After Bali United won 2-5 over Stallion Laguna FC last Wednesday (20/9) afternoon at the Binan Football Stadium, Philippines, this Bali United player felt proud.
This is because he was able to make his debut in an international match and take part in the victory.
The Bali United player is I Gede Sunu Jyesta Wibawa or usually called Indra who is a player who graduated from Bali United Youth.
Gede Sunu made his debut with the Bali United senior team in the 2023/24 AFC Cup when starting the 2023/24 AFC Cup group G match against Stallion Laguna FC.
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Gede Sunu was introduced in the 79th minute to replace Kadek Agung in the midfield from Serdadu Tridatu.
The player from Denpasar on April 28 2002 said he was proud to be able to make his debut with the senior team in the international arena.
“Yes, of course I am happy and proud to be able to debut with the Bali United senior team, especially in this season’s AFC Cup which is run by Bali United,” said Sunu.
Gede Sunu was registered in the AFC Cup squad this season to add strength in the midfield considering the condition of two senior Bali United midfielders, namely Tegar Infantrie and Sidik Saimima, who are currently recovering from injuries.
Gede Sunu himself is not part of the Bali United U20 squad this year so the League 1 competition does not allow him to play directly at any time with the senior team.
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So Gede Sunu has to go through the registration process by waiting for the player transfer window to open in the second round of BRI Liga 1 this season.
Even though he is in Asian competition, at least Gede Sunu’s fighting mentality is getting sharper ahead of adding strength to Bali United this season.
“Of course I will continue to prepare carefully, especially improving my mentality and self-confidence so that when I start getting playing minutes in League 1 I can be more prepared,” explained Sunu.
This player, who idolizes Kadek Agung because he comes from the same playing position, also hopes to be able to bring success back to his home team.
“The target with the team is definitely to help Bali United in the AFC Cup to go further than the previous season and in League 1 to win again,” hoped Sunu.
Gede Sunu’s career journey is almost very similar to the story of the former Bali United player, Taufiq.
At that time, Taufiq was also starting his professional career as a young player for Persebaya Surabaya.
He played his first match with Bajul Ijo against Krung Thai Bank FC in the Asian Champions League in 2005.
Apart from a similar position as a central midfielder, Gede Sunu will be a future player as a result of coaching Bali United.
