JAKARTA (27 Oct 2018) – Newly appointed head coach Bima Sakti aims to bring on the magic for Indonesia’s first ever AFF Suzuki Cup crown this year when the regional meet opens next month.
For the record, Indonesia have reached the AFF Suzuki Cup final five times – in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2010 and 2016 – but could only finish second best on each occasion.
But with former international Bima Sakti Tukiman – a local hero and household name in Indonesia – who played at the SEA Games, the Asian Games, Asia Cup, and FIFA World Cup qualifiers and earned 58 caps according to records, there is still hope yet that Indonesia might just land the big one this time round.
Bima have made some 230 appearances for Indonesian cubs from 1994 to 2016 before moving into management with his former club Persiba Balikpapan as the assistant coach.
The gifted midfielder was later named as the assistant to Spaniard Luis Milla for Indonesia’s campaign at the recent Asian Games which they hosted.
Playing in Group B of the AFF Suzuki Cup, Indonesia have Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Timor Leste for company.
“Desire and character based on database observed by Milla were taken into account in picking the AFF Suzuki Cup squad,” said Bima, who thanked PSSI Deputy President Joko Driyono for having faith and giving him the opportunity to handle the national team.
