The Absence of Witan and Rizky Ridho from the National Team’s Training Camp: Persija Jakarta Coach Provides Clarification

The preliminary camp for the national team in preparation for the FIFA Matchday is currently in progress, however, the participation of two players from Persija Jakarta, Witan Sulaeman and Rizki Ridho, has yet to be confirmed. Despite the absence of an ongoing competitive season, the coach of the Kemayoran Tigers, Thomas Doll, has provided clarification regarding their non-attendance.

According to Doll, Witan and Ridho have only been engaged in training with Persija for a mere week due to their commitments to the FIFA Matchday agenda, with their anticipated return slated after their encounter with Argentina. Consequently, Doll deems it optimal for the two players to persist with their training in Sawangan, engaging in various tactical and physical sessions. Furthermore, the assimilation of Ridho into the team is also of utmost importance, given the unfamiliar surroundings he finds himself in.

Recognizing the weightiness of the impending matches against Palestine and Argentina for the national team players, Doll has conveyed his intent to promptly release the players for their national team responsibilities.

As the training camp unfolds in Surabaya, the arrival of Elkan Baggott has been formally confirmed, joining 15 other players who have already initiated their training. The assemblage encompasses well-established personalities such as Sandy Walsh, Andy Setyo, Rafael Struick, Ivar Jenner, Syahrul Trisna, Dendy Sulistyawan, and other distinguished figures.

In June, the FIFA Matchday will witness the Indonesian national team confronting Palestine and Argentina on June 14th and June 19th, respectively. The initial match is scheduled to transpire in Surabaya, followed by the subsequent match in Jakarta.

The nonattendance of Witan and Rizky Ridho from the national team’s training camp has been ascribed to their adherence to the FIFA Matchday agenda, ultimately impeding their full participation in the camp. Nonetheless, Thomas Doll, the coach of Persija Jakarta, comprehends the circumstances and has extended his support for the involvement of the players in the national team’s pivotal matches.