Adelaide United FC will head to the Republic of Indonesia in September after confirming its attendance at the 2013 Menpora Cup.
Adelaide United FC will head to the Republic of Indonesia in September after confirming its attendance at the 2013 Menpora Cup.
At the invitation of Indonesian-based match promoters, the Football Association of Indonesia and the Indonesian Government, the club will use the tournament as a significant step in its lead up and an opportunity to continue fine tuning for the Hyundai A-League 2013/14 Season which starts on the second weekend in October.
Split into two groups of four, the Reds make up part of Group A, which consists of popular local club Persib Bandung, Sriwijaya FC from South Sumatra, and the Indonesian U-23 National Team.
Persib Bandung is currently where former Reds striker Sergio van Dijk is plying his trade, and the prospect of United going up against the marksman already carries increasing excitement and anticipation, particularly amongst football followers in Indonesia.
“This tournament provides the perfect preparation for the pre season with at least three quality games guaranteed plus a fourth if we-re good enough,” Adelaide United General Manager of Football Operations Michael Petrillo said.
“It will be beneficial in terms of team bonding, establishing Josep-s playing style and for the coaches to see where the squad is at in its preparation for the coming season.”
“To be able to have this opportunity to play pre-season games in front of what we expect to be big crowds and a great atmosphere is a bonus and we-re very much looking forward to it.”
Joining Adelaide United at the tournament are the reigning Hyundai A-League champions, the Central Coast Mariners.
The Mariners are in the other group comprising of Indonesian Super League clubs Arema Indonesia, Persiba Bantul from Yogyakarta, and Persipura Jayapura, the team the Reds defeated in an AFC Champions League play-off at Hindmarsh Stadium back in February last year.
The format of the competition will see each club play the other three sides in their group with the first placed teams at the end of the round robin stage to meet in the Final. The winners of the tournament will take home US$75,000.
The tournament begins with an Opening Ceremony on October 12 which will be followed directly after by the Reds kicking off the tournament against the Indonesian U-23 National Team. Adelaide United-s other two games will be played on Saturday 14th and Monday 16th of September in Bandung, with the Final to be held in Malang on September 20.
2013 Menpora Cup
12-20 September 2013
Group A
Persib Bandung
Sriwijaya FC
Indonesian U-23 National Team
Adelaide United FC
Group B
Arema Indonesia
Persipura Jayapura
Persiba Bantul
Central Coast Mariners
