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Persebaya returns to First Division
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Upbeat – Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) chairman Edy Rahmayadi (second from right) conveys his key points on Indonesia’s national soccer team reforms during the PSSI Annual Congress in Bandung, West Java, on Jan.8. (JP/Arya Dipa)
P
T Persebaya Indonesia warmly welcomed the decision of the Indonesian Soccer Association (PSSI) to return the soccer team from Surabaya, East Java, back to the First Division of the Indonesian League starting this year.
Persebaya Indonesia president director Cholid Goromah said his group was ready to implement the decision made in the PSSI Annual Congress in Bandung, West Java, on Sunday. It was also ready to make competition in the First Division more vibrant.
“It’s the congress' decision. We must accept it [...],” said Cholid on the sidelines of the PSSI congress.
He said Persebaya management was still looking for a coach who would handle the team during the competition. He further said the management had also contacted Andik Vermansyah, the team’s excellent striker who is still in a contract with Selangor FA, Malaysia.
“His contract with Selangor will expire in April 2017. He is also suffering from an injury now, and it seems he needs to undergo a surgery,” said Cholid.
While preparing its team, he further said, the Persebaya management was also carrying out internal improvements. The team had chosen the Bung Tomo Sports Stadium in Surabaya as its headquarters.
It was the PSSI chairman Edy Rahmayadi himself who had confirmed Persebaya’s participation in the First Division in the upcoming competition. The PSSI previously included Persebaya Surabaya as one of seven teams temporarily dismissed from the First Division. Six other clubs were Arema Indonesia, Persema Malang, Lampung FC, Persewangi Banyuwangi, Persibo Bojonegoro and Persipasi Bekasi City. These six groups are currently placed at the Nusantara Cup competition level only.
Edy said Persebaya Indonesia was put in the First Division again because it was one of five legendary soccer teams in Indonesia. The four others are Persib Bandung, Persija Jakarta, PSM Makasar and PSMS Medan. (ebf)
