Indra Sjafri, the head coach of Indonesia’s U-22 national team, has provided an update on his squad as they prepare for their upcoming test matches against Mali. Notably, three diaspora players, including Luke Keet, have been released from the training camp.
Keet, along with Muhammad Mishbah and Reycredo Brremanda, both players of Filipino descent, had previously joined the U-22 national team’s training camp in Jakarta. These players participated at their own initiative, allowing Indra Sjafri to assess their capabilities firsthand.
“As I mentioned yesterday at Madya Stadium [during the U-22 national team’s training session], PSSI (the Football Association of Indonesia) has called up 30 players based on the names we provided. However, we received information about players playing abroad, in Greece and the Philippines. As the national team coach, we welcome this,” Indra Sjafri stated during a press conference in Jakarta on Friday (November 14th).
He elaborated, “I spoke with their agents, or whoever it was, and we decided not to send formal letters to their clubs but allowed them to participate [in training] because it’s during the FIFA Matchday window. Upon their arrival, our priority was to determine if they could integrate into the squad. The coaching team conducted several tests and evaluated them thoroughly, validating our observations in the internal game yesterday.”
Sjafri further explained the decision, “We’ve decided that, given the limited time, we need performance, not just potential. Therefore, we are prioritizing players who can deliver immediately. These three players have been returned to their clubs, not because they lack potential – they have significant potential. However, we need players who are truly ready to perform right now.”
The U-22 national team’s training camp is being held in preparation for the SEA Games 2025 next month. As part of their preparations, the Garuda Muda (Young Garuda) squad is scheduled to play two test matches against Mali on November 15th and 18th at Pakansari Stadium in Bogor Regency. The coaching staff hopes these matches will provide valuable insights into the team’s readiness for the upcoming tournament.
Summary
Indra Sjafri, head coach of Indonesia’s U-22 national team, has released three diaspora players, including Luke Keet, Muhammad Mishbah, and Reycredo Brremanda, from the training camp. These players, who joined voluntarily, were thoroughly assessed by the coaching staff. Sjafri explained that the decision prioritizes immediate performance over potential due to limited preparation time for the team.
The U-22 national team is conducting this training camp in preparation for the SEA Games 2025. As part of their readiness, the squad is scheduled to play two test matches against Mali on November 15th and 18th. These matches are intended to provide valuable insights into the team’s capabilities ahead of the tournament.