JAKARTA (30 July 2014) – Indra Sjafri, the chief coach of the Indonesian U19 team feels that taking part in the Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy (HBT) 2014 will be good for them.
The Indonesian U19 team was initially supposed to take part in the COTIF – a tournament in Spain – but it was decided then taking part in the HBT would be a better choice.
The HBT is set to be held in Brunei on 9-23 August.
“We received information that at the COTIF, the team will only be playing 2×35 minutes. For me that is not enough as at the AFC Championship, we will be playing 2×45 minutes,” explained Indra.
Other than the playing time, Indra also pointed out the HBT will also be for players under the age of 21-years-old plus three over-aged players. As compared to the COTIF, it will be only for U20.
“Technically, the HBT will be a better tournament. We have to look in terms of technicality, not where the tournament will be held. People will always say that it is better to train in Spain or Europe but technically, it is better at the HBT,” added Indra.
“But after the HBT, we will of course look to go to Europe for the final phase of preparation for the AFC Championship.”
The AFC Championship will be played on 9-23 October in Myanmar.
HASSANAL BOLKIAH TROPHY 2014 Groupings
GROUP A: Laos, Myanmar, Philippines, Timor Leste, Thailand
GROUP B: Indonesia, Brunei, Cambodia, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam
PREVIOUS CHAMPIONS
2002: Indonesia
2005: Thailand
2007: Thailand
2012: Brunei
