After decades without a formal women’s soccer league, Indonesia has taken a significant step forward with the inaugural season of the 2019 Liga 1 Putri, the national women’s premier league. This marks the revival of women’s soccer in the country, which had not had a national league since the popularity of Galanita, also known as Liga Utama Wanita, in the 1990s.
Previously, the Association of Indonesian Soccer (PSSI) only organized sporadic competitions for short-term purposes, failing to establish a proper women’s league. The last national competition was the Pertiwi Cup in 2017, which aimed to form a national team for the 2018 Asian Games held in Indonesia.
PSSI secretary-general Ratu Tisha expressed gratitude to the 10 clubs that participated in the debut season of Liga 1 Putri. The clubs, including Arema FC, Bali United, PSM, Persipura, Persebaya, Persib, PSIS, PSS Sleman, Persija Jakarta, and PS Tira Persikabo, are expected to play a significant role in rebuilding Indonesian women’s soccer through this sustainable league.
The league is structured into two groups, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semifinals. Group A features PSS, Tira Persikabo, Persija, PSIS, and Persib, while Group B includes PSM, Persipura, Arema, Persebaya, and Bali United. The group stage matches are scheduled to take place from October 5 to 12, providing an opportunity for the teams to showcase their skills and compete for a spot in the next stage of the league.
In the opening matches, Tira Persikabo secured a 3-1 victory against PSS, while Persija displayed an impressive performance by defeating PSIS with a 4-1 scoreline. These intense matches have set the tone for an exciting season, with players like Mayang ZP and Zahra Musdalifah shining on the field and contributing to their team’s success.
The commencement of Liga 1 Putri marks a significant milestone in the development of women’s soccer in Indonesia. With the participation of prominent clubs and the dedication of the players, this league is poised to bring about a new era for women’s soccer in the country. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to witnessing fierce competition and extraordinary talent on display.
The initiative taken by PSSI to establish a national women’s premier league reflects a growing recognition of the importance of women’s soccer and the potential for its development in Indonesia. With the support of the fans and the continued efforts of the teams, Liga 1 Putri is set to make a lasting impact on the soccer landscape, providing a platform for female athletes to showcase their abilities and inspire future generations.
In conclusion, the launch of Liga 1 Putri heralds an exciting new chapter for women’s soccer in Indonesia. The league’s structure, the competitiveness of the teams, and the talent of the players all contribute to the promise of a successful and impactful season. As the games unfold and the teams battle for victory, the spirit of women’s soccer will undoubtedly thrive, setting the stage for a bright future for the sport in the country.
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