Shin Tae-yong is confident leading Persija to face the tough match at Borneo FC's home ground.

Persija Jakarta begins their 2026/27 BRI Super League campaign with a difficult opening test. The Kemayoran Tigers will travel away to Borneo FC's home ground at Segiri Stadium, Samarinda, for the match on Saturday evening. Head coach Shin Tae-yong stated that Persija is ready to face this challenging fixture.

STY admitted he feels no nervousness ahead of Persija's first match in the Indonesian league competition. The South Korean coach explained he has become familiar with the character of Indonesian football after five years managing the Indonesian National Team.

For STY, this experience serves as capital to navigate the competitive atmosphere at club level. He also reaffirmed his full trust in Persija's squad of players.

“Compared to other coaches, I feel far calmer. I already have five years of experience working in Indonesia, even if that was previously with the national team. Even though this is my first league match with the club, I have great belief in my players. That is why I do not feel burdened at all," STY remarked, as quoted from Persija's official website on Saturday.

STY's confidence follows Persija completing an extensive pre-season preparation schedule ahead of the new season. The Kemayoran Tigers first competed in the President's Cup, before holding an overseas training camp in Thailand.

Persija also tested their form through two friendly matches hosted in Jakarta. They secured a dominant 4-0 win over Brisbane Roar, before picking up another convincing 3-0 victory against Semen Padang.

This run of positive results has built up Persija's confidence heading into the official competition. Even so, STY acknowledges that the challenge awaiting them in Samarinda will be very different.

STY On Alert For Borneo FC's Strength

Borneo FC finished as last season's league runners-up, and hold an unfavourable head-to-head record against Persija.

Persija have failed to beat the Pesut Etam side in their last two meetings. In the first encounter, the Kemayoran Tigers suffered a 1-3 defeat.

When both teams met again, Persija could only secure a 2-2 draw on their own home ground. This record became the additional reason STY has told his players to enter the match with full caution.

“Borneo finished second in the league last season. Add to the fact that we are playing away from home, this will be a very difficult match. But we have prepared properly for this challenge," STY stated.

Playing in Samarinda presents its own unique challenges for Persija. Along with facing last season's runners-up, the Kemayoran Tigers will also have to contend with the loud backing from the home supporters.

Rizky Ridho Confident Of Bringing Home Three Points

Optimism also comes from Persija captain Rizky Ridho. The Persija defender stated that the squad's complete pre-season preparations give the Kemayoran Tigers every reason to approach this opening match with confidence.

According to Ridho, the hard work put in during preparation must be translated onto the pitch. He hopes all players can execute the coach's instructions and return home with a victory for Persija.

"We have prepared this very well, we went through the entire pre-season programme together properly. Hopefully tomorrow we can implement everything the coach has taught us, and we will be able to bring all three points back home," Ridho said.

This Borneo FC vs Persija Jakarta fixture will be the first official competitive test of STY's project with the Kemayoran Tigers.