18 Selected Players, Target to Bring Home Trophy from Gothia Cup 2025

TANGERANG, KOMPAS — A total of 18 players have been selected to strengthen the LKG BRI Indonesia squad in the Gothia Cup 2025, which marks a special edition celebrating its 50th anniversary. The majority of the players come from the team ranked second in the Liga Kompas U-14 Presented by BRI 2024-2025, namely Persigawa.

Five players from Persigawa are Fikri Pratama Gunawan (goalkeeper), Dek Mang Raditya (center-back), Puma Nandhito (center-back), Muhammad Hazwan Haidar (defensive midfielder), and Aldo Julian Ajri (attacking midfielder).

The champion team of the Liga Kompas U-14 for the 2024-2025 season, Babek Soccer School, has sent four players. They are Dimas Anggara (left back), Radithya Javas Nugraha (defensive midfielder), Milito Setiawan Sitompul (defensive midfielder), and Rayina Pamungkas (forward).

Oksal Kristian Gani (attacking midfielder), Muhammad Fadlan (left winger), and Muhammad Akbar Ramadhan (forward) come from Cipta Cendikia. Meanwhile, two teams, namely Oneway Soccer School and Young Warrior, are represented by two players. Villa 2000 and Satria Cipta each received representation from one player.

All aspects that we must improve. We are required to prepare thoroughly in order to bring home the trophy. Our targets must be high.

TB Wahyudiansyah, the coach of Oneway SS, has been selected as the head coach for the LKG BRI Indonesia team at the Gothia Cup 2025. Young Kabomania coach Edy has been appointed as the assistant coach for the team that will participate in the "Youth World Cup" tournament in Sweden, from July 13 to 19.

Wahyu stated that there are many aspects that his protégés need to prepare in order to compete in the Gothia Cup 2025. From physical conditioning, tactics, to techniques, all still require improvement.

"All aspects that we need to improve. We must prepare to the fullest in order to bring home the trophy. Our target must be high," said Wahyu after the announcement of the LKG BRI Indonesia squad at the Kompas League U-14 Fair presented by BRI 2024-2025, Sunday (4/5/2025), at the Indomilk Arena Stadium, Tangerang, Banten.

The last time the Liga Kompas U-14 team brought home a trophy from the Gothia Cup, which took place in Gothenburg, Sweden, was when they secured third place in the 2018 edition. Previously, the Liga Kompas U-14 squad also held the title of second place in 2013.

Rayina and Fikri agreed with Wahyu. Both are determined to make use of the two-month preparation period, including the training camp that will be held in June, to improve their individual skill deficiencies.

Rayina, the holder of the top scorer title in the Liga Kompas U-14 2024-2025, stated that physical deficiencies are a primary concern for him.

"I feel that my physical condition must continue to improve. My goal is to complement the League of Kompas championship with a title from the Gothia Cup," said Rayina, who scored 15 goals in the League of Kompas this season.

Fikri added, "Reflexes and shot stopping are skills that I want to continue to improve. I want to make a big contribution to the team when I play in Sweden later."

The goalkeeper from Persigawa has been awarded the golden glove trophy as the best goalkeeper of the Liga Kompas U-14 2024-2025. At just 14 years old, Fikri possesses an ideal stature for a goalkeeper, standing nearly 1.8 meters tall.

A member of the Executive Committee of PSSI, Eko Setyawan, who was present representing the Chairman of PSSI, Erick Thohir, supported the continuity of the Liga Kompas U-14, which has been running for 12 seasons. In addition, he appreciated Liga Kompas's commitment to consistently sending representatives from Indonesia to the Gothia Cup.

"Participants of the Gothia Cup must enhance their skills, and they should not forget to get enough rest and adequate nutrition," said Eko.

Agustya Hendy Bernadi, Corporate Secretary of BRI, stated that the company fully supports the Liga Kompas this season, not only for the implementation of the competition that runs for 15 weeks. In addition, support for the Gothia Cup squad is also provided by BRI.

"The Liga Kompas is a tangible proof of BRI's commitment to making a real contribution to the development of football, in addition to supporting the implementation of professional competitions. We also express our appreciation to the players who are heading to the Gothia Cup through educational savings," said Agustya.

Eko added that PSSI's hope is to consistently qualify for the U-17 World Cup every year, so development leagues such as Liga Kompas become a platform for nurturing potential players for the Indonesian U-17 team in the coming years.

"Do not waste the valuable experience in Sweden. The experience of playing abroad is important for enhancing skills and attitudes to become a quality football player," said Eko.

On the other hand, Agustya mentioned BRI's support for Liga Kompas as a national development league that contributes to the development of human resource talent in Indonesia.

"We see that the football ecosystem is built from professional matches and developmental competitions. Specifically, developmental competitions also play a role in preparing the techniques and mentality of future players very well," he said.