MEDAN | INDATANEWS.COM - Former PSMS Medan and Sriwijaya FC midfielder Wijay believes Medan Polonia are favourites to win the Piala MPC Pemuda Pancasila. In his assessment, the team's pace, relatively young squad and strong individual skills give them a good chance of beating Medan Sunggal in the final. The match will take place on Saturday, 24 October 2026, at Kebun Bunga Stadium in Medan.
Wijay considers Medan Polonia's squad particularly promising in attack. Two young forwards, noted for their speed and technical ability, could put Medan Sunggal's defence under considerable pressure. Their opponents, by contrast, have several experienced players in their ranks.
Wijay reached this conclusion after watching several of Medan Polonia's matches throughout the competition. He identified considerable potential among the younger players, particularly in building attacks, exploiting space and putting opposing defences under pressure.
"Looking at Polonia's players, the team clearly has the advantage. The two forwards are fast and young. Sunggal are different: their players are also quick, but they are a little older," Wijay said.
He believes the combination of pace and individual ability could prove decisive in the final. However, Medan Polonia must maintain a consistent performance throughout the match if they are to turn those advantages into scoring opportunities and goals against their experienced opponents.
Young, Fast Forwards Could Make the Difference
Wijay regards Medan Polonia's attack as one of the team's greatest strengths. Their young forwards could use their speed and attacking style to unsettle Medan Sunggal and create serious problems for their defence.
This strength also gives Medan Polonia the opportunity to develop attacks quickly through combinations from midfield. By exploiting available space and delivering accurate passes, the team could threaten their opponents from the opening stages.
Alongside the players' individual quality, Wijay considers support from the club's leadership an important factor in building the team's confidence. He particularly highlighted the role of Rommy Van Boy, chairman of the Medan Polonia sub-district branch of Pemuda Pancasila, who also serves on Medan City Council as a member of the Golkar faction. Rasyid and other officials have also made valuable contributions, he said.
"Medan Polonia also benefit from the direct support of Rommy Van Boy, chairman of the Pemuda Pancasila sub-district branch in Medan Polonia. He is also a member of Medan City Council representing the Golkar faction. Rasyid and the other officials support the team as well," Wijay added.
In his view, this backing can boost the players' motivation and help them deliver their best performance in the decisive match for the title.
Wijay stressed that a team's success depends on more than the technical abilities of its players on the pitch. Attention from the club's leadership, management support and a positive team atmosphere also help strengthen players mentally. These factors are particularly important in a final, when the pressure is at its highest.
TWO YOUNG FORWARDS PROVIDE ATTACKING THREAT: Wijay praises Medan Polonia's two young forwards for their pace, strong individual skills and potential to progress to higher levels of football. (PHOTO: Aminurasid)
Solid Defence, but Midfield Coordination Needs Work
Alongside their attacking strength, Wijay considers Medan Polonia's defence solid. The team have an experienced player in Jhonson, whose role in organising the back line helps maintain its stability.
However, Wijay believes the team need to improve their midfield coordination, particularly when transitioning between defence and attack. While the movement of the ball from midfield into the forward line is already effective, the transition from midfield into defence still requires attention.
"Medan Polonia's defence is also very good because the experienced Jhonson organises it. Perhaps the midfield needs better coordination. The ball already moves well from midfield into attack. What still needs improvement is the coordination between midfield and defence," he said.
This assessment is particularly relevant ahead of the final. Medan Sunggal have experienced players who could exploit any gaps if Medan Polonia lose their shape. Coordination between the different areas of the team and discipline in maintaining positions will therefore be crucial to resisting their opponents' pressure.
According to Wijay, Medan Polonia must strike a balance between attacking ambition and defensive stability. Their forwards' speed could be an effective way to break through the opposing defence, but the midfield must also be ready to support the back line whenever possession is lost.
With the right adjustments, Medan Polonia could maintain their performance throughout the match and make the most of their young players' potential in the decisive contest for the trophy.
CLUB LEADERSHIP SUPPORT BOOSTS TEAM MORALE: Wijay highlights the motivational impact of support from Rommy Van Boy, chairman of the Pemuda Pancasila branch in Medan Polonia, along with Rasyid and other officials, ahead of the final. (PHOTO: Aminurasid)
Two Young Forwards with Promising Futures
Wijay sees more than just a strong chance of tournament success for Medan Polonia. He is also particularly interested in the two young forwards, whom he believes possess the technical ability and speed to progress to higher levels of football.
Drawing on his experience with several Indonesian football clubs, Wijay follows the development of young talent closely. He believes the pair could even strengthen a Liga 4 side if given the right opportunities and targeted development.
"The attack is not something we need to question at all. The players are young, fast and have excellent ability. If I were to manage a Liga 4 team again, I could take these two Medan Polonia forwards with me because I see a promising future for them," he explained.
His assessment highlights how the Piala MPC Pemuda Pancasila serves not only as a competition for the trophy but also as a platform for young footballers to showcase their abilities to spectators and talent spotters.
Although Wijay favours Medan Polonia, he acknowledges Medan Sunggal's quality. Their place in the final demonstrates that they have the ability and experience to pose a serious challenge.
"Sunggal are also a good team. Many of their players have considerable experience, even if some are older. Reaching the final shows that they are a strong side," he said.
Wijay reiterated that support from the club's leadership and management would be important in sustaining the players' motivation throughout the competition.
"Support from the chairman of the Pemuda Pancasila branch in Medan Polonia and the other officials is also a decisive factor. This support acts like a vitamin for the players and gives them extra motivation," he stressed.
The final on Saturday, 24 October 2026, will test both teams' strengths. Medan Polonia will look to their young forwards' pace, defensive organisation and backing from club officials, while Medan Sunggal will rely on their players' experience to withstand the pressure.
For Medan Polonia, the key will be to exploit their attacking strengths while improving coordination in midfield. If they can maintain their discipline and execute their game plan throughout the match, they could fulfil Wijay's prediction and lift the Piala MPC Pemuda Pancasila trophy.
Ultimately, however, the result will depend on performances on the pitch. Medan Sunggal could overturn the prediction by containing their opponents' pace and making effective use of their experience, setting up a final in which the teams' contrasting strengths could determine the champions. (IDNC)
REPORTER: Ahmad Zulfikar | EDITOR: Fik Sagala