Against Japan, Kevin Diks Is Sure To Be Able To Defend The Indonesian National Team

JAKARTA - The General Chairperson (Ketum) of PSSI, Erick Thohir, ensured that the new naturalized player, Kevin Diks, was able to appear with the Indonesian national team in the match against Japan.

The match is a continuation match of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round which will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta, on November 15, 2024.

Previously, Kevin Diks had completed naturalization on Friday, November 8, 2024, at the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia for Denmark.

After all the complete process and taking the oath of Indonesian citizens (WNI) was carried out by Kevin Diks, he was confirmed to be able to join and appear to defend the Indonesian national team in Jakarta.

"Alhamdulillah, Kevin Diks was finally confirmed to be able to play a role in strengthening the Indonesian national team when the Garuda squad hosted Japan on November 15, 2024," said Erick Thohir in an official statement shared by PSSI on Monday, November 11, 2024.

Kevin Diks was doubtful about being able to strengthen the Indonesian national team against Japan. The reason is, the player's naturalization is quite tight with the schedule closest to the Garuda Squad, namely against Japan.

However, thanks to the fast work of all relevant parties, the naturalization of this defender can be completed more quickly. This situation also made it certain that Diks could strengthen the Indonesian national team against Japan.

"Thank you to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, who always supports Indonesian football. The same expressions to the DPR RI, Kemenpora, and the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy, as well as all parties who help naturalize Kevin Diks so that it can be completed quickly," said Erick Thohir.

With the presence of Kevin Diks, the chairman of PSSI hopes that he will be able to strengthen the Indonesian national team's defense. Moreover, Japan is a strong opponent who in fact has the highest FIFA ranking in Asia.

"Hopefully, of course, with the presence of Kevin Diks, the Indonesian national team's defense is getting tougher. With his experience playing in the Champions League, of course there is no doubt," said the chairman of PSSI.

The certainty of Kevin Diks' playing means that he has also completed the transfer of federations from the Netherlands (KNVB) to Indonesia (PSSI).