PJ Roberts assesses if Rafael van der Vaart is suited for a move to Indonesian club Bali United.
After making the 2016 final, Indonesia will fancy their chances at November’s AFF Suzuki Cup, which will introduce a new home-and-away format for the group stage.
But ASEAN success is just one of the hopes for Southeast Asia’s most populous nation.
Here are five 2018 football wishes for Indonesia.
1. More big names
The build-up to the 2017 Indonesia Liga One season was sent into the stratosphere by the arrival of five world stars. Michael Essien, Didier Zokora, Mohamed Sissoko, Peter Odemwingie,…
Terens Puhiri turned on the jets as he outran nearly everyone on the opposing team in the Indonesian first division.
Former Home United coach Robert Alberts is looking to build something special at PSM Makassar after signing a four-year contract extension with the Indonesian club.
PSM finished third in the 2017 Indonesia Liga 1 and there was speculation that the Dutchman would leave for Malaysia or Thailand. He has committed himself, however, to the South Sulawesi club until 2021.
“I got offers from other teams,” Alberts told ESPN FC. “But the future here is bright. We are looking at the long-term and the new…
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Terens Puhiri turned on the jets as he outran nearly everyone on the opposing team in the Indonesian first division.
ESPN FC’s Jason Dasey and John Wilkinson discuss Simon McMenemy’s success at Bhayangkara FC. Bhayangkara were crowned champions of Indonesia’s Liga 1 after finishing above Bali United at the end of an exciting title race, despite losing their final game of the season to Persija.
The West Javans finished level on points with Bali. But, despite having an inferior goal difference, they lifted the trophy due to a better head-to-head record against their closest challengers.
However, there was controversy surrounding the title triumph.
Bhayangkara were helped by being awarded a forfeit 3-0 win…
ESPN FC’s Jason Dasey and John Wilkinson discuss Simon McMenemy’s success at Bhayangkara FC.
ESPN FC’s Jason Dasey and John Wilkinson discuss Simon McMenemy’s success at Bhayangkara FC.
The international headlines written about the Indonesian Liga 1 at the start of the 2017 season focused on marquee signings such as Michael Essien and Didier Zokora. At the end, they may be all about Simon McMenemy.
The British coach has taken unfashionable Bhayangkara to the top of the 18-team table, with just one third of the season remaining. The dream is on, though the 39-year-old is trying his best his players focused.
“Everyone is getting excited, but it is my job to keep the players grounded,…