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The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has selected four Papua Football Academy (PFA) students to take part in the Indonesian Men's U16 National Team Selection in Jakarta, 18-21 February.
“They represent all of Papua taking part in the selection for the Indonesian Men's U16 National Team. "The call for selection of PFA students is a positive signal for Papuan football," said PFA Head Coach Ardiles Rumbiak in Timika, Sunday, when sending off PFA students who were leaving for selection in Jakarta.
The four students are Valentino Santo, Samuel Cundrad, Yulius Pigai and Marthquin Gustavo. The summons was based on an official letter sent by PSSI to PFA on 12 February.
This selection was carried out in connection with the participation of the Indonesian Men's U16 National Team in the 2024 ASEAN U16 Boys' Championship Tournament and the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2025 Qualifiers.
“Their participation in the U16 National Team selection is a source of pride for the PFA and Papua. "They show that perseverance, discipline, unyielding spirit and sportsmanship are able to lead Papuan children to compete at the national level," he said.
Ardiles said this call began when PFA students took part in the 2024 Soeratin Cup competition in Yogyakarta in early February. At that time the PFA students were training and were witnessed directly by the U16 National Team Assistant Coach.
“They saw the ability of PFA children to be able to compete at U16 level. "This may be a consideration for calling four PFA players," said Ardiles.
This summons, he continued, was a historic moment. Within two years of its founding in 2022, PFA children have shown rapid development. Both in the techniques and tactics of playing football, as well as their personalities.
One of the PFA students, Yulius Pigai, admitted that he was proud and enthusiastic about taking part in the U16 selection.
"I'm happy, I didn't expect it, I'm also proud because I can represent PFA in the selection," he said.
PFA is a social investment from PT Freeport Indonesia for Papuan children. A program that aims to produce superior football players who can bring Indonesia's name to the international arena.
Those who pass the selection to enter the PFA receive a scholarship for two years to attend football education at the Mimika Sports Complex (MSC) Timika, Central Papua which was built by PTFI.
In the near future, PFA students will take part in the U15 football tournament in Selangor, Malaysia. This is the first time for PFA students to take part in a competition abroad.
"We hope that the various national and international competitions that we participate in will provide valuable experience for Papuan children. At the same time, it will also open their horizons to dare to dream and fight to make it happen," said Ardiles.
From the Land of Papua for Indonesia
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