5 BILLION RUPIAH INCENTIVE TO INDONESIA TO WIN AFF SUZUKI CUP

“If you win, it’s a win not only for you but for the entire country. Once you are on the pitch, we at PSSI, the team management and coach can no longer do anything, it is all in your hands, you are in control of your destiny,” Nurdin told the players at a dinner he hosted for the team here tonight.

The president spoke at length to the players and encouraged them to be the first to raise the coveted trophy. “None of the previous teams were able to win this tournament. From Dec 1 to 29 this year, the opportunity is open you to change the course of history. Bambang, you and your teammates must take this chance.”

He added that winning the trophy was a victory the whole country was waiting for. But in order to win, “you boys must play like champions from the start to the final whistle.”

And to provide the players with the incentive to emerge victorious, Nurdin then announced the incentive to the team. “If the team qualifies for the final, they will receive a payment of 2.5 Billion Rupiah. If the team wins the final, we will add a further 3 Billion Rupiah, this means 5.5 Billion Rupiah to win the title,” said Nurdin to the cheers of the players and officials.

Nurdin said that the players should not be driven by the cash but by the desire to win for the country. “It is time you forget about other matters and focus on this tournament. Remember, you must win for the glory and honour of your country.”

Earlier in the day there was a discussion between the media and national team manager Andi Darussalam Tabusalla along with team skipper Bambang Pamungkas and assistant captain Firman Utina at the PSSI office in Senayan.

At the talk, Bambang promised that the national team would deliver its very best to try and bring the cup to Indonesia. “The country has not won a major title for a long time and we hope we will be able to make this time.”