Jayapura – The struggle of the Indonesian National Team (Timnas) at the AFC Asia Cup U-23 2024 event is not over after losing to the U-23 Uzbekistan National Team with a score of 0-2, this proud achievement continues in winning 3rd place and getting a chance to participate in the Paris Olympics 2024 next July. This possibility can benefit Indonesia and have the opportunity to participate in the international men’s football event.
Meanwhile, good news does not stop coming for the world of Indonesian football, PSSI gives confidence to Papua Province to become a candidate to host the 2024 AFF U-16 championship. This potential can also be a means and purpose to find out and get the best potential from the young retainer of the National Team for the future of Indonesian football.
The appointment of Papua as a candidate to host the AFF U-16 Cup is stated in the PSSI application letter number 864/UDN/568/II-2024. This letter was issued on February 27, 2024, and signed by PSSI Secretary General, Yunus Nusi. Implementation of duties (PIT) Assistant for Economic Affairs and People’s Welfare Setdad Papua Province, Suzana Wanggai asked for support and cooperation from all parties to make the event a success. Wanggai believes the AFF U-16 Cup competition can have a positive impact on the economy in Papua, especially in the MSME sector.
All layers of related parties must support, knowing the tremendous positive impact on the U-16 AFF Cup performance. Papua is known to have also organized the AFC Club level Cup. Being appointed as the host of this prestigious soccer event in Southeast Asia is certainly very proud of the Papuan people.
The MSME sector hopes that this event can re-run the economic sector in Papua. Cooperation between the tourism and economic sectors can bring in more tourists. So it does not only aim to watch football but can also raise the name of Papua with natural beauty and various types of souvenirs that can be purchased by travelers.
If this is completed, the AFF U-16 Cup will be held from June 17 to 29, 2024. Security is also very necessary, based on the experience of PON XX the relevant government is confident to be able to monitor, assist, and supervise the AFF U-16 Cup so that it runs smoothly.
Chairman of Asprov PSSI Papua Province, Benhur Tomi Mano also appreciated the support from the Papua Provincial Government to make his region host the soccer tournament between Southeast Asia. Benhur believes that the AFF U-16 Cup will be a new history of sports in Papua.
Chairman of the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) Erick Thohir also supports the implementation of this international event in Papua. Scheduled, the 2024 AFF U-16 Cup has several venues that will be reviewed and inspected by the PSSI team.
Among the stadiums that will be used are Barnabas Youwe Sentani Stadium, Lukas Enembe Main Stadium, Cenderawasih Mahacendra University Field, Hamadi Field, and Mandala Stadium.