JAKARTA, NusaBali – Technical Director of PSSI (Dirtek) Indra Sjafri revealed that a number of countries participating in the 2023 U-17 World Cup are already in Indonesia. Two of them invited the Indonesian U-17 national team to try out.
“Yes, several countries have entered Indonesia. There are Canada and Mexico. They may be looking for opponents for the trial,” said Indra Sjafri, after the opening of the 2023 Media Cup, at the Triboon Mini Soccer, Cilandak, South Jakarta, Thursday (26/10).
However, the coaching staff of the U-17 national team could not accept the invitation. Besides the fact that the 2023 U-17 World Cup is just around the corner, the level of Canada and Mexico is also higher than that of Garuda Asia.
“The coaching staff and coach Frank Wourmuth believe that the U-17 national team has entered a period where there will be no trials. If there are trials, perhaps the team will be slightly below its level,” said Indra Sjafri.
Previously, the U-17 national team played seven trial matches at the training camp (TC) in Germany. As a result, Garuda Asia Squad defeated VFL Osnabrück U-19 (2-1) and SC Paderborn Youth U-17 (1-0).
Then 1-1 draw against SV Meppen U-17. Then swallowed four defeats against FC Koln U-17 (2-3), 1. FSV Mainz 05 U-19 (0-3), Eintracht Frankfurt U-19 (0-3) and TSV Meerbusch U- 17 (0-1)
Meanwhile, PSSI President Erick Thohir provided the latest news regarding the fate of the diaspora players who participated in the Indonesian U-17 national team training camp (TC) in Germany from September 18 to October 22, 2023. In the TC, five downhill players were involved. Namely Maoris Ananda Yves, Welber Jardim, Amar Rhayhan Brkic, Ji Da-bin and Chow Yun Damanik.
Among the five names, Welber Jardim and Ji Da-bin would have the highest chances of making the 2023 U-17 World Cup main squad, which has 21 players. Another confirmed name is Amar Brkic.
“Yesterday there was Welber and there was also another German player, Hoffenheim, Amar. It looks like he is part of the group and the team,” said Erick Thohir in Jakarta, Thursday (26/10) .
Erick Thohir confirmed that PSSI will give the country’s best sons the opportunity to strengthen the U-17 national team in the 2023 U-17 World Cup. For him, diaspora players like Amar Brkic deserve this opportunity. Moreover, his abilities are also strong and can increase the strength of the Garuda Asia Squad in the future. *
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