Soccer match to benefit victims

Monday, March 28, 2005
By Dawn Gibson

As a resident of Aceh, soccer player Ismed Sofyan did not have to be asked twice when invited to compete in an Australia versus Indonesia match at Subiaco Oval to raise money for tsunami victims.

If it was not for soccer, the 25-year-old could easily have become a victim himself.

The Indonesian national and league club player was in Jakarta preparing for the Tiger Cup, a South-East Asican tournament, when the giant wave hit.

His immediate family escaped with their lives, but nine members of his wider family circle are still on the missing persons list.

Indonesia's assistant coach Fachri Husani, also from Aceh, had a similar story. Though his aunt, uncle and cousin have not been found, he considered himself lucky that his parents and siblings survived.

The close tie between Indonesia and Australia forged in the wake of the disaster will come under friendly pressure tonight when the Indonesian soccer team face the Qantas Socceroos at Subiaco Oval. The State Government has kicked off donations by providing $250,000 to stage the match and hopes its example will encourage West Australians to get behind the game.

Tickets are available through http://www.ticketmaster7.com.au or 1300 135 915. Prices start at $25 or $50 for a family of four.

(Taken from The West Australian, Monday March 29, 2005)