Latest news with #KimSwee
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
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.
The Star
19-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Kim Swee will Persis in his duty after fulfilling mission
We can do more: Ong Kim Swee (left) with his assistant Juan Torres Garrido during a Persis Solo training session. — Persis Solo PETALING JAYA: Datuk Ong Kim Swee has fulfilled his mission of keeping Persis Solo in Indonesia's Liga 1 and now, the Malaysian coach is hoping to remain at the helm of the Central Java-based club. When Kim Swee took charge in November 2024, Persis were languishing in 16th place and in real danger of relegation. Fast forward to May 2025, and they sit 13th in the table with 36 points, five clear of the drop zone with one game remaining, effectively securing their top-flight status. But it hasn't been smooth sailing. In Kim Swee's first seven matches, Persis failed to register a single win, managing only three draws. But the tide turned after a 2-1 win over PSIS Semarang on Jan 20. Since then, they have recorded seven wins and five draws from 15 games, a significant turnaround. Reflecting on the club's revival, Kim Swee credited the team's resilience and the impact of key signings made during the mid-season transfer window. 'When I took over, the main objective was clear - avoid relegation. I am glad we've managed that,' said the former Malaysian national team coach. 'Some may think it was an easy job, but securing survival after nearly six months shows just how competitive this league is. 'We brought in four players during the second transfer window, and they made a huge difference.' Those signings included Argentinian midfielder Lautaro Belleggia, Brazilian centreback Clelyton Santos, dynamic winger Jhon Cley, and Dutch wingback Jordy Tutuarima - all of whom played crucial roles in helping Kim Swee steady the ship. With his contract expiring at the end of May, Kim Swee is set to meet the club management to discuss his future. While nothing has been confirmed yet, he's optimistic about extending his stay. 'I have not signed anything yet, but discussions will begin soon. Personally, I would love another season here,' he said. 'If all goes well, I'll be able to bring in players I have in mind, some of them Malaysians, depending on the club's budget.' Persis will close their campaign against newly crowned champions Persib Bandung at the Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on May 24, a match that will see Kim Swee reunited with Bojan Hodak, a fellow Malaysian football stalwart now managing the champions.
