PSSI Hopes League 1 and 2 Clubs Strengthen Young Player Development

Gianyar, Beritasatu.com – PSSI Technical Director, Indra Sjafri emphasized the importance of cooperation between Indonesian League 1 and League 2 clubs in exploring the potential of young players for the development of football in Indonesia.

“It is hoped that League 1 or at least League 2 clubs can be active in searching for young talents to be developed under their auspices,” he said when speaking at the 2024 Barati Cup tournament in Gianyar Regency, Bali, on Sunday (3/3/2024 ).

As coach of the Indonesian U-20 National Team, Sjafri expressed his hope that this effort could support the player regeneration process.

He also highlighted five key aspects that need to be considered in supporting the progress of football in Indonesia. These aspects include improving infrastructure, developing the football curriculum, increasing the quality and quantity of coaches, developing players, and organizing competitions.

Sjafri emphasized that this coaching can be carried out by football schools (SSB) and club coaching teams.

According to him, the quality of the competition will also increase if the previous four aspects are fulfilled properly.

“For example, a quality field will provide comfort for players, a structured playing style due to good training, and we hope that the players who emerge will have better quality than before,” he added.

Apart from that, he also invited League 1 and League 2 clubs to pay attention to tournaments such as the 2024 Barati Cup, which will take place from 2 to 5 March 2024 at the Bali United Purnama Beach Training Center, Gianyar Regency, Bali.

He also praised the football training facilities owned by Bali United, the only club from Indonesia competing in League 1.

At the training center, there are nine fields and a fitness center located on the beach and rice fields.

Meanwhile, Bali United also has a special program to discover young talents, including coaching classes, tournaments for various age groups, and the opportunity to join the Bali United youth team.

Many players who have gone through the Bali United Youth program have now become professional players, both at Bali United and at other clubs in Indonesia, such as Made Andhika Wijaya, Kadek Agung Widnyana Putra, and others.