Indonesian LKG BRI Players' Stamina Not Yet Ideal for Gothia Cup 2025

TANGERANG SELATAN, KOMPAS — As the team prepares for two months of competition in the Gothia Cup 2025, the LKG BRI Indonesia squad continues to address its shortcomings. The issue of physical endurance remains a challenge that could hinder the performance of the team, which graduated from the Liga Kompas U-14 Powered by BRI edition 2024-2025, in Gothenburg, Sweden, this July.

During the training session on Saturday (10/5/2025) afternoon, at the Kera Sakti Field in South Tangerang, Banten, Head Coach of LKG BRI Indonesia TB Wahyudiansyah, along with assistant coach Edi, conducted five training sessions. The first three training sessions aimed to enhance the players' endurance and speed.

The training was attended by 17 players. One other player, the left winger Muhammad Fauzan Alhadar, only participated in the warm-up session by jogging lightly. After that, he stepped aside to the edge of the field and merely watched his teammates practice as he was not in good condition.

The first training menu for the players was divided into seven small groups consisting of two individuals each, with one group containing three individuals. They ran around the field for 15 minutes. The two goalkeepers, Fikri Pratama Gunawan and Fazil Darvesh, were the first group to start the training session.

Next, they dribble the ball while running at full speed. There are four stops for the half-court run. At each stop, players are required to place the ball down and return to their teammate waiting at the starting point to perform a toss.

They ran back towards the ball, then continued dribbling to the next stopping cone. Upon reaching the final stopping point, the players had to dribble the ball back to pass it to their teammates.

During the training session, the majority of the players were unable to place the ball in line with the stopping point. They were exhausted and placed the ball in random positions before running back towards their teammates. This situation prompted Wahyu to remind the players several times to hold the ball first to prevent it from moving.

"After reviewing the players' VO2Max data, we believe it is necessary to improve their endurance and speed. They must not only have strong physiques but also maintain the same physical condition whether with or without the ball," said Wahyu after the 1.5-hour training session.

In the latest VO2Max data, only the attacking midfielder, Oksal Kristian Gani, has a VO2Max score that meets the threshold set by the coaching staff, which is 55. Oksal, who represents the Cipta Cendikia team, recorded a VO2Max score of 56.

The remaining 17 players of LKG BRI Indonesia still need to improve their physical endurance in order to compete with the best youth teams in the world at the Gothia Cup 2025, scheduled for July 13-19. In fact, 11 players still have a VO2Max score below 50.

"I understand that this training session is tough. It is better for them to cry during practice than to do so in the actual match," said Wahyu, who coaches Oneway SS in the Kompas U-14 League this season.

Oksal acknowledged that the endurance and speed training sessions provided by the coach are very exhausting. Although he is already accustomed to heavy physical training, Oksal admits that he still needs to improve his physical abilities.

"It feels hardest during training sessions while controlling the ball," he said.

The physical training session also impacted the shooting accuracy of the players during the third training session. A total of 15 outfield players ran past two obstacles before taking a shot in front of the penalty area.

Most players failed to conquer Fikri and Fazil. This also applied to the top scorer of the Kompas U-14 League 2024-2025, Rayina Pamungkas. None of the shots from the striker, who scored 15 goals for Babek Soccer School, were on target towards the goal.

It's better for them to cry during practice than in the actual match.

The lack of adequate passing accuracy is also evident during the long passing practice session between the two sides of the field. There are players who can launch the ball but do not direct it accurately to their teammates, while there are other players who fail to lift the ball to float in the air.

The training concluded with a match simulation that took place in the last 15 minutes. Wahyu instructed his players to execute attacks with a single touch.

Each player is only allowed to control the ball and immediately release a short pass or a cross. Although they were exhausted after undergoing physical training, all players still presented cheerful faces during the match simulation session.

Dek Mang Raditya Pamungkas, Persigawa's center back, gets a new position as a midfielder. With that position, Dek Mang can contribute goals for his team through the fast break process or quick counterattack.

When asked about his new position, Dek Mang said, "I will try to perform as well as possible according to the coach's instructions."