
Kim Swee set to leave Persis Solo for rival Persik Kediri
KUALA LUMPUR: Former national coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee is expected to leave Indonesian Liga 1 side Persis Solo and take charge of rivals Persik Kediri next season.
In a reflective Instagram post, Kim Swee appeared to bid farewell to Persis, sharing a photo with his squad and writing.
"Let's cherish the atmosphere and give our very best out there, and support one another as we always have. No matter what happens, the memories and bonds we've created will last a lifetime."
The 55-year-old's likely exit comes just months after he helped steer Persis to safety, with the club finishing 14th out of 18 teams in the top flight.
Persis secured 36 points from 34 matches, avoiding relegation in what had been a difficult campaign.
While the club have yet to officially confirm his departure, Kim Swee has removed Persis Solo from his Instagram bio, fuelling speculation.
Reports in Indonesia suggest Persik Kediri, who parted ways with Brazilian coach Marcelo Rospide on May 27, have already made contact.
Persik are also reportedly considering Divaldo Alves for the role.
Persis media officer Bryan Barcelona said decisions on the head coach position are being handled directly by the club's owners.
"For the head coach, we're still waiting for a decision from the owners because negotiations and interviews are being handled by them directly," he said.
While Kim Swee's stint in Liga 1 has flown under the radar, Bojan Hodak, the former Kelantan and Johor Darul Ta'zim boss, has drawn plaudits, having led Persib Bandung to back-to-back league titles.

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KUALA LUMPUR: Former national coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee is expected to leave Indonesian Liga 1 side Persis Solo and take charge of rivals Persik Kediri next season. In a reflective Instagram post, Kim Swee appeared to bid farewell to Persis, sharing a photo with his squad and writing. "Let's cherish the atmosphere and give our very best out there, and support one another as we always have. No matter what happens, the memories and bonds we've created will last a lifetime." The 55-year-old's likely exit comes just months after he helped steer Persis to safety, with the club finishing 14th out of 18 teams in the top flight. Persis secured 36 points from 34 matches, avoiding relegation in what had been a difficult campaign. While the club have yet to officially confirm his departure, Kim Swee has removed Persis Solo from his Instagram bio, fuelling speculation. Reports in Indonesia suggest Persik Kediri, who parted ways with Brazilian coach Marcelo Rospide on May 27, have already made contact. Persik are also reportedly considering Divaldo Alves for the role. Persis media officer Bryan Barcelona said decisions on the head coach position are being handled directly by the club's owners. "For the head coach, we're still waiting for a decision from the owners because negotiations and interviews are being handled by them directly," he said. While Kim Swee's stint in Liga 1 has flown under the radar, Bojan Hodak, the former Kelantan and Johor Darul Ta'zim boss, has drawn plaudits, having led Persib Bandung to back-to-back league titles.


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