Bandung - The main highlight of Persib Bandung's official training ahead of their match against Tampines Rovers was not focused on the tactical game plan prepared by Igor Tolic, but on the arrival of Mariano Peralta.
The Argentine striker finally joined his first full training session with the Maung Bandung squad after being officially unveiled as the club's new signing. However, the head coach confirmed one clear fact: Peralta will still have to wait before making his competitive debut.
Peralta took part in the official training held at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium Auxiliary Field on Thursday evening, 30 July 2026.
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For the player wearing the number 10 jersey, this session marked his first training appearance since arriving in Bandung after completing the long international journey from Argentina.
Even though he has now linked up with his new teammates, Igor Tolic has chosen not to rush Peralta into match action.
According to the Croatian head coach, the 28-year-old still requires adequate time to adapt across his physical condition, match rhythm, and the specific playing system implemented at Persib.
This decision also demonstrates the approach Tolic is taking to build his squad this season. An incoming player's existing reputation will not be treated as the sole deciding factor for selection.
Full comprehensive readiness will remain the top priority before any player is trusted to feature in an official competitive match.
ITSMe reporter Syafira, who covered the training session live on location at the GBLA Auxiliary Field, observed all squad members completing the full training programme led directly by Igor Tolic.
The session opened with warm up drills, followed by ball control exercises, then tactical organisation simulation work as part of final preparations to face the Singaporean club.
All eyes remained fixed on Peralta throughout the training session. This attention is well justified: during his previous spell at Borneo FC last season, he delivered consistent elite performances that earned him the official 2025/2026 BRI Super League Best Player award.
This proven track record means his arrival at Persib has immediately generated very high expectations among the Bobotoh supporter base.
Before stepping onto the training pitch, Peralta had already attended Persib's previous match as a spectator from the stands at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. This official training session marked his first opportunity to experience Persib's training environment, and begin building on-pitch chemistry with his new teammates.
Despite the excitement, Tolic reaffirmed that the adaptation process cannot be rushed. The coaching staff will only clear Peralta for debut once he has fully internalised the team's playing structure and patterns.
Maung Bandung's entire focus is now fully set on the upcoming fixture against Tampines Rovers, scheduled to take place at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on Friday, 31 July 2026.
While Persib are the clear pre-match favourites on paper, the squad have refused to underestimate their Singaporean opponents. Tolic emphasised strict match discipline and full concentration from the opening minute will be required to finish the group stage with maximum possible points.
A positive, upbeat atmosphere was observed throughout the full training session. Peralta's arrival serves as a clear signal that Persib's squad depth and quality continues to build ahead of the full competition schedule.
For Maung Bandung, this careful integration process is viewed as a critical long term investment, that will pay dividends once every member of the squad is fully aligned and functioning as a unified unit.
Persib PersibBandung MarianoPeralta PialaPresiden2026 TampinesRovers Bobotoh
