PSPS Ready for Battle in Liga 2, PSIS Semarang as First Opponent
Pekanbaru – PSPS Pekanbaru faces a tough test right away in the opening match of the Championship (Liga 2) Indonesia 2026/2027 season. Asykar Bertuah is scheduled to travel to face PSIS Semarang at Stadion Jatidiri in Semarang Regency, Central Java Province, on Saturday (12/9/2026) at 19:00 WIB.
The match will be PSPS’s first under the leadership of head coach Akhyar Ilyas. The team from Riau is aiming for a positive result away at PSIS as a foundation for navigating the new season’s competition.
PSPS Pekanbaru manager Miftakhul Fahamsyah said the team’s preparations for the 2026/2027 Championship are complete.
“Overall, the team’s preparations are finished. We are ready to face the competition and ready to play the opening match against PSIS Semarang,” said Miftakhul.
According to Miftakhul, the management together with the coaching staff has prepared various aspects, ranging from squad building and training programs to the players’ mental readiness for this season’s competition.
This season, PSPS has entrusted the head coach position to Akhyar Ilyas. In carrying out his duties, Akhyar is assisted by Roffi Sunaryo and Ambrizal as assistant coaches, Abdul Rohman as goalkeeper coach, and Abda Alief who handles the players’ physical conditioning.
Asykar Bertuah’s management has also brought in a number of local and foreign players to strengthen the team’s composition. These new recruits are combined with experienced players and young talents in forming the squad for the competition.
Ahead of the opening match, the coaching staff has increased training intensity to refine strategies and build chemistry among the players. Newly joined players have also begun adapting to the playing style prepared by Akhyar.
PSPS will face PSIS amid a change in the start schedule of the 2026/2027 Championship. The league has advanced the competition kick-off from the original plan of 18 September to 12 September 2026.
The change was made to adjust the national competition calendar following the plan for the League Cup 2026/2027 to begin in November.
Facing PSIS at Stadion Jatidiri is the first challenge for PSPS. The home side is expected to try to capitalize on supporter support to secure full points in the opening match.
On the other hand, PSPS is targeting points from Semarang. Miftakhul hopes the players can perform with discipline, maintain concentration throughout the match, and make the most of the opportunities they get.
The meeting between PSIS Semarang and PSPS Pekanbaru on 12 September will mark the first step for both teams in the 2026/2027 Championship. For Asykar Bertuah, a positive result at Jatidiri could serve as capital to build momentum at the start of the season.
