3 Persebaya Players Positive For COVID-19, Tightening Protocols While In Bali

JAKARTA - Persebaya Surabaya announced that three of its players, namely Akbar Firmansyah, Reva Adi Utama, and Ady Setiawan, were detected positive for COVID-19 so they had to undergo a period of quarantine.

"Last (Friday night), we received news that three players tested positive for COVID-19 after undergoing routine swab tests ahead of the match," said Persebaya coach Aji Santoso on the sidelines of a virtual press conference after the match against PS Sleman in Bali, Saturday night.

Two of the three players, namely Ady Setiawan and Reva Adi Utama, are the core squad and cannot be replaced in every match. Ady occupies the right-back position, while Reva is a tandem duet on the left side of the defender.

Meanwhile, Akbar is an energetic young midfielder who often comes on as a substitute, even appearing as a starter several times.

"Ady and Reva entered the main team against PSS. But we had to change it after the announcement. Ady was replaced by Arizky Wahyu Satria, while Reva's position was filled by Franc Rikhart Sokoy," he said as quoted by ANTARA.

Aji Santoso said that on Friday, January 28, as usual, he led the team in a meeting to discuss techniques and tactics ahead of the match. However, in the middle of the discussion, he received a call from the team manager that three of his players had contracted COVID-19.

"We were all shocked to hear that and of course, the atmosphere immediately changed. We were confused because the team was ready. But, after all, Persebaya had to play and thankfully could secure full points," said the living legend of Persebaya and the national team.

Meanwhile, Aji Santoso also always reminded all players and officials to tighten health protocols while in Bali, including not leaving the hotel without permission.

"There is no need to leave the hotel if it is not urgent. All players and officials must comply and we hope that no one else is exposed," he said.

"Three Persebaya players have been quarantined and they are in good condition, or without symptoms. Hopefully, they will be negative soon and rejoin the team," Aji added.