Persib Bandung Hosts PSM Makassar at GBLA, Maung Bandung Targets Three Points

Persib Bandung will begin their 2026/2027 Super League campaign by hosting PSM Makassar at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api (GBLA) Stadium, Bandung City, on Sunday 6 September. GBLA was selected after Persib was prohibited from using Si Jalak Harupat Stadium, which has entered a turf maintenance period as part of preparations for the upcoming 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup.

The venue change does not alter Persib's targets. Securing three full points remains the main objective for the opening match of the new season, even though final improvement works at GBLA have not been fully completed.

Persib Bandung Manager Umuh Muchtar is aware of this situation, and hopes all preparations will run smoothly so that the match against PSM Makassar can be held without obstacles.

"Even though GBLA is not 100% ready, since Si Jalak Harupat can no longer be used, we will play here at GBLA. Hopefully everything goes well with no issues. The most important thing is that Persib takes three points," stated Umuh in Bandung, Thursday.

For Persib, this match against PSM is an opportunity to start the competition with a positive result. Playing in front of their home supporters, the Maung Bandung squad aims to build strong momentum right from the first week of the season.

Umuh has prepared a special approach to maintain the players' mentality and focus. He plans to deliver motivation to the squad before the match, while also reminding them not to lose concentration during play.

God willing, looking at the current squad condition. That said, we must not overhype good performances ahead of time. If it is not the right moment, and not meant for us, things can still go badly," he explained.

According to Umuh, promising pre-season form does not automatically guarantee victory once official matches commence. For this reason, hard work and full focus from the players will be the critical factor for Persib to secure three points.

He confirmed he will meet the entire playing squad in person ahead of the 2026/2027 Super League opening match.

"I will also deliver a few words directly to them," he added.

Si Jalak Harupat Stadium Preparations For FIFA ASEAN Cup

Persib's relocation to GBLA is directly linked to major preparations underway at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium. This venue is required to undergo full turf maintenance following Persib's last match there on 31 August 2026.

Head of Bandung Regency Youth and Sports Agency (Dispora) Dicky Anugrah stated that the stadium may not be used for any matches for the entire duration of the maintenance period.

"Following 31 August, with FIFA already commencing turf rehabilitation works, Si Jalak Harupat is not permitted for use for any matches whatsoever, including BRI Super League fixtures," stated Dicky in Bandung.

This maintenance work is part of the process to prepare Si Jalak Harupat as one of the official host venues for the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup. The pitch condition must be certified to meet the required international standards for the tournament.

For this reason, Persib had no option to use Si Jalak Harupat for their 6 September fixture against PSM Makassar.

"Persib is not allowed to play at Si Jalak Harupat on 6 September, as the ground has entered the pre-tournament maintenance period ahead of the FIFA ASEAN Cup," he concluded.