Persib Coach Bojan Hodak Hints at Debuts for Thom Haye and Federico Barba Against Borneo FC

Persib Bandung head coach Bojan Hodak has revealed that new signings Thom Haye and Federico Barba could make their long-awaited debuts in the BRI Super League 2025/26 when the defending champions face Borneo FC at Gelora Bandung Lautan Api Stadium on Sunday, August 31.

According to Hodak, both players are in good condition after integrating into training sessions with the team.

“In principle, Thom and Federico Barba are very likely to make their debut against Borneo,” Bojan told reporters in Bandung on Thursday.

The Croatian coach added that Barba has fully recovered after a brief illness, while Haye arrived in excellent shape thanks to a structured individual training program prior to his move.

“We’ll see how things progress. They might start the match, or we may bring them on in the second half,” he explained.

Persib officially introduced Thom Haye on Wednesday, August 27. The Indonesian international midfielder, born in Amsterdam on February 9, 1995, signed a two-year contract with the Maung Bandung.

Deputy CEO of PT Persib Bandung Bermartabat, Adhitia Putra Herawan, described the signing of Haye as a strategic move to strengthen the team’s balance in midfield.

“Haye is known as a tough defensive midfielder, intelligent in reading the game, and capable of controlling the tempo in midfield,” Adhitia said.

In addition to Haye, Persib also secured the services of Italian centre-back Federico Barba, who was born in Rome on September 1, 1993. The former Serie A defender signed a one-year deal after leaving Swiss side FC Sion as a free agent.

Adhitia emphasized that Barba’s arrival would be crucial in shoring up the defense while giving Hodak greater tactical flexibility throughout the campaign.

“Barba not only adds depth at the back, but he is also part of Persib’s short-term strategy to balance promising local talent with experienced international players,” he concluded.