Bola.net – The Indonesian U-16 National Team squad will get stronger. Coach Nova Arianto revealed that there would be two diaspora players joining the training camp in Solo, Central Java.
According to Nova Arianto, the two diaspora players in question are Lucas Raphael Lee and Matt Baker. Both will arrive in early June 2024.
“Currently there are two diaspora players, Diego Sinathrya and Matthew Kohnke. Meanwhile, two more will follow, namely Lucas Raphael Lee and Matthew Sitorus Baker on June 3 and 6,” said Nova Arianto to Bola.com, Sunday (26/ 5/2024).
Previously, at the beginning of May 2024, there were six diaspora players who were called TC. They are Diego Sinathrya, Lucas Raphael Lee, Matthew Sitorus Baker, Ocean Erwin Lim, Eizar Tanjung, and Miroslav Momor. However, the last three names failed to pass the selection.
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Special Programs
Nova Arianto while leading the U-17 Indonesian National Team training session at the Madya Stadium (c) PSSI
Nova Arianto said that the diaspora players were in good condition. Including, there are no problems with the two new players who will join next week. Because, they have been given a special training program so that their physical condition is maintained.
“The condition of the diaspora players is very good, including Baker and Lucas Lee. We provide a special program for them so that they are not physically too far from the existing players,” said Nova Arianto.
“So when they join the team, their physical condition will be the same. I just need to introduce them to what I really want,” continued the former Persib Bandung player.
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Competitive Map
The first training for the U-16 Indonesian National Team was led by coach Nova Arianto at Field A, SUGBK Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday (19/02/2024) yesterday. (c) Bolanet/Bagaskara Lazuardi
Asked about the competitive map in this biennial event, Nova Arianto said that the opponents he would face were not much different. Moreover, at the age group level.
“The competition in Southeast Asia is the same. We met the strongest, still Vietnam and Thailand because their opponents are not far from that. So we just prepare their opponents,” he explained.
Even though there is no specific target from PSSI, the tactician born in Semarang, Central Java, still has the ambition to provide the best for Garuda Muda.
“PSSI doesn’t have a target because the AFF U-16 Cup is a testing ground for us to be ready to face the 2025 U-17 Asian Cup Qualification in October,” said Nova Arianto.
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Preparations for the 2024 AFF U-16 Cup
Indonesian U-16 National Team Coach, Nova Arianto (c) Bola.net/Bagaskara Lazuardi
The Indonesian U-16 national team will soon compete in the 2024 AFF U-16 Cup. The prestigious age group tournament in Southeast Asia will take place in Solo, Central Java from June 24 to July 4.
During TC in Yogyakarta, Garuda Muda trained at two different locations: Yogyakarta Independent School (YIS) Field, Sleman and Mandala Krida Stadium, Yogyakarta. Training is held twice a day, morning and afternoon.
Not only did they carry out training, they also held a series of trials. Last week, the U-16 Indonesian National Team played a training match against the Cilo Sportivo Magelang academy.
Then on Saturday (25/5/2024) morning WIB, Garuda Muda tested the strength of PSS Sleman U-16 at YIS Field, and managed to win 5-1. After this, it was SSB Terang Bangsa’s turn to be their opponent.
Adapted from: Bola.com (Ana Dewi, Hendry Wibowo) 26 May 2024
