Uston Nawawi Expresses Gratitude as Persebaya Emerges Victorious, Commends Coach Paul Munster
In a thrilling turn of events at Stadion Gelora Bung Tomo on Saturday night, Persebaya secured a well-deserved 1-0 victory over PSBS Biak, putting an end to their six-game winless streak. Assistant coach Uston Nawawi, donning a look of relief and gratitude, attributed this positive outcome to the team’s unwavering dedication, harmonized efforts, and the resolute support of the fans.
“First and foremost, we are grateful. Alhamdulillah, thanks to the hard work of everyone and the full support of our fans. After six winless matches, we have finally clinched three points,” Uston shared during a post-match press conference. Stepping into the role of interim coach for the night, Uston led the team from the sidelines in place of head coach Paul Munster. Despite this temporary change, Uston emphasized that the team remained under Munster’s guidance, with this victory serving as a morale booster for the challenges that lie ahead.
“I have reiterated to the players that we are still under Coach Munster’s command. Even in the face of Arema FC, we stayed within his directives. With this win, the team gains more confidence and strives to perform even better. The competition in the remaining Liga 1 matches is fierce, both at the bottom and the top of the table,” Uston elaborated, highlighting the competitive landscape awaiting Persebaya.
The emotional celebration by Bruno Moreira following his goal did not go unnoticed by Uston, who recognized this as a significant moment for the player after a prolonged goal drought from open play. “Bruno has not scored in a while, especially not with his left foot. Usually, he relies on his right foot, but this time, with his left foot—truly remarkable. Moving forward, I hope not only Bruno but the entire team continues to progress,” Uston remarked, drawing from his own experience as a midfielder during his tenure at Persebaya.
Adding to the chorus of appreciation was Persebaya player Andre Oktaviansyah, underscoring that the team’s victory was a product of collective effort and a thorough evaluation of previous matches. “We had gone six matches without a win. But today, everyone worked hard, and thankfully, the result was positive,” Andre shared, echoing the sentiments of perseverance and determination that fueled their triumph.
Moreover, Andre shed light on the pivotal role of Coach Paul Munster’s motivation in reigniting Persebaya’s winning spirit against PSBS. “Coach Paul said, ‘win or die.’ That was our motivation to give our all,” he explained, emphasizing the unwavering commitment and resilience instilled by the coaching staff.
With this latest triumph, Persebaya ascended to the second spot in the Liga 1 temporary standings with 41 points, while PSBS Biak maintained their position in 12th place with 29 points. Looking ahead, Persebaya is set to face Dewa United in an away match at Stadion Pakansari, Bogor, on Friday, February 21, 2025, at 7:00 PM local time.
As the team continues its journey through the league, the victory against PSBS serves as a testament to their perseverance, unity, and unwavering spirit, under the guidance of Coach Munster and the collective efforts of the entire Persebaya family.
