Slim chance for Joao Bosco

March 30, 2001

The chance for Joao Bosco Cabral (Persikota), defender from East Timor, to make it to the national team looks slim. Not only caused by the controversy surrounding the status of his nationality, but also from training in which he's losing competitively to other national defenders.

Even though the result is far from satisfying, from several training sets and friendly matches, the composition for the squad is starting to show. In defense, besides Joao Bosco, it looks like Rolando Khoibur (Jakarta FC) and Anwar Panda (Persita) will have to pack home to their respective clubs.

It's understandable that these new faces are having hard times in the national team selection. Renown names such as Eko Prasetyo (Pelita Solo), Sugiantoro (Persebaya), Warsidi (Persija), Ronny Ririn (PSM Makassar), Ismed Sofyan (Jakarta FC), Agung Setyabudi (Persebaya) and Aples Tecuari (Pelita) have a wealth more experience in international level.

Aples Tecuari himself was a subject of debate after some questions raised over his eyes' health. When confirmed about this, national team's manager Irawadi said that after check-ups, Aples's eyes declared to be healthy and functioning normally.

"There's nothing wrong with his eyes. We even made him checked in Singapore," said Irawadi.

Asked about the twenty five names picked from the selection, Irawadi was reluctant to answer. "Just wait for the announcement" was all he said. The announcement for the final list of players passing the national team selection is expected to be made this weekend.

In midfield, two young midfielders from Persita Tangerang, Zaenal Arif and Firman Utina, look to be losing the selection battle against their more senior counterparts. Just to name a few are Bima Sakti (PSM Makassar), Uston Nawawi (Persebaya), Seto Nurdiyantoro (Pelita Solo) and Andrian Mardiansyah (Persikota).

Meanwhile, up front, Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto looks to retain the number 10 shirt for the national team. He will most likely be accompanied by the three young, goalthirsty bombers from Persija Jakarta, Budi Sudarsono, Bambang Pamungkas, and Gendut Dony. This means, striker Purwanto from Semen Padang should get ready to head back home.

from www.sepak-bola.tv