Keep the Soccer Competition Commitment

Name: Keep the Soccer Competition Commitment
Uploaded: 2021-03-22T04:26:16Z
Duration: 20 min 32 s
Description: Soccer in the country has returned after being suspended for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to maintain a commitment to organizing competitions with strict health protocols are the next challenge.

Soccer in the country has returned after being suspended for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to maintain a commitment to organizing competitions with strict health protocols are the next challenge.

DOMINICUS HERPIN DEWANTO PUTRO, ADRIAN FAJRIANSYAH

· 5 minutes read

JAKARTA, KOMPAS — The kickoff of two soccer matches for the 2021 Menpora (youth and sports minister) Cup was successfully held at Manahan Stadium in Surakarta, Central Java, on Sunday (21/3/2021). Soccer in the country has returned after being suspended for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts to maintain a commitment to organizing competitions with strict health protocols are the next challenge.

The duel between Arema FC and Persikabo 1973, which ended in a 1-1 draw, was the first match and was followed by a second match, between PSIS Semarang and Barito Putera, which also ended in a draw, this time of 3-3. Both matches were held without spectators.

During the matches, the organizing committee ensured that everyone who entered the stadium was negative for COVID-19 by checking bracelets indicating that the wearers had received recent negative swap test results. Then, everyone who entered the arena had to use an identification card based on their name and their bracelet’s barcode.

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The number of people in the stadium was limited to 299 people. The roar and the experience of jostling could no longer be found in the stadium. The players competed without the crowd cheering or singing. The voices of the coach and players were clearer.

The supporters were also not allowed to greet the players directly on the side of the stadium as they used to do before the pandemic. This time, the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) and PT Liga Indonesia Baru have asked supporters, by involving the supporter coordinators, to watch all matches from home.

A new thing was seen when the players entered the field and waited for the kick start. They no longer stood side by side, but marched along the center line of the field to keep their distance.

Youth and Sports Minister Zainudin Amali highlighted that health protocols should be implemented with discipline at all the locations of the Menpora Cup. The tournament will be held simultaneously in four locations, namely Manahan Stadium (Surakarta), Kanjuruhan Stadium (Malang, East Java), Maguwoharjo Stadium (Sleman, Yogyakarta), and Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung, West Java). Zainudin and PSSI Chairman Mochamad Iriawan had been at the Manahan Stadium since Sunday afternoon to ensure that the health protocols were carried out smoothly.

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"We have tried our best and are committed to holding the Menpora Cup according to the government\'s request regarding the health protocols. Therefore, we also ask the club supporters to maintain their commitment not to come to the stadium so that the Menpora Cup will be successful and smooth and so that we can re-launch Liga 1 and Liga 2,” said Iriawan in an online press conference.

If the Menpora Cup fails, it will set a bad precedent for other championships.

Sports observer Fritz E Simandjuntak said the COVID-19 task force needed to be fully involved in the implementation of the Menpora Cup. The goal, he said, was for data openness. If there were club members who were positive for COVID-19, they must not be allowed to join the team, let alone play in a match.

"This needs to get attention. Moreover, the Menpora Cup will be in the spotlight and the government\'s consideration of holding championships or other sports competitions in the midst of the pandemic. If the Menpora Cup fails, it will set a bad precedent for other championships," he said.

Preparation for Liga 1

Iriawan then expressed his gratitude when opening the tournament with Zainudin and Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka. There was no grand ceremony, only siren button presses. "This Menpora Cup is a test for PSSI in implementing health protocols in the Liga 1 competition later," said Iriawan.

This Menpora Cup is a test for PSSI in implementing health protocols in the Liga 1 competition later.

For the players, the tournament is very useful for recovering their fitness and touch, which has been partially lost. When they returned to compete, the players made many mistakes and lost their stamina. The Menpora Cup is the best opportunity to recover their strength before joining tougher competitions such as Liga 1.

"I feel tense because I haven\'t played football for one year," said Arema player Dendi Santoso after the match. Arema was left behind when Persikabo player Ahmad Nufiandani scored a goal in the 11th minute.

Toward the end of the match, Dendi appeared as a savior in a comical goal. When the Persikabo defender was about to throw the ball as far as possible from their penalty box, the ball hit Dendi\'s head and bounced into the goal. Dendi and his friends then celebrated the goal with an amused smile.