Jakarta –
Calvin Verdonk is certain to be able to strengthen the Indonesian national team. PSSI managed to take care of all the requirements, the player was able to debut against the Philippines.
The naturalization process has been completed after the oath was taken on Tuesday (4/6/2024). In the near future, Indonesia will meet Iraq on June 6 and the Philippines on June 11 in the Second Round of 2026 World Cup Qualification.
After completing the naturalization process, PSSI then immediately rushed to arrange the transfer of the federation from KNVB to PSSI. PSSI also received approval from FIFA and immediately sent a letter of approval from FIFA to the Asian Football Federation (AFC), Wednesday (5/6).
With FIFA’s endorsement, and the AFC also knowing about it, the legality of players born on April 26 1997 to play with the national team is legally strong. PSSI General Chair, Erick Thohir also expressed his appreciation to FIFA.
“Since yesterday, many parties in the country have helped Calvin Verdonk’s procedures to immediately strengthen Indonesian football, especially facing important matches for Indonesia’s progress towards the 2026 World Cup,” Erick Thohir told reporters.
“I appreciate the approval process carried out by FIFA, which directly supports our football progress. Even though the decision on which players will play is in the hands of the coach, I ensure that Verdonk is ready to compete against the Philippines,” he added.
The presence of Calvin Verdonk not only adds to the strength of the Indonesian National Team’s back line. But there will also be competition for players who want to defend Garuda.
Including Verdonk, currently, there are 12 players recorded in the defender position. Starting from Jay Idzes, Jordi Amat, Rizky Ridho, Elkan Baggot, Justin Hubner, Muhammad Ferrari, Calvin Verdonk, Shayne Pattynama, Nathan Tjoe-A-On, Pratama Arhan, Sandy Walsh, and Asnawi Mangkualam.
“My target is that we have to have 2×11 players for the national team with even and balanced strength so that even if someone is absent or reluctant to play for the national team, we have a replacement with the same quality,” said Erick Thohir.
“Essentially, players currently wearing the Garuda uniform must be serious and focused in order to get the opportunity to defend Indonesia. The national team is only for players who have strong determination and are determined to work hard for the Red and White,” he said.
(mro/aff)
2024-06-05 06:40:10
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