According To Aji Santoso, Persebaya Surabaya Will Return To Practice On May 9

Persebaya coach Aji Santoso. (ANTARA/Fiqh Arfani)

JAKARTA - Persebaya Surabaya will start preparations for the new season of the Indonesian League 1 on May 9, 2022, where the players are scheduled to gather again and undergo their inaugural training.

"I hope that on that date all the players have arrived, including foreign players," said Persebaya coach Aji Santoso when contacted in Surabaya, Saturday.

He acknowledged that a number of players who last season defended Bajol Ijo left and defended other clubs, including three foreign players, namely Bruno Moreira, Taisei Marukawa and Arsenio Valpoort.

Meanwhile, another foreign player, Alie Sesay, has not received certainty regarding a contract extension because he is returning to his home country to take care of his wedding preparations.

Several local players have said goodbye through their personal social media, but Aji admitted that he and the management have not been able to make an announcement because they are waiting for the right time.

Some names that are predicted to no longer wear green and green costumes next season are Rendi Irwan, Rachmat Irianto, Ricky Kambuaya, Arif Satria, Reva Adi Utama, Johan Yoga, Oktafianus Fernando, and David Arianto.

Last season, Persebaya was in fifth position in the final standings and lost to Bali United who won, then Persib Bandung, Bhayangkara FC and Arema FC.

Meanwhile, at the current competition break, Aji Santoso admits that he will not remain silent, but will continue to monitor and try to find players who are worthy of defending Persebaya.

In fact, the names of young players from Persebaya U-18 and U-20 are also a priority, including from League 1, League 2 and League 3 clubs.

"If he is worthy, why not? Remember, I took Arif Satria from a League 3 club and now he is extraordinary. Whoever the player is as long as it fits the criteria and character of Persebaya, it is not impossible for us to recruit," said Aji again.