Tumpak Sihite to Persipura, Bambang Nurdiansyah to Persita

March 31, 2001

More and more clubs' managerial changes in Indonesian League VII. Persipura Jayapura has appointed Tumpak Sihite as their new head coach, while Persita Tangerang has appointed Bambang Nurdiansyah as theirs.

Tumpak Sihite, FAI's head of scouts, will replace Hengky Haipon in Persipura. Persipura's secretary Benny S. Manuputty said that FAI has given 'green light' about the appointment.

Benny explained that, because of Persipura's tragic forms so far in the season, the management has decided to make a firm decision. They let go Henky Haipon and asked Tumpak Sihite to take over at the helm. This will be Tumpak's second time with the club, after his successful season in Indonesian League II. He has been given the task of getting the pride club of the Papua island off the relegation zone.

"It cannot be imagined how hurtful it'll be if Persipura ever got relegated to the First Division. We had to do something, and Tumpak already knew well the character of Papua's players and we have our faith in him," said Benny.

Benny said that he himself had met with FAI General Secretary Tri Goestoro and the Secretary has given his permission to let go of Tumpak Sihite from the scouts team.

Tri Goestoro, on a separate occasion, explained that FAI is willing to let go of Tumpak because the Association wants Persipura to do better in the remaining of the season.

"If the management of Persipura is so confident in Tumpak, then why don't we help them?" said Tri.

Tumpak Sihite himself, when confirmed about his appointment, said that he's willing to coach Persipura as long as FAI agrees. He said firmly that as long as Persipura's management is willing to cooperate with him, them he's sure of pulling the team out of the relegation zone.

"We still have nine home games left, and with the addition of some very good local players, I'm sure that Persipura will survive," said Tumpak.

Meanwhile, Tumpak Sihite is not the only personnel that FAI will lose. FAI's Coaching Manager, Bambang Nurdiansyah, has been approached by Persita Tangerang to fill their head coach position after their former head coach, Benny Dollo, went to manage the national team.

Tri Goestoro explained that former national striker Bambang Nurdiansyah is more than qualified as a head coach despite his relatively young age.

"He was ranked the third best in passing AFC coaching certification. It's no wonder that Persebaya Surabaya and Pelita Solo once wanted to have his service," said Tri.

Tri added, "Even though we have to work really hard to find his replacement for the organization, we have to put Persita's need as the number one priority because we had just taken away their head coach. I'm sure Bambang will do fine in the club."

Persita's caretaker head coach, Solihin, said that he leaves his future at the club to the management.

"If they're still going to use me, then I will right away make an evaluation why the team's last few performances went down. But if they decide to find a new head coach, then I will gladly to step back to the assistant manager position. I don't mind that because I'm already in love with this club," said Solihin.

from www.sepak-bola.tv