Elkan Baggot Hasn't Joined The U-22 National Team In Preparation For The 2023 SEA Games, Indra Sjafri: No Problem

Indonesia U-22 national team coach, Indra Sjafri. (Ulfa Gusti Utami / VOI)

JAKARTA - The coach of the U-22 Indonesian national team, Indra Sjafri, gave the latest news about his squad in preparation for appearing at the 2023 SEA Games. He said there were several names that had not joined and had not yet given answers, but Indra Sjafri admitted that he had no problem.

The players in question by the coach are Elkan Baggot and Ronaldo Kwateh, the main reason the two have not joined is because they still have to defend the club. Knowing that reason, Indra Sjafri understood and did not mind it.

"Ronaldo (Kwateh) has not yet received an answer. Elkan (Baggot) also does not exist," said Indra Sjafri on the sidelines of the U-22 national team celebration event regarding the FIFA sanction decision at the Sultan Hotel, Jakarta on Friday, April 7 evening WIB.

Karena dia (Elkan) baru selesai pertandingan bersama klub pada 7 Mei kalau tidak salah. Sementara kita prinsipnya kalau memang dia sedang bermain di klub dan klubnya keberatan untuk melepas, ya kita tidak ada masalah,beber sang pelatih.

Ronaldo Kwateh and Elkan Baggott are national team players who are currently competing abroad. Ronaldo plays for the second caste team of the Turkish League Bodrumspor, while Elkan is still playing for the English team Cheltenham Town FC.

Although Elkan and Ronaldo's situation was understood, Indra Sjafri said that if the two of them could join the U-22 national team at the SEA Games that moment would have a profound impact on their careers.

Another thing with the two names above that has not been confirmed to join because they are still defending the team. There are other names that also appear abroad, namely Pratama Arhan (Tokyo Verdy) and Marselino Ferdinand (KMSK Deinze), both of whom have actually given answers that they will appear with the Indonesian national team at the 2023 SEA Games.

"But for (Pratama) Arhan and Marselino (Ferdinan) they already have an answer," explained Indra Sjafri.

The 2023 SEA Games, which will be held in Cambodia, will begin on May 5-17. However, for the sport of football, it will usually start rolling before the opening ceremony.

From the results of the draw that has been carried out, the Indonesian national team will be in Group A with the hosts, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Timor Leste. Although it is considered an easy but high alert group, the Garuda Nusantara squad must still be installed when appearing later.