Successfully Bringing Persija To Win The Menpora Cup, Coach Sudirman Focuses On Preparing Foster Children For League 1

Persija wins the Menpora Cup 2021 (DOK Kemenpora)

JAKARTA - Persija Jakarta finally won the title in the 2021 Menpora Cup pre-season tournament after overthrowing its classic rival Persib Bandung 2-1 in the second leg final which was held at Manahan Stadium, Solo, Central Java.

Persija Jakarta coach, Sudirman, feels grateful that Persija has succeeded in achieving his dream. According to him, the Menpora Cup pre-season tournament is very good for measuring the team's ability towards the rolling of the league in the country.

"Alhamdulillah, Persija won the Menpora Cup. This is a great gift for my birthday. Thank you for my players who played extraordinary and have high spirits. The important thing is we beat our rivals with two defeats for them and it was extraordinary," Sudirman said during a press conference after the match, quoted from a written statement from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Monday, April 26.

"I think this is a good tournament after we have been vacuumed for one year and good for all teams because ahead of League 1, the coaches at least know the weaknesses and strengths that need to be fixed ahead of the league," he added.

According to him, League 1 which will roll out in July will be focused after undergoing Eid.

"I can't talk too much, because Liga 1 will roll out in July and after Eid we focus on league 1. I also don't know if I still believe as head coach at Persija but for sure we are happy in this Menpora Cup," he said.

He reminded Persija supporters, Jakmania, not to celebrate victory in crowds and crowds. It is enough to keep supporting from home considering that the Covid-19 pandemic has not subsided.

"We are champions in this Menpora Cup, but it needs to be remembered for Persija supporters, especially Jakmania, that we do not celebrate this victory in a crowd but we need to keep supporting it from home. Keep encouraging us, hopefully on another occasion we can still achieve maximum results," he appealed.

Meanwhile, Marc Anthony Klok, the retainer of Persija, who also won the title of best player, gave his appreciation to his teammates, Persija supporters and medical personnel who supported the Menpora Cup and led Persija to win. He assessed that all supporting staff, Kemenpora and PSSI have worked well and professionally.

"I see this tournament is very good. I think the organization here is everyone doing their best and professionally. Even though in the Covid situation everything can work, I really appreciate it," he said during a virtual press conference.

"I am very happy with Persija with all the coaches, players and staff. We know we have not played football for one year and now we have won. For all Jakmania and all supporters support from home. Thank you to the medical team too, for something important. every day and I am very happy, "he added.

The future target, he continued, is he wants to play well and give his best and win with the Indonesian national team.

"I am very happy with this tournament and the Indonesian national team. Hopefully I can give the best for this country, because I want to be able to win with the Indonesian national team in the future," he hoped.