Comparison

Some readers by now would probably be fed-up with the constant comparison with our neighbours especially between FAM and PSSI (Persatuan SepakBola Seluruh Indonesia). BorakBola will make no apologies for this as the main reason we always compare the state of national football in this country with that of Indonesia is because we believe that funds-wise, they should be around the same, if not less than the money the government injects into sports in this country. Plus because physically, they are almost the same and we speak the same language. BorakBola have been following the performance of the Timnas (Tim Nasional) eversince their disastrous AFF outing under Peter Withe. BorakBola believes, that among the countries that Malaysia should learn from would be Indonesia as well, because they are undergoing a rebuilding process for the national team, who's own performance have slumped over the year.

Judging from this year's Asian Cup, Indonesia is looking to come back big in ASEAN. Although like Thailand the future is still uncertain as youth football development is not as strong in these countries as compared to say, Singapore. Expect them to provide a decent match against the soon to be assembled MyTeam 2.

Two things that BorakBola would like to highlight here. Firstly, how information are well distributed and easily accessed from the PSSI website. We admit, they are far from perfect (especially information and handling of tickets sales). But unlike in Malaysia where we were unaware until the first match who was wearing what number in the Pasukan Kebangsaan, the Indonesian were already putting up on their website the numbers the players will be using for the Asian Cup campaign. Another example is how in the last group match against Korea, the Indonesian team was wearing their away white kit for the first time. It wasn't really a surprise that the whole Gelora Bung Karno stadium was white as snow as well when previously it was a sea of red for two consecutive games. Will we in Malaysia ever be this organised? Go and visit the FAM site again and think. And see if the slowpokes at FAM can beat the Indons with updates as this

A second example of how PSSI got it right is that despite the busy schedule the Timnas have with training, they managed to (twice) slot in time to visit orphanages around Jakarta and handing out goodies to the children. What an experience for these kids to be able to see and meet their heroes in real life. That is how you inspire future heroes. Search the PSSI website for full stories.



Timnas captain Ponaryo Astaman handing out gifts to orphans in Jakarta

What did the Malaysian team do before the first match?




We cut cakes.

You don't need to go as far as Highbury or Brickendonbury to improve the game. Just look within ASEAN itself.