Persija Jakarta will field its Elite Pro Academy (EPA) squad for the 2026 Piala Presiden tournament due to a scheduling conflict with the club’s senior team training camp. According to coach Shin Tae Yong, the senior squad is committed to a pre-season training program in Thailand, which overlaps with the tournament dates, necessitating the use of youth players for the competition.
Scheduling Conflicts and the Shift to Youth Talent
The decision to deploy the EPA squad comes as the senior team prepares for a critical pre-season training camp in Thailand, scheduled from July 27 to August 16, 2026. Coach Shin Tae Yong clarified that this itinerary was established at the time he signed his contract with the club, emphasizing that the overlap was pre-planned rather than a last-minute change.
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“Because the schedules clash, we have a training camp abroad for the first-team squad. So, the EPA team will participate in the Piala Presiden,” Shin explained at the Persija Jakarta Training Ground in Sawangan, Depok. He urged fans and observers to avoid misunderstandings regarding the club’s commitment to both the tournament and its pre-season development goals.
Impact on Group B Competition
The reliance on youth players forces a change in expectations for Persija’s performance in Group B. The club faces a challenging start to the tournament, with a series of high-profile fixtures:
- July 26: vs. Persebaya Surabaya (Host)
- July 29: vs. Port FC
- August 1: vs. PSMS Medan
Because the senior squad departs for Thailand on July 27, they will be unavailable for the opening match against Persebaya. The responsibility of representing the club during these matches now falls entirely on the shoulders of the academy players.
Strategic Pre-Season Development in Thailand
The senior squad’s agenda in Thailand is focused on physical conditioning and tactical refinement. Upon arrival, the team is set to undergo intensive physical training, followed by three to four friendly matches in the final weeks of the camp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Persija Jakarta not using their senior team for the 2026 Piala Presiden?
The senior team is committed to a pre-season training camp in Thailand that overlaps with the tournament schedule, a conflict that was set during the initial contract planning.
Which squad will represent Persija Jakarta in the tournament?
The club will field players from its Elite Pro Academy (EPA).
What is the primary goal of the senior team’s trip to Thailand?
The trip is designed for intensive physical conditioning and tactical training, including three to four friendly matches to prepare for the upcoming professional season.
How do you think the youth squad will fare against established professional teams in the Piala Presiden? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on Indonesian football developments.