Jakarta, Gatra.com – Canada is one of the participating countries that will participate in the 2023 U-17 World Cup. The Canadian U-17 team is one of the four teams being prepared in Bali, precisely at the Bali United Training Center, Purnama Beach , Gianyar.
What’s interesting about the Canadian U-17 team is that it turns out there are former Indonesian national team players on it. He is Raphael Guillermo Eduardo Maitimo or better known as Raphael Maitimo.
The former attacking midfielder for the 2012 edition of the Indonesian national team is now part of the team of managers and coordinators of the Canadian national team in preparation for its participation in the 2023 U17 World Cup in Indonesia. The naturalized player admitted that he is very happy to be able to play an important role in the development process of Canada’s young players.
Additionally, with his experience as an Indonesian player, the adaptation process for the Canadian national team will of course be easy and hopefully go smoothly. Apart from this, Raphael Maitimo often helps the coaching staff by providing training materials to further strengthen the Canadian team’s playing lineup.
This player, now licensed in the Netherlands, even admits that he is starting to miss the world of green fields that made him famous in Indonesia. He visited several big teams such as Persib Bandung, Mitra Kukar, Persita, Persebaya Surabaya and PS Barito Putera during his on-field career.
“I really miss football, especially after seeing Bali United’s facilities. But currently, I am focusing more on the development business that I am currently developing,” Maitimo said.
The former player who played with Ilija Spasojevic at Bali Devata in 2011 also said that the current training facilities at Serdadu Tridatu are extraordinary.
“It’s extraordinary, it’s extraordinary. I think it’s the best in Indonesia, maybe even in Asia because it has a sea and good terrain,” Maitimo said.
Raphael Maitimo himself will fight with the Canadian U-17 team which is part of Group B with Spain, Mali and Uzbekistan.
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