Persma to sign ex-Bordeaux and Udinese player

April 7, 2001

Among all the new signings during the league's intermezzo, Joachim Fernandez (28) looks to be the most special. To quote an old Indonesian maxim, Persma Manado seems to "receive a falling durian."

It's understandable why. The tall striker Joachim (190 cm/80 kg), who holds both French and Senegalese passports, has an excellent background. Besides having played in Serie A club Udinese in 1997/1998 season, he also played for Franch Frist Division outfit Bordeaux in 1999/2000 season. Joachim arrived in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Monday (4/2).

"Maboang Kessack invited me to play in Indonesian League, and I've heard a lot about Persma. I'm ready to play for them in Indonesian League VII," said Joachim.

Joachim Fernandez will be the third player Persma Manado tries to get to rebuild their team for the second half of the season. Before him, Samson Kinga (Gabon) and Roland Ntoko (Cameroon) have also been signed. Roland Ntoko himself was a former Cameroonian international for 1992 and 1996 African Cups.

"Samson and Roland have been tested, signed, and ready to be registered to PSSI. Joachim, meanwhile, has just arrived and we will evaluate him first," said persma's team manager, Kiky Wangkar.

Maybe if it's a question about skills, Joachim will not have a problem with. But it's actually Persma's fund that needs to be questioned. It's everyone's little secret that the "Blue Storms" have always had financial troubles, year in and year out.

from BolaNews Sportsline (4/6/01)