U-16 National Football Team Must Stay Humble

President Jokowi and Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi pose for a group photo with players, coaches, and official of Indonesian U-16 National Football Team at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (4/10). (Photo by: Oji/Public Relations).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo received players, coaches, and officials of Indonesian U-16 National Football Team at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (4/10).

The President expressed his highest appreciation for their endeavours in the ASEAN and Asian level competitions in Sidoarjo, East Java and in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia some time ago.

“I have seen your struggles and now you enjoy the fruit of your hard work,” President Jokowi said.

In the Asian U-16 competition, the President was delighted to see the U-16 national team won 2-0 against Iran and got a goalless draw against India. On the match against Australia, the Indonesian national team led early in the game, but unfortunately the team lost 2-3 at the end of game.

“Indeed, we still have to work harder for a better result,” the President said, adding that there are still many opportunities out there and he ordered Minister of Youth and Sports Imam Nahrawi to take care the whole U-16 team members and officials until they get to play on a higher level because they have talents to continue forward.

Usually, the performance of U-16 players shows a decline when they are on U-19 or senior team because their lifestyle change.

Therefore, President Jokowi advised to carefully take this issue into account. He asked the members of the U-16 national team to stay humble and keep the hard work and do not let a lot of money change them. “If there is more income, just save it,” the President added.

If they are consistent, the President is optimistic that the U-16 national team will make the whole country proud of them. (FID/OJI/ES) (GWH/MMB/Naster)