Indonesian Women's National Team Defender Shalika Aurelia Joins European Club, Coach Rudy: If She Can, I'm Sure Others Can

Shalika Aurelia Viandrisa (right) (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The joining of defender Shalika Aurelia Viandrisa to the Roma Calcio Femminile club in the Italian Women's Serie B League has given rise to motivation in the Indonesian women's national team.

"It triggers other players to excel. If Shalika can do it, I think others can," said the women's national team coach Rudy Eka Priyambada as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, January 11.

According to Coach Rudy, the opportunity to play in Europe is very open for Indonesian players because women's football is developing in the world.

Indonesian national team captain Ade Mustikiana Oktafiani also admitted that there has been a surge of motivation in the Garuda Pertiwi squad since Shalika was recruited by a European club.

"We as friends are very proud of Shalika and that becomes our motivation to play abroad and work hard to achieve our dreams," said Ade.

Shalika Aurelia Viandrisa has been signed by Roma club Calcio Femminile in the Italian Women's Serie B League. She also became the first Indonesian female player to be signed by a European club.

This was announced directly through the club's official website on Sunday. Roma's Calcio Femminile said that Shalika is a footballer who relies on physicality and has a high leadership spirit.

Shalika is also considered a professional, serious and "stubborn" player for doing whatever it takes to win.

​Thanks to her achievements, Shalika is confirmed to be one of the players who will compete in the 2022 Women's Asian Cup in India. The tournament will take place from January 20 to February 6, 2022.

In the Asian Cup, the Garuda Pertiwi squad is in Group B with Australia, the Philippines and Thailand. Indonesia will play Australia in its first match, 21 January 2022