Rans Coach Eduardo Almeida Understandably Must Move Stadium When Ladeni Borneo FC

Rans FC Nusantara players undergo training at the Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul. (Gonang Susatyo)

YOGYAKARTA - Rans FC Nusantara had to move home matches when they hosted Borneo FC in Liga 1 2023/2024, Saturday, December 16, 2023. Coach Eduardo Almeida understands that the team has to move because Maguwoharjo Stadium is being renovated.

Rans FC's match against Borneo FC was moved to the Sultan Agung Stadium, Bantul, which is also still in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY). Almeida doesn't mind because the grass conditions are good and as expected.

Even though he had to change places, Almeida did not change the target. According to him, while acting as the host, Rans FC had to win the match.

"We have to understand because of the situation that happened with the renovation of the stadium. We are grateful for being able to play here [The Sultan Agung Stadium]. The condition is also good. The grass has no problem. The important thing is this is our stadium and we have to do our best," said Almeida.

When changing stadiums and aiming for three points, but this is not a light job for Rans FC. The reason is, they face Borneo FC, one of the best teams in Liga 1. The team is also perched at the top of the standings with 48 points.

"Kita tahu Borneo FC adalah tim yang bagus. Saat ini, mereka merupakan tim terbaik di liga dengan menempati posisi pertama. Sementara kami di peringkat tujuh. Kita tahu mereka punya kualitas," kata Almeida.

However, Almeida still believes Rans FC has a chance to beat the visitors. Moreover, in the first duel at home, Rans was able to steal points.

"During the away match, we drew. Now, we are competing at home. We are trying to do everything to get the three points. This is our target," he said.

Rans FC tried to make improvements after picking up disappointing results. They showed a decline because they never won in the last five matches. Even in 'Derbi Maguwoharjo', Rans FC had to admit PSS Sleman's 1-0 advantage.

The poor performance made Rans FC slump to seventh position with 32 points. Rans FC, who had competed at the top, was 16 points adrift of Borneo FC.

Meanwhile, Borneo FC wants to close this year with a win. Coach Pieter Huistra said the final match of this year should end well. According to him, this will be a positive capital to look at the remaining matches in 2024.

"We are in good form. We have played several matches well. Now, we have to do it in the last game," said Huistra.

However, the Dutch coach did not underestimate Rans FC. They proved to be able to trouble Borneo FC in the away match.

"Rans FC is one of the teams that made it difficult for us in our own home game. So we have to be vigilant. But we are fully ready," he said.