There Is An Aspiration For Zico And Figo To Join The World Cup

Indonesian U-19 national team training session (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Two Persija Jakarta players, Sutan Zico and Figo Sapta, were included in the 11 players that coach Shin Tae-yong crossed out from the U-19 national team training camp (TC) in Jakarta. However, Persija U-20 coach Washiyatul Akmal believes there is still hope for two of his players to participate in the U-20 World Cup next year.

"I think these two players still have the opportunity to return to the national team, especially appearing at the World Cup," said Akmal as reported by Antara, Thursday, August 13.

With the elimination of the two players, they will automatically be excluded from the follow-up TC plans which are scheduled to be held in South Korea or Europe, in preparation for the 2020 U-19 AFC Cup Uzbekistan.

Akmal hopes that the elimination will not make his foster children dissolve in disappointment, instead it must be a motivation to evaluate any shortcomings.

"Their chances are still the same as the others. The important thing is that now they have to evaluate themselves why I could fail," he said.

"I know Zico and Figo, they have the advantage of extraordinary skills, experience too. Now it is a whip for them because we currently have nothing. They must be more active in training and focus on the future," he added.

Previously, the U-19 national team will be trained to take part in the 2020 AFC U-19 Cup which will take place from 14 to 31 October in Uzbekistan. Garuda Muda is in Group A with the hosts Uzbekistan, Cambodia and Iran.