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Pelita Jaya announces lineup for 2008
Pelita Jaya soccer club of Purwakarta announced its 21-strong lineup -- all local players -- for the Super League 2008 at the club's training center in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday
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Pelita Jaya soccer club of Purwakarta announced its 21-strong lineup -- all local players -- for the Super League 2008 at the club's training center in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday.
"From the total, eight players are new guys on the team. They were recruited from several national clubs," coach Fandi Ahmad told The Jakarta Post on the sidelines of a contract signing.
The new players are I Made Wardana Prasetya, Fauzi and Supardi from Persikabo of Bogor; Firman Utina and Basri Baddusalam from Persita Tangerang; Khusnul Yaqien and M. Ridwan from PSIS Semarang; Rudi Widodo from Persis Solo; and Supardi from PSMS Medan.
"These new players have been brought in due to their (playing) commitment and discipline (during last season). I hope they will help Pelita Jaya perform better," Fandi of Singapore, who has playing experience in Indonesia with Niac Mitra Surabaya in the 1980s, said.
Old members of the team who extended their contracts include Dian Agus Prasetya, Erol Iba, Yusmadi, Teuku Helza Rahmad, Jajang Mulyana, Riski Novriansyah, Johan Ibo, Gherry Setia Adi, Ardan Aras, Djalaludin Main, Syafri Umri, Firli Apriansyah and Egi Melgiansyah.
"Hopefully, with more senior players like Firman, Erol, Ridwan and Supardi on the team, we can boost our performance during the Super League," Fandi said.
The Super League, the newly revamped national premier league with 18 teams, kicks off in July.
Fandi, who has coached Pelita Jaya for two years now, is optimistic about winning the championship. He urged his players to fight hard in every match and never underestimate their opponents.
"I believe if we can work together well we will gain victory," he said.
"But, of course, we have to develop a winning morale within the players," said Fandi, whose contract with the Bakrie Group-owned club runs until 2009.
Speaking to the Post, Firman acknowledged there was pressure from being one of more experienced players on the team.
"However, I will take it as a reminder for me not to be egoistic. I will do my best to prioritize the team," said Firman, who signed a Rp 700 million contract.
The 25-year-old striker said he was glad to be with Pelita Jaya because the coach was professional and the training center was located near his home.
After two years with the club, Dian Agus is comfortable with the organization.
"I feel comfortable with the coach and the management, that's why I'm excited my contract was extended," said the goalie, who acknowledged his new contract would pay him a lot more.
Team manager Rahim Sukasah said he was satisfied with the squad and optimistic about their prospects.
"All the senior players have shown good performance. I expect they can motivate the juniors," he said.
He said the club had adopted some tough disciplinary regulations.
"For example, I don't want my players to be late for training, wear earrings, dye their hair blonde or forget to wear shin guards during practice sessions. If they violate the rules, they will be fined from Rp 500,000 to Rp 1 million," he said.
Rahim said the club had spent around Rp 9 billion for 21 players. The club will have to dig deeper into the coffers, with plans to scour Brazil for two or three players to strengthen the squad. (nkn)
