President's Cup First Match, Stage for Persib Bandung's New Faces

BANDUNG, KOMPAS - Persib Bandung will face the Thai team Port FC in the opening match of Group A of the 2025 President's Cup at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium in Bandung Regency, Sunday (6/7/2025). This event serves as a platform to introduce a lineup of new players for the team nicknamed the Blue Prince.

In the 2025 President's Cup, Persib Bandung will compete with two teams, Port FC from Thailand and Dewa United in Group A.

The best team will advance to the final to face the group leader from another group, which includes Oxford United, Arema FC, and Liga 1 Selection.

After winning the Liga 1 Indonesia for two consecutive seasons, Pangeran Biru undertook a major overhaul by releasing 13 players. Persib brought in 11 new names, consisting of eight foreign players and three local players.

The recruitment of 11 new players is Persib's effort to maintain its dominance in domestic competitions while appearing competitive in Asian events.

Several new players have joined, including Adam Przybek, a goalkeeper from Wales, as well as Luciano Guaycochea and Patricio Matricardi from Argentina. From Brazil, Persib has brought in five players at once, namely Júlio César, Wiliam Marcilio, Berguinho, Uilliam Barros, and Ramon Tanque.

We will fight in every game. This is also an opportunity to unite old and new players.

From local players, Persib brought in three players, namely Saddil Ramdani, Alfeandra Dewangga, and Al Hamra Hehanussa.

Persib Bandung coach Bojan Hodak stated that this tournament will serve as a preparation for Liga 1 and the qualification for the AFC Champions League Two 2025/26. Although the team has only started full training since June 30, Hodak remains focused on achieving optimal results.

"The condition of the team is not ideal, but we will fight in every match. This is also an opportunity to unite old and new players," said Hodak.

New player of Persib from Argentina, Luciano Guaycochea, promised to perform at his best in the opening match of the 2025 President's Cup against Port FC. The player, commonly known as Lucho, admitted that he and his teammates have only been preparing for a few days to compete in this event.

The player, born in Santa Rosa on April 24, 1992, does not want to disappoint Bobotoh, the nickname for Persib supporters, in the inaugural match of this event that has been held since 2015.

"We must continue to do our best. I hope everyone, especially the new players, can understand the ideas presented by the coach," said Lucho.

From the Port FC team, coach Alexandre Gama does not want to underestimate this tournament, which they are participating in for the first time. He is optimistic that Port FC can achieve victory in this event.

Port FC is one of the top teams in Thailand's Thai Premier League. In the 2024/2025 season, Port FC ranked fifth.

"For me and the team, this is a very important tournament. We came to Indonesia to represent Thai football," said Gama.