`SYSA is the best in Indonesia'

Sun, 05/11/2008 12:34 PM  |  Discover

ROSIAN INDRA SAPUTRA: (JP/Khairul Saleh)

Two young players in training at the Sekayu Youth Soccer Academy spoke to the Post about their experience at the academy:

Rosian Indra Saputra, left midfield Born on Dec. 12, 1992, in Mojolaban, Sukoharjo, in Central Java, Rosian had never expected to leave his parents Suratno and Sutinah at home just to pursue football.

Rosian, who goes by "Rosi", is one of the youth players at the SYSA who were recruited through a friendly match.

Rosi, a student at state senior high school SMAN1 Sekayu, said he was recruited in 2005 when SYSA held a friendly match in Surakarta, where he was playing for the Harimau Soccer Club.

He claims that the facilities at the SYSA to be "the best in Indonesia", and better than those at soccer schools in Surakarta or even in Ragunan, South Jakarta.

"Such facilities may be available at other places run by private companies. But we can use all these facilities for free, and free, high-quality facilities - not to mention the monthly Rp 300,000 allowance - may be not available at other places," Rosi said.

He added that, aside from these aspects, the presence of trainers Kashartadi and Sukamto pushed players to perform at their best. Although the trainers were very strict, he said, they were supportive.

Since he joined the SYSA, Rosi played at the AFC Festival 2006 in Malaysia and was in the lineup that helped Muba FC place runner-up at the Suratin Cup last year.

DERE MALMAN: (JP/Khairul Saleh)

Dere Malman, right fullback A native of Musi Banyuasin, Dere was born on Aug. 17, 1992, in Sekayu. With a height of 170 centimeters, Dere has been placed on the defense.

The youngest of five born to Syaiful Anwar and Umbuk Ati, Dere is also a student at SMAN1 Sekayu. He was recruited to the academy after playing in the Regent Cup 2006.

"Football has been my hobby. So far, I played football just for fun. I never imagined I would have an opportunity to join the SYSA. May this be the start of my career as a professional player," said Dere, who admires Firmansyah of Sriwijaya FC.

His passion for the game has the full support of his parents, who sent him to Adidas Soccer School in Sekayu when he was in the 6th grade.

Like Rosi, trainer Kashartadi recruited Dere to the main squad for his physical condition and technical abilities. Dere also played in the Suratin Cup finals last year against Arema (Malang).

"We are not the champions. But being the runner-up is an achievement, given that our club is only three years old," he said.

Dere said that the quality of Muba FC players was equal to those of Arema Malang, but the fact that they had to play the final match at night was a serious challenge.

"We never prepared for a night match," he said. "The referee, who was unfair, also made us less focused."

With his teammates Sunarman and Ibnu Azam, Dere is now eligible to join the Age-18 team and to undergo training in Uruguay. He is still waiting to be called up to depart for overseas training.

"I am proud to be on the roster for a national team, but I don't know why there has been no further information about this. I hear some have already gone to Uruguay. If only they let us know (about a cancellation), we could improve our performance (here). This situation only forces us to wait," he said.

-- JP/Khairul Saleh

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