Bali United have named former Indonesia national Widodo Cahyono Putro as their new head coach, replacing Hans-Peter Schaller.
Bali United CEO Yabes Tanuri said the former Sriwijaya FC coach has penned a contract until December 2017.
Widodo is considered the right man for the job since he has experience handling a number of clubs in the highest national football league.
“Yes, Widodo Cahyono Putro officially became the coach of Bali United with the duration of the contract until December 2017. We chose Widodo because we feel he has the same vision with us from the management of Bali United,” Bali United CEO Yabes Tanuri told the club website.
Yabes added that the club board actually wanted to keep Eko Purdjianto who has gotten good results in three matches, with two wins and one defeat.
But they can not proceed because the move would collide with the regulation of coaching license in the 2017 Liga 1.
“Honestly I also really appreciate the performance of coach Eko Purdjianto while leading the team as the caretaker coach.”
“But Eko coach does not currently have a qualified license as a head coach in Indonesia’s highest football league,” added Yabes.
Bali United are currently 13th on the table of Liga 1, with two wins and three losses after five games.