Persib Holds Training Camp in Bali, Will Face Sabah FC and Bali United.

Persib Bandung has held training camp in Bali as part of preparations ahead of the 2026/2027 season. The Maung Bandung squad will conduct their centralized training on the Island of the Gods from 11 to 19 August 2026, with this agenda also serving as pre-season preparation for the Shopee Cup, AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two), and the Indonesia Cup.

During their stay in Bali, Persib will not only run intensive training sessions. The team led by Igor Tolic will also compete in the Dewata Challenge Series friendly tournament, hosted at Kapten I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Gianyar.

Persib is scheduled to face Malaysian club Sabah FC on 15 August. Three days after that fixture, Persib will go up against home side Bali United on 18 August.

Persib head coach Igor Tolic explained the significance of these two matches for the team's preparation process. Alongside evaluating the players' technical condition, these test matches provide an opportunity to build communication and working cohesion between squad members.

"These friendly matches in Bali are intended to improve communication between our players," stated Persib coach Igor Tolic in an official written release from Bandung.

Persib Testing Team Progression

Persib carries a bigger mission than just chasing match results at the Dewata Challenge Series. Tolic aims to observe how far the players can translate the output of intensive training into real match situations.

The two opponents with distinct playing characteristics will bring unique challenges for Persib. Sabah FC competes in the Malaysian league circuit and holds experience performing on the international stage.

Meanwhile, Bali United is one of Persib's long familiar rivals in domestic competitions.

According to Tolic, facing opponents with different playing styles will help the team develop solutions when matches unfold under difficult circumstances.

"Matches against competitive opponents will create many scenarios that demand all players work collectively to find a way through," he stated.

For Persib, this series of fixtures in Bali also forms a critical part of building the squad's foundation before entering a season that will bring a congested match schedule.

Tolic hopes the players will maximise these two matches to strengthen their understanding of one another, while also testing their readiness ahead of official competitive fixtures.

"Sabah FC and Bali United are both quality clubs with strong player rosters. One competes at international level, while the other is our regular league opponent," he said.

After concluding their Bali agenda on 19 August, Persib will continue pre-season preparations for the 2026/2027 campaign. The challenges awaiting the club include not only domestic competitions, but also the Shopee Cup, ACL Two, and the Indonesia Cup.

As pre-season preparations progress, the Dewata Challenge Series provides a key opportunity for Tolic to finalise the team structure before the squad enters full competitive action.