Ahead of the kickoff of the 2026/2027 competition season, Persebaya Surabaya is taking progressive steps in player physical preparation. The Bajol Ijo squad underwent a series of performance measurement tests at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium on Thursday (9/7), as part of the implementation of modern sports science in collaboration with DBL Indonesia and Persebaya Academy.
Differing from conventional physical examination procedures, Persebaya is now integrating VALD Performance technology into their training curriculum. This sophisticated device has become an operational standard in various elite European clubs, including in the Premier League, to monitor athletes' physical conditions deeply and measurably.
Persebaya's fitness coach, Diogo Carvalho, stated that the use of this technology allows the coaching team to obtain accurate data on muscle strength, explosive power, and the physical balance ratio of each player. Through devices such as ForceDecks, ForceFrame, and NordBord, coaches can detect muscle imbalances or symptoms of fatigue that risk causing long-term injuries.
Yann Mabella, Persebaya's new forward from Congo, welcomed the initiative. According to him, a deep understanding of body condition through data greatly helps players maintain fitness amidst a tight match schedule. Echoing this sentiment, Indonesia's main national team goalkeeper, Ernando Ari, added that these test results serve as a crucial reference for coaches in tailoring training portions to meet the individual needs of each player.
Persebaya CEO, Azrul Ananda, emphasized that investing in technological devices is the club's commitment to building a more professional long-term foundation. This data integration focus is not only on player health but also includes other supporting systems such as performance analysis and scouting, to lead Persebaya toward achieving maximum targets in the coming season.
Persebaya's step aligns with the national football development trend, which is currently aggressively adopting sports science instruments. As introduced by the PSSI in various medical workshops, the utilization of data-based technology has become a new standard required to elevate the quality and competitiveness of Indonesian football to a higher level.
