Persebaya Surabaya is optimizing player performance through the application of data-based sports science , utilizing VALD technology supported by various physical and biomechanical testing devices to prepare for the 2026/2027 season.
Persebaya Operations Director Candra Wahyudi said a team's success is determined not only by the quality of its players but also by the support of its ecosystem, including a medical department staffed by doctors, physiotherapists, and other support staff.
"We hope that Persebaya players, as club assets, will avoid injury. Even if they do, their recovery process will be faster," Candra said when confirmed.
He explained that Persebaya continues to invest in completing VALD technology, which is currently considered relatively complete, although it will continue to be developed according to the team's needs.
According to him, the addition of facilities was carried out since the beginning of the season to optimize the process of monitoring player conditions.
"In addition, we also collaborate with various ecosystems in this regard, one of which is Mayapada Hospital, to strengthen the medical department," he said.
Meanwhile, Persebaya Chief Medical Officer Dr. Pratama Wicaksana Wijaya said that player examinations now not only refer to the Pre-Competition Medical Assessment (PCMA), but also include functional movement assessments using VALD technology, which is still not available at many clubs in Indonesia.
He explained that the series of examinations included testing muscle strength, explosive power, agility, cardiovascular ability and biomechanical analysis of movements.
The resulting data, he said, then becomes the basis for physical trainers and physiotherapists to develop training programs tailored to the needs of each player.
"Everything is answered numerically. The percentage difference is then given to the physical trainer and physiotherapy team to create an exercise program, which is then evaluated periodically," said Dr. Tommy, as he is familiarly known.
According to him, the evaluation is planned to be carried out four to six times in one season, starting from pre-season, mid-competition until the end of the season, so that the development of the players' physical condition can be monitored objectively.
Although all players were declared healthy, Dr. Tommy revealed that most still had a number of issues that needed to be addressed to achieve peak performance.
"In principle, players must be healthy first, only then can they perform optimally," he said.
Furthermore, he added, in implementing VALD technology, Persebaya uses a number of testing devices.
First, HumanTrak analyzes movement patterns and range of motion in three dimensions to optimize movement efficiency while reducing the risk of injury.
Then, ForceDecks is used to measure explosive power, body balance, and neuromuscular readiness through analysis during take-off and landing.
In addition, ForceFrame is used to measure muscle strength isometrically to monitor balance and the development of athlete performance.
Meanwhile, SmartSpeed measures speed, agility, reaction time, and sprint performance using a wireless sensor-based timing gate system.
