Central Coast Mariners will take on Persib Bandung in the Club’s third and final group fixture at the 2013 Menpora Cup in Indonesia this evening, and the match promises to provide Graham Arnold’s charges with their toughest test in the competition thus far.
Central Coast Mariners will take on Persib Bandung in the Club-s third and final group fixture at the 2013 Menpora Cup in Indonesia this evening, and the match promises to provide Graham Arnold-s charges with their toughest test in the competition thus far.
The Mariners need just a draw against the popular local Club to advance to the Final to be held in Malang, however with a partisan home crowd full of fervent fans barracking for Bandung, the Mariners will need to be on their game to secure their place in the tournament-s showpiece match.
Persib Bandung is one of the best supported Club-s in Indonesia, and a near capacity crowd is expected tonight at the 40,000 all-seater Stadion Si Jalak Harupat.
Fans in Australia can watch the game live by CLICKING HERE at 9:25pm AEST.
Before kick-off, take the time to learn a little more about Persib Bandung…
Club Name: Persatuan Speak Bola Indonesia Bandung (Persib Bandung)
City: Bandung, West Java, Indonesia
Coach: Djadjang Nurdjaman
Captain: Atep Rizal
Stadiums: Siliwangi (capacity: 25,000) & Si Jalak Harupat (capacity: 40,000)
2013 Indonesian Super League: 4th
Colours: Blue & White
Nickname: Maung Bandung (The Tiger of Bandung)
Star Players:
Undoubtedly Persib Bandung-s key man is their number 10, Sergio van Dijk. van Dijk-s ability is well known to fans of the Hyundai A-League, with the Dutch born marksman having represented Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United with aplomb in the competition between 2008 and 2013. van Dijk was a consistent goal-getter in the Hyundai A-League, and he evidently packed his goal-scoring boots in his suitcase when he left Adelaide United – he has scored 21 goals in 30 appearances for Persib thus far.
The Mariners will also need to shut down midfielder Firman Utina. Utina has enjoyed an established career in Indonesian football, earning over 50 caps for the National Team along the way. Utina was named player of the tournament in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup.
Cameroonian defender Abanda Herman will be a key man for Persib if they are to shut down the Mariners attack. Born in Yaounde, 29-year-old Herman has played in Indonesia since 2004, linking with Bandung in 2010. He has chipped in with nine goals in 71 appearances in that time, and standing at 192cm, Graham Arnold-s men will need to keep a keen eye on him at set-pieces.
The Fans:
Persib Bandung-s supporters are notorious in Indonesia for their passionate support of the Club. Known as “Bobotoh”, Persib-s fans travel far and wide for their team, and give energy to their players via some of the most vocal, synchronised support in Asia. Visit Bandung, and you-ll find a local selling Persib scarves, tees and jerseys in every street!
Did you know…
Australian footballer Robbie Gaspar played for Persib Bandung between 2011 and 2012. Gaspar, who was born in Perth, played in the National Soccer League for Sydney Olympic before venturing to South East Asia to pursue his professional playing career. Gaspar is still much loved by Bobotoh for his respect for the fans.
Central Coast Mariners 2013 Menpora Cup Squad:
1. Justin Pasfield (Gk), 3. Joshua Rose, 4. Marcel Seip, 5. Zachary Anderson, 6. Brent Griffiths, 7. John Hutchinson (c), 8. Nick Montgomery, 9. Mitchell Duke, 10. Marcos Flores, 11. Nick Fitzgerald, 12. Liam Reddy (Gk), 13. Hayden Morton, 14. Michael McGlinchey, 15. Storm Roux, 16. Trent Sainsbury, 17. Anthony Caceres, 19. Matt Simon, 21. Mile Sterjovski, 22. Tom Slater
Central Coast Mariners 2013 Menpora Cup Match Schedule:
Friday 20 September, 2013
Sriwijaya FC vs. Central Coast Mariners FC
Stadion Jalak Harupat
Kick-off: 3:30pm local (6:30pm AEST)
Twitter: #SRIvCCM
Result: 2-0 WIN | Goalscorers: Matt Simon & Nick Fitzgerald
Sunday 22 September, 2013
Malaysia U23 (“Harimau Muda”) vs. Central Coast Mariners FC
Stadion Jalak Harupat
Kick-off: 3:30pm local (6:30pm AEST)
Twitter: #HMvCCM
Result: 2-0 WIN | Goalscorers: Matt Simon & Mitchell Duke
Tuesday 24 September, 2013
Persib Bandung vs. Central Coast Mariners FC
Stadion Jalak Harupat
Kick-off: 6:30pm local (9:30pm AEST)
Twitter: #PBvCCM
Official 2013 Menpora Cup Digital & Social Accounts:
Website: www.pialamenpora.com
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/PialaMenpora (@PialaMenpora)
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/PialaMenpora
