Joko Widodo Invited the U16 National Team

DBasia.news – Indonesia President Joko Widodo accepted the U16 Indonesia national team accompanied by Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Imam Nahrawi in the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (4/10). The U16 Indonesia national team are accompanied by PSSI secretary general Ratu Tisha Destria.

Recently, the U16 Indonesia national team reached the quarter-final of U16 Asian Cup 2018. The step for the semifinal round and ticket for the U17 World Cup was stopped after the defeat against Australia.

Previously, the Garuda Muda squad achieved the champion title for 2018 U16 AFF Cup in Sidoarjo. They presented the champion title for Jokowi.

“They won in ASEAN, in Asia won against Iran, draw against Australia. They led on the first half despite the defeat, I see the fight and spirit on the pitch were great,” said Jokowi quoted from Ministry of Youth and Sports Affairs’ official website.

 

Imam Nahrawi

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Jokowi asked the U16 Indonesia national team to work hard considering that they will be the backbone of the national team in older age, U19 or senior.

“I put my trust in U16 to conduct the tryout and enhance the skill and capability through the friendly matches,” he added.

Jokowi promised to find the person from BUMN to help the players’ development. “To enhance it to the U19 and senior team.”

He also warned the player to watch the lifestyle. “Don’t change the lifestyle. Perhaps when your income is high, the lifestyle changes. This is the trigger of decreasing performance. That’s my advice,” Jokowi said quoted from Setkab’s official website.

“The President really wants the U16 national team to keep the solidarity, performance, and maximize the skill. They are the future of Indonesian football. We have to do the broader efforts like build the proper infrastructure development and add more training camps,” Imam Nahrawai added.

One day before, the U16 Indonesia national team were invited to the Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs and Imam Nahrawi’s house.