South Korean Ladeni In The Trial Match, The U-17 National Team Can't Be Strengthened By Sao Paulo Player Welber Jardim

Indonesia U-17 National Team Coach, Bima Sakti. (Photo via Antara)

JAKARTA - The U-17 Indonesian national team coach, Bima Sakti, confirmed that Welber Jardim would not appear in the test match against South Korea. The player has asked permission to return to his club, Sao Paulo U-17.

Bima Sakti said Welber only received permission to participate in the national team training camp until August 20. However, he ensured that the player would still be taken when the Garuda Muda squad continued TC abroad.

"Welber does not take part in the trial because it is until the 20th. Indeed, Welber's quality is above the average other player and we will most likely bring Welfer to TC outside later," said Bima Sakti after leading the training at Field A of the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium complex, Jakarta, Saturday, August 26.

The U-17 Indonesian national team is scheduled to undergo a trial match against the U-17 South Korean national team at Patriot Candrabhaga Stadium, Bekasi, next Wednesday, at 19.00 WIB.

Bima Sakti said the test against South Korea was used as a benchmark to see the extent to which U-17 national team players were mentally, physically and tactically ready.

"We want to test against a team whose level is above us. We know that South Korea is also a finalist in the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup. We want to see the ability of players in terms of mental, physical, and tactical aspects that have been developed through training," said Bima Sakti.

Currently, there are 32 players who are members of the Indonesian national team TC, including five players from the selection of 12 cities and Rizky Kafiatur who have just joined.

"The total number of players now is 32 players because Kafiatur (Rizky) is also (back TC) on loan by Dewa United club, thank you Dewa United. Then on 29 also (Arkhan) Kaka will join," said Bima Sakti.