Before Leaving For Turkey, The U-18 National Team Asked To Buy Iron Ball Boots

PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan (Photo: Ulfa Gusti/VOI)

JAKARTA - An exciting moment occurred ahead of the release of the U-18 national team to Turkey, Monday night. Garuda Muda goalkeeper Erlangga Setyo Dwi Putra submitted a request for soccer shoes with iron balls to the General Chairperson (Ketum) of PSSI, Mochammad Iriawan.

The moment began when Iriawan gave a speech. Then, he called three Garuda Muda players to come to the podium and make an impression.

The three names called by Iriawan were Ronaldo Kwateh, Barbanas Sobor and Erlangga Setyo. They were asked by the Head of PSSI to convey their impressions during the training camp for the U-18 national team in Jakarta.

"I myself am quite happy because there is one opportunity, especially since the coach is very disciplined," said Erlangga Setyo.

"I am also very happy and proud to be trusted by the coaching team to go to Turkey for the U-18 national team TC," said Ronaldo Kwateh added.

After hearing the impressions from the players, the chairman of PSSI did not forget to ask about the complaints and lack of facilities that the players felt.

"Is there something missing that PSSI gave?" asked Iwan Bule as the chairman of the PSSI is familiar.

Asked about his shortcomings, Erlangga, who was trusted to be the representative of his colleagues, was embarrassed. He felt reluctant to reveal his heart.

But after being convinced by Iwan Bule, Erlangga finally spoke up. He innocently and shyly said he wanted all the players to buy football boots with iron balls.

"That's it, sir, was it yesterday that some of my friends had already entered the national team, some of them were new," said Erlangga.

“The old ones already have shoes with iron studs. But some of them haven't yet, so please buy them, sir, so everyone has them," he continued reluctantly.

Hearing this statement, Iriawan laughed at Erlangga's behavior. But as a form of seriousness, he immediately responded to the request by asking assistants and coaches to note the needs of the Garuda Muda squad.

“The shoes were only Rp. 5 million, sir, it was recorded. Coach Bima, buy it, we'll send it later. That's the message from Europe," said Iwan Bule.

"Ten days so if there (Turkey), there is still time because they are there for up to two weeks," he said seriously.

Unmitigated, the PSSI Ketum also asked Erlangga to record his cellphone number so he could confirm if they received the soccer shoes with the requested iron ball directly.

After the event, the U-18 national team immediately went to Turkey to conduct training camps and trials. This was done as an effort to prepare for the upcoming U-20 World Cup in 2023.