Football: King of Penalty Area
Ch. 49 - Old Contact

Turkmenistan was a Soviet Union. The country with its capital, Ashgabat, is less than 20 years old and is a closed country. Being in Central Asia with most of the area is a desert making the country's weather relatively hot and dry.

The Turkmenistan National Football Team is ranked 127th by FIFA and 42nd by the AFC. It could be said that Turkmenistan is a team that is not too strong or too weak to face Indonesia. The AFC Asian Cup qualifying play-off match will be held at Turkmen National Stadium with a capacity of 35,000 spectators.

The coaching staff and players other than Raynaldi and Frans Kaihatu had departed from Indonesia for Turkmenistan on the day Raynaldi had the match and had now settled in a hotel near the stadium. It could be said Raynaldi's arrival to Turkemnistan a little ‘late’.

“Hey, I heard Coach Frans will bring in an attacker who plays in Germany.” Firman Huda started the conversation.

“Yes, I heard he was 17 and played very well there. There have been many online articles about his appearance in 2.Bundesliga.” Kurnia Cahya responded.

“Oh, what do you mean Raynaldi Indrasta? He scored 9 goals so far.” Arnova Eka Yulio was also curious about this young emerging attacker.

“I've also seen his video game, he's an attacker with good finishing ability.” Aji Pamungkas recognizes Raynaldi's ability to convert opportunities.

“Hai, Ji. You think that guy's great, too? When compared to you who is better as an attacker?” Firman felt a little surprised by Aji's assessment of Raynaldi.

“I know how difficult it is to play in Europe, because I have also played in the Dutch league 2 before.” Aji does not answer the question of the Word and gives a parable.

“Yeah, I remember you played well back then. 9 goals in 17 games, but in the end you decided to return to Indonesia because you could not adapt to the weather conditions in Europe.” Firman also remembered that his friend had played in Europe and the results were also quite good. If not because he often felt uncomfortable during the winter in Europe, Aji would have become the second Indonesian player to have a career in Europe.

“Iya, during the winter is too extreme in the north of the Netherlands, often makes me easily cramps until flu.” Aji also only shook her head when she remembered that. He really had a hard time playing properly when he entered the winter in Europe.

“OK, stop discussing Aji's problem. Looks like this upcoming player is really great.” Arnova interrupts Firman and Aji's conversation.

As the four of them returned to discuss the latest football issue, a knocking sound came from the door of their hotel room. Rangga Saktiaga, a 19-year-old young player who only joined the national team at the Asian Cup last year.

“The coach called and called us to gather. He has arrived at the hotel with a new member.” Rangga who opened the door immediately said his intention and then went to tell the others.

Firman and the others only shook their heads when they saw his behavior. “This boy, if he does not change his attitude correctly he will receive many problems in the future.” The Word does not know what to do with this stingy newcomer.

“Perhaps if he talks more, he will be subject to talk tax?” Arnova commented while chuckling.

Raynaldi and Frans arrived in Ashgabat directly to the hotel where Indonesian players and coaching staff stayed. Frans also explained about the condition of the national team which is now on Raynaldi.

After finishing the Asian Cup with mediocre results, five veteran players who became the national team's first squad announced their retirement from international activities, leaving five vacant spots in Indonesia's starting eleven.

Frans also said about persuading Indonesian National Team Captain Kurniawan to keep playing until there is a more suitable captain candidate. He also began to train Firman Huda who now serves as captain of both teams to become the next captain.

After almost an hour's drive from the airport, Raynaldi and Frans arrived at the hotel. The two of them took lunch and then Raynaldi went to the prepared room. As Raynaldi searched his room he met a person who was quite familiar with him, Rangga Saktiaga.

Raynaldi was familiar with Rangga as they were teammates on the High School football team two years ago. At that time, Raynaldi had just entered High School and Rangga was in his final year. “Rangga? You here too?” Raynaldi greeted Rangga.

“The new guy is you?” Rangga also recognized Raynaldi and was a little surprised. He knew that there was a new player named Raynaldi, but he did not expect Raynaldi was his teammate at High School when he won the national High School football championship.

“Yo, it looks like you played quite successfully until you could join the national team at the age of 19.” Raynaldi shook Rangga's hand and patted his back.

“Not as good as you already play in Europe.” Rangga shook his head. He is quite friendly when he knows other people, but because of the problems he had since childhood Rangga is quite difficult to accept others. Raynaldi is arguably one of his best friends.

“Haha. Can you adapt properly? I heard you joined the PSIS Semarang team on graduation.” Raynaldi again started a conversation with Rangga.

“I'm fine, although it's a little difficult to blend but it's fine now.” Rangga knew what Raynaldi meant was his reserved nature and little talk in front of strangers or new ones.

“Better fix your habit immediately, playing in a team requires personal strength and cooperation from the whole team. If you can't blend in well, then your fate stops there.” Raynaldi is quite confident in Rangga's ability, in technical terms his ability is enough to compete with the midfielder in the top five league relegation team. However, Rangga has a quiet and sociable nature that makes it difficult to adapt to new environments.

“OK, thanks for the suggestion.” Rangga also took Raynaldi's advice. “I still have to call other players so I will go first.” Rangga parted ways with Raynaldi.

Raynaldi went back to look for his room, after finding the room number he unlocked and went inside. His room was a room with two beds and one bathroom in the room.

Raynaldi placed his luggage and prepared to assemble in accordance with Frans' previous instructions. As a newcomer he must get to know other players who will work with him in the Indonesian National Team.