Mauro Zijlstra Has A Kans Entering The U-23 Indonesian National Team Squad For The 2025 SEA Games

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri, answered for Mauro Zijlstra to appear at the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand in December.

Although it has not provided certainty, Indra Sjafri said the player was included in the 50 registered players.

Officially becoming an Indonesian citizen (WNI) in August 2025, Zijlstra is actually included in the projection to fill the U-23 Indonesian squad, considering that he is currently 20 years old.

However, after undergoing naturalization, Zijlstra actually strengthened the senior Indonesian national team. He was chosen by Patrick Kluivert to appear in the Fourth Round of the 2026 Asian Zone Qualification World Cup against Saudi Arabia and Iraq.

Regarding the Zijlstra chance to enter the Garuda Muda Squad at the 2025 SEA Games, Indra Sjafri has his own answer.

"At the first press conference, friends can see the 50 players we registered. Later we can share whether it (Mauro Zijlstra) is included, I don't remember enough."

"If I'm not mistaken, there is," said Indra Sjafri during a press conference after the trial match against India U-23, quoted on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.

For the 50 players registered for the 2025 SEA Games, there are indeed many names who have defended the senior Indonesian national team. They are Ivar Jenner, Hokky Caraka, Rafael Struick, Adrian Wibowo, and Marselino Ferdinand.

"Ivar is also there (in the squad), we'll see later. The important thing is, we agree with PSSI that I take this responsibility to be supported together."

"Mr. Chairman of PSSI agreed, he will support us, including how to communicate with the club so that the players we want can be allowed, then played," said Indra Sjafri.

Meanwhile, Zijlstra appeared only once in the Fourth Round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone. The Dutch club striker, FC Volendam, appeared in a 0-1 defeat against Iraq.

Based on Sofascore's records, while appearing for 56 minutes on the pitch, Zijlstra recorded one shot off target, one shot was blocked, 12 touches, four passes with 100 percent accuracy, and three duel wins.

The best chance in the match came in the 14th minute when he got Thom Haye's low pass. Unfortunately, his close-range shot was still blocked by an Iraqi defender.