Bernardo Tavares, head coach of PSM Makassar, has decided to put up for auction his personal effects, among them the Best Coach Award from the 2022/23 Liga 1 Indonesia season and one of his own polo shirts, to provide assistance to a Juku Eja side struggling with their finances.
Portuguese head coach Tavares made this decision due to PSM’s ongoing financial woes. He’s taking the initiative to support PSM by selling his personal belongings, stating, “As you know, we are currently facing some challenges,” as quoted from both BolaSport and Kompas.
During the auction, Tavares encouraged participants, saying, “There are some items here, and some of you will place bids. I’m offering the polo shirt I wore last season to the highest bidder later on.” He further explained that the proceeds from the sale of the shirt and trophy would go directly to support PSM’s staff, emphasizing solidarity, stating, “We will give it to our staff to show them that we are all in this together, helping each other.”
Tavares had previously highlighted PSM’s struggle to secure sponsors despite being the defending champions of the Liga 1. Additionally, he pointed out that low attendance at PSM’s home matches in Parepare had negatively impacted the club’s revenue. Tavares expressed his concerns, saying, “This season, fans haven’t been coming to Parepare. We lack sponsors, and if the fans don’t rally behind the club, I’m uncertain about our future.” He urged PSM supporters to take pride in their club, being the oldest in Indonesia, and to contribute by attending home matches and helping secure sponsors.
PSM are currently 10th in the Liga 1 table and will face high-flying PS Barito Putera next on Friday in Parepare, before traveling away to Vietnam to take on Hai Phong FC in their first match of this season’s AFC Cup group stage on September 21st.