Cup finals in the United Arab Emirates from Dec. 3 to Dec. 20.

Robby was quoted by Kompas yesterday as saying that he was no longer interested in playing for the national team after being blamed for causing Indonesia's 3-1 semifinal defeat to Malaysia at the inaugural Tiger Cup in Singapore last month.

The formal reason he gave for the refusal, however, was that he needed to focus more closely on his studies. Coach Danurwindo said Robby had told him he was unable to join the team because he was completing his thesis.

Anang Ma'ruf of Persebaya Surabaya was another wanted player whose availability is doubtful because there has been no news from him thus far.

"I do not know why he did not come today. I do hope he can join us soon," Danurwindo said after training with his charges at the Lebak Bulus stadium in South Jakarta on Wednesday.

Danurwindo said Aples Tecuari or Sudirman might replace Robby, the most senior among the 24 players called for the Asia Cup- bound team.

Two of Danurwindo's choices, Kurnia Sandy and Bima Sakti, are still in Europe but will join the team later. Another player, Ansyari Lubis of Pelita Jaya, was injured and could not train with the team.

The training session will last until Oct. 22. On Oct. 23 the team takes on Iraq in a friendly at the Senayan stadium. On Oct. 24 the Indonesians go to Italy and Saudi Arabia for further training and warm-up games, before starting their Asia Cup finals group matches in Abu Dhabi. (arf)