Phobia of relegation

April 7, 2001

The phobia of being relegated to the First Division has apparently triggered mid- and lower-table clubs to hunt for new players. The hunting is even more hectic because the deadline to register new players - three days before league's second half starts - is just around the corner. Some clubs have even gone the distance to sign completely new foreign players, who never played in Indonesian League before, and whose qualities are still doubtful.

Newly-promoted Persijap Jepara, who at the beginning of the season were determined not to use the service of foreign legions, are now busy looking for some. They're still in negotiations with a midfielder from France, Baron Gritz. And they're also involved in a tug-of-war with Pelita Solo to sigh Onana Jules Dennis. A fresh fund of Rp 150 millions from Jepara Regional Government has been made available.

"We do not want to fall back to the First Division. That's exactly why we're trying to build a stronger team for the second half," said the team's new manager, Nur Yachman.

With the arrival of these new players, Persijap had to release four of their old ones, which are Sutamto, Edy Kusmiyanto, Nasir, and Endar Setyoroso.

Unfortunately, it looks like Persijap will have to let go of their intention to sign Onana.

"I've been contacted by Pelita Solo on March 12 and will go on Tuesday (4/3) to join the squad," said Onana, who has played for Persma Manado for four seasons.

Meanwhile from West Sumatra, PSP Padang is still waiting for the arrival of their Brazilian trio. The three players have been contacted for quite some time now, and the club has spent another Rp 300 millions for the new signings and other needs. Those three players have been in Jakarta since March 22, but their ITC's have not been released yet. So their status at the moment are only temporary permit to stay.

PSP Padang fans themselves are losing their patience over the arrival of the new players.

"PSP needs to prepare themselves better, and those three players have to join the rest of the squad as soon as possible," said Dasrul Aur, managing director of PSTS Tabing, one of clubs under PSP Padang.

from BolaNews Sportsline (4/6/01)