The foreign midfielder welcomed the upcoming trial match against Western Sydney, one of Australia’s top four league teams, with optimism.
This match is considered an important part of Persib Bandung’s preparations ahead of the 2025/2026 Super League and the AFC play-off round.
« As the coach mentioned, we have many new players, especially foreign recruits. This match is an opportunity to assess the team’s progress. Facing a strong opponent is beneficial for us, » he said.
He added that the final result is not the main priority in this trial match. What matters most is how the team demonstrates quality and cohesion before entering official matches in the next 10 days.
« We want to evaluate our readiness, as we will soon play our first league match and the AFC play-off. I hope we can perform well and show potential, especially from the new players, » he explained.
After training in Thailand, the team’s cohesion has started to take shape.
He believes the time spent abroad strengthened the bond between players.
« From Thailand, we returned with something positive. We got to know each other better, and the chemistry between players is developing. This is crucial for a long season, » he said.
This trial match will also be a special moment for him, as it marks his debut at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium in front of the fans.
« I’m very excited. This will be my first match here, playing in front of supporters. I want to give my best for the team, » he said.
Western Sydney Wanderers expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming trial match against Persib Bandung this weekend.
According to the assistant coach, this match is a valuable opportunity to test their strength against a prominent Asian club with a long history.
« First, thank you for the invitation. It’s an honor to face Persib, a major club in Indonesia and Asia, as they prepare for their league and AFC Champions League campaign, » he said.
He mentioned that the team is still in the early stages of pre-season, making this trial crucial for building fitness and strategy ahead of Australia’s domestic competitions.
« For us, this is still early preparation, and we don’t know our next opponents yet. So, Saturday’s match is vital for our readiness, » he added.
Despite being a friendly, he remains wary of Persib’s strength, highlighting key players who could pose a real threat.
« Persib has many important players—Guaycochea, Marc Klok, Wiliam, Beckham, and their new goalkeeper. They bring quality and experience, which will influence the game, » he explained.
He noted that Persib’s new signings reflect coach Bojan Hodak’s strategy to build a competitive team for both domestic and Asian competitions.
« Coach Bojan brought them in to strengthen the squad and push the team toward this season’s goals, » he said.
Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium
The Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium (GBLA Stadium) is a modern multi-purpose stadium located in Bandung, Indonesia, opened in 2013. Its name, which translates to « Bandung Sea of Fire Stadium, » honors a historic 1946 event during the Indonesian National Revolution when Bandung residents burned their city to resist Dutch reoccupation. The stadium is primarily used for football matches and serves as the home venue for Persib Bandung, one of Indonesia’s most popular football clubs.
Persib Bandung
Persib Bandung is a professional football club based in Bandung, Indonesia, founded in 1933 during the Dutch colonial era. It is one of the country’s most popular and successful teams, with a passionate fanbase known as « Bobotoh. » Persib has won multiple national league titles, including the Indonesian Super League (ISL) in 2014, and plays its home matches at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium. The club holds deep cultural significance in West Java, symbolizing local pride and identity.
Western Sydney Wanderers
The Western Sydney Wanderers are a professional soccer club based in Western Sydney, Australia, founded in 2012 as part of the A-League expansion. The club quickly gained a passionate fanbase, known for its vibrant supporter group, the « Red and Black Bloc. » The Wanderers have achieved success, including winning the AFC Champions League in 2014, becoming the first Australian club to win the continental title.
AFC play-off
The **AFC play-off** refers to a series of competitive matches organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to determine qualification for major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the AFC Asian Cup. These play-offs often involve teams that finished just outside automatic qualification spots, providing them a second chance to advance. The format has evolved over time, reflecting changes in AFC tournament structures and global football regulations.
Super League
The **Super League** refers to top-tier professional football (soccer) leagues in various countries, with the most famous being England’s **Premier League**. Historically, the term gained controversy in 2021 with the proposed **European Super League**, a breakaway competition involving elite clubs, which faced widespread backlash and quickly collapsed. Today, « Super League » often denotes high-level domestic leagues or remains a contentious topic in football governance.
AFC Champions League
The **AFC Champions League** is the premier club football competition in Asia, organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Established in 1967 as the *Asian Champion Club Tournament*, it was rebranded in 2002–03 to its current format, featuring top clubs from across Asia competing for the continental title. The tournament has grown in prestige, with clubs like Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) and Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) among its most successful winners.
Thailand
Thailand, known as the « Land of Smiles, » is a Southeast Asian country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It was historically home to ancient kingdoms like Sukhothai (13th–14th century) and Ayutthaya (14th–18th century), which greatly influenced its Buddhist traditions, architecture, and arts. Today, Thailand is famous for its vibrant cities, ornate temples, lush landscapes, and bustling street markets, blending tradition with modernity.
Australia
Australia is a vast island continent and country known for its diverse landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich Indigenous history dating back over 65,000 years. Colonized by the British in 1788, it became a federation in 1901 and is now a multicultural nation with vibrant cities like Sydney and Melbourne, as well as natural wonders such as the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru. Its culture blends Indigenous traditions with influences from European, Asian, and Pacific Islander communities.
