Coach Hendri Susilo, along with the Sriwijaya FC squad, breathed a sigh of relief after securing their place in Liga 2 for the upcoming season. The Laskar Wong Kito managed to clinch a crucial victory against PSKC Cimahi with a narrow 0-1 scoreline in the fifth match of the Liga 2 2023/24 relegation play-offs at GBLA Stadium in Bandung last Friday.
“We are grateful to Allah SWT for our success this afternoon. We have managed to secure our position in Liga 2. What the Sriwijaya FC management feared has now been realized, thanks to the grace of Allah,” expressed head coach Hendri Susilo, accompanied by winger Fransiskus Alesandro during the post-match press conference.
The solitary goal that sealed the victory for Sriwijaya FC was netted by winger Tomi Darmawan in the 12th minute. Susilo opted to field the striking duo of Yevhen Baha Bokhashvili and Chencho Gyeltshen as part of the starting eleven.
However, Susilo acknowledged that there is still room for improvement for some of his players. Particularly, attention is drawn to Ukrainian striker Yevhen ‘Baha’ Bokhashvili, who has yet to deliver his best performance.
“The former coach of the Indonesia U-17 National Team for the Pre-Asia Cup (2005-2007) admitted that it is still challenging to field Ukrainian striker Yevhen ‘Baha’ Bokhashvili as a starter for Sriwijaya FC when facing PSKC Cimahi under coach Jafri Sastra,” he said.
Hendri Susilo, who previously guided Persiraja Banda Aceh to ascend to Liga 1 in the 2020 season, emphasized that player selection knows no compromise. “There are no hopes; I see who is the best, who is ready in training, that’s who I field. As for players, I don’t pick and choose. Whoever is ready, that’s it, those who aren’t good enough sit on the bench,” he asserted.
With this victory, Sriwijaya FC currently tops the temporary standings of the Liga 2 2023/24 relegation play-offs with 13 points. Perserang Serang Banten occupies the second position with 9 points, followed by PSKC Cimahi with 7 points. Sada Sumut FC, who has yet to secure a single point, is relegated to Liga 3.
The success of Sriwijaya FC is not only a team achievement but also the result of management’s hard work, players’ dedication, and full support from the people of Palembang, South Sumatra. Hendri Susilo and his team hope to maintain their best performance to face the challenges ahead in the upcoming Liga 2 season.
