Every Match Is a Final

Surabaya | Tigers Football Academy, in the inaugural season of the HYDROPLUS Soccer League, performed brilliantly, racking up win after win. They were dominant, only drawing once, while the remaining matches ended in wins. Their dominance at the back was also evident, with only two goals conceded through week six of this national women's soccer league.

Let's take a quick look back. The squad, coached by Sutikno, kicked off the first week of the Surabaya U-15 Women's HYDROPLUS Soccer League in early October with a 2-1 victory over Srikandi Mojopahit FC. Two weeks later, they continued their impressive performance with a resounding 7-0 victory over Persida Putri Sidoarjo. However, Tigers Football Academy's winning streak came to an end after a goalless draw with LH Bulog Jatim Putri.

The draw hampered Tigers Football Academy's run to the top of the standings, which was always a tight contest every week. However, their determination to return to winning ways paid off in the fourth week, when they defeated Persegres Putri 4-0.

Entering the final month of the year, Tigers Football Academy's winning streak continued. They narrowly defeated Putri Meta 2-1, then in the sixth week, a resounding 8-0 victory over Star Generation Putri, securing their fifth consecutive full points in the women's soccer league, which is run by the Bakti Olahraga Djarum Foundation and HYDROPLUS.

Sutikno assessed that his players thoroughly enjoyed every match. The joy was even greater when they achieved victory, especially when they scored multiple goals against their opponents. This success was due to the players' ability to comply with instructions and execute the coach's strategy in each match. "So far, we've enjoyed everything. Thank God, the process has gone smoothly and there have been no significant obstacles," he said.

"In every match, I always emphasize that every match is a final, so we must approach it with full focus and enthusiasm," Sutikno added.

The Tigers Football Academy's success in maintaining an unbeaten streak through the sixth week is due to the thorough preparation undertaken well in advance of the Hydroplus Soccer League. "We conduct regular training with a program specifically designed for the Hydroplus competition. So far, the kids have performed their respective roles within the team very well," said Sutikno.

In this special program, as coach, Sutikno applies a more personalized approach to each player, recognizing that each player has different strengths, weaknesses, character traits, and needs. One of these strategies is positioning himself not only as a coach, but also as a friend and older brother to the players. "The most visible aspect of these programs is the team's togetherness and the players' mentality," he said.

For Sutikno, the Hydroplus Soccer League is an important platform for honing the players' technical skills and mentality. They also learn to maintain consistent performance because they have to compete repeatedly throughout the season. This league aligns with the Tigers Football Academy's primary goal of developing and nurturing players while aiming for a championship. "Hopefully, this competition will produce quality female soccer players, especially for the Tigers Football Academy," he said.

He also hopes the HYDROPLUS Soccer League can be held annually. Reflecting on his experience coaching Tigers Football Academy players, with regular weekly matches, his players now have a purpose in their training. Proudly, Sutikno stated that almost all the players on his team have shown remarkable progress, from their ball skills to their teamwork.

"This competition is excellent. We hope it can be held annually, and hopefully, this event will produce female soccer players who can later strengthen the Indonesian national team. I also hope that the Tigers Football Academy can become a much better team, continue to develop, and successfully produce players who can contribute to Indonesian soccer," Sutikno said.

Meanwhile, for the Tigers Football Academy players who are still striving for the best results in the HYDROPLUS Soccer League, Sutikno emphasized the importance of disciplined training. According to him, a soccer player's primary need is consistent training, as without it, it's impossible to achieve success and become a great player. "Effort without prayer is a lie, and prayer without effort is also a lie. So, keep trying and always accompany it with prayer," he advised.