Rizky Ridho's Sweet Welcome Represents Indonesian Player U-23: Nathan Tjoe-A-On Comes, Everyone Is Happy

JAKARTA - The captain of the U-23 Indonesian national team, Rizky Ridho, warmly welcomed the return of Nathan Tjoe-A-On to the squad to appear in the 2024 U-23 Asian Cup quarter-finals. Rizky Ridho admitted that Nathan's presence made all the players happy.

The U-23 Indonesian national team will face South Korea U-23 at the Abdullah bin Khalifa Stadium on Friday, April 26, 2024, early morning WIB. In the match, Nathan's presence has been confirmed even though previously he had returned to his club, SC Heerenveen, in the Netherlands.

"Of course everyone is happy with the news from Nathan (Tjoe-A-On). He sent a message in the group, 'See you tomorrow'. and friends answered with a smile. Of course it was good for us," said Rizky Ridho in his statement during a press conference session quoted Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Nathan had appeared in three group matches for the U-23 Indonesian national team. However, after the group phase agenda was completed, he immediately left for the Netherlands.

This is related to the agreement made by PSSI with SC Heerenveen which gives time to the group stage only.

Apart from the agreement, apparently the U-23 Indonesian national team managed to advance to the quarter-finals and will meet South Korea U-23.

Judging by the importance of the party, PSSI again lobbied SC Heerenveen in order to release Nathan. Luckily, the Eredivisie club gave permission for the player to return to the U-23 Indonesian national team even though it had only been one day to arrive in the Netherlands.

Regarding the meeting with South Korea U-23, Rizky Ridho emphasized that Garuda Muda was not worried about his opponent's superior status. The 22-year-old defender said he would dig into the Warriors' weakness in order to win.

"Since yesterday before the U-23 Jordan opponents, we focused on winning. We don't care if we fight anyone. We know South Korea U-23 is a good team, but we are focused on our own team."

"We will hold a team meeting to see their weaknesses and be ready for the next match," he said.

The Persija Jakarta player realized that the U-23 Indonesian national team had the status of a debutant team against the Asian giant team.

However, Ridho said there was no feeling of low self-esteem in the team. This situation is actually a separate motivation to win.

"One team has the same goal, no pressure is felt by the players. Everyone enjoys it," he said.