Two Persija Jakarta Players Yet to Join National Team Training Camp, Coach Offers Explanation

The failure of two Persija Jakarta players to heed the call to join the Indonesian national team training camp has garnered attention. Witan Sulaeman and Rizki Ridho have not reported for duty in the lead-up to FIFA Matchday, despite the training camp being in progress since June 5. Despite Persija Jakarta’s current hiatus from competitions, the two players have not responded to the national team’s summons.

In elucidation of their absence, Persija coach, Thomas Doll, shed light on the situation. He indicated that Witan and Ridho, due to their busy schedule because of the FIFA Matchday, will only be able to join the team after their match against Argentina. Doll underscored the importance of the players participating in tactical and physical training sessions with others in Sawangan. He also emphasized the necessity for Ridho to acclimate to his new environment.

Coach Thomas Doll acknowledged the valuable experience that the Indonesian national team players will gain from their match against Argentina. He confirmed his intention to release the players to join the national team as soon as possible.

The training camp is presently taking place in Surabaya and has witnessed the arrival of Elkan Baggott, who joined 15 other players already in practice. The group includes Sandy Walsh, Andy Setyo, Rafael Struick, Ivar Jenner, Syahrul Trisna, Dendy Sulistyawan, Fachruddin Aryanto, Dimas Drajad, Stefano Lilipaly, Ernando Ari, Marselino Ferdinand, Ricky Kambuaya, Rachmat Irianto, Marc Klok, and Edo Febriansyah.

The upcoming FIFA Matchday in June will feature two matches for the national team, against Palestine and Argentina. The initial match is scheduled for June 14 in Surabaya, followed by the second match against Argentina on June 19 in Jakarta.

As the preparations for the FIFA Matchday continue, the absence of Witan Sulaeman and Rizki Ridho from the national team training camp is a cause for concern. However, with Coach Thomas Doll’s explanation and plans to release the players to join the national team, there is hope that they will be able to contribute to the team’s success in the upcoming matches.