PSIM Without Ze Valente Against Persija, Van Gastel Remains Optimistic

PSIM Yogyakarta mainstay midfielder Ze Valente. (VOI/Gonang Susatyo)

The top team duel when PSIM Yogyakarta came to the capital to face Persija Jakarta in the 2025/2026 Super League competition at the Gelora Bung Karno (SUGBK) Main Stadium, Friday, November 28, 2025. In that match, PSIM lost pillar player, Ze Valente due to the accumulation of yellow cards. However, coach Jean-Paul van Gastel remains optimistic even though Ze is not strengthened.

PSIM, a promotion team that presents a surprise in the Super League. Coming as the 2nd League champion, PSIM was able to compete with the poorest teams in the highest caste for a long time.

Not only that, but PSIM even entered the top five by ranking fourth after beating Bhayangkara FC 1-0. The victory that made PSIM have points 22. They are still four points adrift with Persija perched in second place.

Laskar Mataram's success in breaking into the top made the match against Persija worthy of being called a big match. PSIM, which has a good record when playing away, will be a serious threat to the Kemayoran Tigers.

However, PSIM actually lost Valente, a mainstay midfielder who was forced to miss after receiving a yellow card four times. The last yellow card this Portuguese player got was against Bhayangkara FC.

Responding to this situation, PSIM coach Jean-Paul Van Gastel remains calm and optimistic. He emphasized his confidence in the depth of his squad.

He [Valente] is clearly our important player. However, as I always tell substitutes, when the team needs it and the time comes, you have to be ready. So now is the time, "said Van Gastel.

Meanwhile, Valente was disappointed to fail to join the team and had to be a spectator in this crucial match. "It's really tough and annoying not being able to appear in this important match," said Valente.

The midfielder, who has scored three goals with PSIM, admitted that the yellow card he received did happen out of control. Even though he played carefully, he still missed and pocketed a yellow card.

"I've tried hard to avoid the card, but there's a situation on the ground that we can't control, and that's one of them," Valente said.

However, Valente believes that the absence of one player will not weaken the team's mentality. According to him, PSIM's main strength lies in collectivity, not individuals.

Our main key is the team. I'm not a special person, nor do other players. We all have the same unique role as importance, although sometimes there are players who have a bigger influence at a certain moment, "said Valente.