Without Rizky Ridho, Persija Still Aims for Victory Over PSIM as Club's Birthday Gift

Amid the euphoria of Persija Jakarta's 97th anniversary, coach Mauricio Souza delivered a simple yet firm message: the Kemayoran Tigers must win. Despite missing captain Rizky Ridho, Souza confirmed his team's ambitions remain unchanged as they host PSIM Yogyakarta at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK) on Friday (28/11) at 7:00 PM WIB.

"Our goal is always the same: take the field to try and get three points. Wherever we play, we always seek victory," said Souza in the pre-match press conference. That win, he stated, would be the best gift for the celebrating club.

Return to Jakarta, Return to Win

This match feels extra special as Persija's first home game at SUGBK this season. The Jakmania have waited too long to fill the capital's pride stadium again.

"We're thrilled to return to Jakarta, playing here. Tomorrow we'll face a very strong team," said Souza.

Opponents PSIM are on an impressive four-match unbeaten streak, including three wins.

Yet Souza remains undaunted. Riding a five-match winning streak, Persija enters as one of the league's form teams.

They sit second in the standings with 26 points, four ahead of third-placed Persib, trailing unbeaten leaders Borneo FC.

Without Ridho? No Major Problem

Despite losing a key defensive figure, Souza insists his squad remains solid.

"This is Ridho's first absence, but not our first time playing short-handed. Even missing several important players, we've still turned situations around," the Brazilian coach emphasized.

Ridho misses out through four yellow card accumulations, though Souza wouldn't reveal his replacement.

He also hasn't confirmed Persija's captain for this match. If Andritany starts, he'll wear the armband.

"But I don't know yet whether he or Eduardo will start," said Souza.

Top-Table Battle: Focus on Ourselves

When asked about the title race, Souza quickly shifted focus. The standings, he believes, aren't the priority.

"Truthfully, we don't need to watch our rivals. We just need to do our part: win three points," he stated.

With 12 matches remaining, he considers the season still very long.

"It's pointless hoping teams above us lose if we don't do our job," he added.

GBK Transformed into World-Class Pitch

Off-field, the Gelora Bung Karno Complex Management Center (PPKGBK) ensured SUGBK is ready as the ideal stage for this major match.

Intensive preparations included trimming, fertilizing, ball-bounce tests, and topdressing.

"We'll maintain this stadium to FIFA standards so it remains Jakarta's and Indonesia's pride," said PPKGBK's Mokhamad Rofik Anwar.

This marks Persija's first SUGBK match since April 12, 2025 - a long-awaited moment for players and supporters.

Duel of Two Hot Teams

With both sides in the top four, this match holds major implications for the title race.

Persija on five straight wins, PSIM unbeaten in four - two in-form teams, one iconic stage, and thousands of ready-to-erupt Jakmania.

Without Ridho, Persija aren't at full strength. But for Souza, one thing remains unchanged: the mission to win on their birthday. (Antara)