Western Sydney Wanderers FC will continue to strengthen their international ties this week with the confirmation of a friendly match against Indonesian powerhouse Persib Bandung set to take place this Saturday night in Indonesia.
The clash forms part of a short pre-season training camp in Indonesia and is a continuation of the Wanderers’ strong links to Asia, a place that holds a special place in the club’s history.
Having famously been crowned the Champions of Asia in 2014, the Wanderers remain one of Australia’s most recognised clubs on the international stage.
This weekend’s fixture is another opportunity for the club to grow its global footprint while testing itself against one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic and well-supported football institutions.
Founded in 1933, Persib Bandung boast an enormous and passionate fan base across Indonesia, regularly drawing crowds in the tens of thousands and maintaining a deep cultural relevance in one of the world’s most football-crazed nations.
The match presents an exciting opportunity for the Wanderers’ first team squad to experience football in the region and continue building momentum towards the 2025/26 season under head coach Alen Stajcic.
Western Sydney Wanderers CEO Scott Hudson said he was proud of the club’s links with Asia.
“We’re incredibly proud of our standing in the Asia-Pacific community,” said Hudson.
“Returning to South-East Asia is not only a homage to our history but also a chance to create new relationships and challenge ourselves against a top club in a unique football environment.
“Persib Bandung are one of the biggest clubs in Asia. Their fanbase is electric and their stature in Indonesia is huge, so this will be an invaluable experience for our players and staff.
“As a club with global ambition, it’s important that we continue to foster international connections, both on and off the pitch. This fixture is a fantastic step in that direction and we thank Persib Bandung for their invitation.”
Head coach Alen Stajcic said the club was extremely grateful for the opportunity to travel to Indonesia to face Persib.
“We are extremely grateful to be invited to play against the current 2-time Indonesian Champions in their own backyard,” said Stajcic.
“We are looking forward to the challenge on playing against Persib Bandung and also playing in front of their loud and passionate home support. It will be a fantastic experience for our players as we continue preparations for the Australia Cup and the A-League.
“As Socceroos fans, we were recently exposed to the improved quality of Indonesian Football and the amazing growth of football throughout their country, so it will be a fantastic moment for our football club to both compete with Persib but also create strong relationships with them to help build the foundations of both our clubs.”
Further details about the match, including kick-off time and streaming details, will be shared in due course.
