Rafael Struick And Marselino Ferdinand Rumored To Join The U-23 Indonesian National Team

Rafael Strucik is rumored to be joining the U-23 Indonesian national team (VOI/Ferry Tri Adi Sasono).

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Gerald Vanenburg, responded to rumors involving Rafael Struick and Marselino Ferdinand who were rumored to be joining the team.

According to the Dutch coach, Struick and Marselino are better off prioritizing their careers even though both of them can still defend the U-23 Indonesian national team.

Struick and Marcelino are currently trusted to defend the senior Indonesian national team who are struggling towards the 2026 World Cup.

"In my opinion, the most important thing is about the World Cup (2026). We have to qualify for the World Cup (2026)."

"Rafael (Struick) and Marselino (Ferdinan) are not here. We have given the names and they are not playing here," said Gerald Vanenburg at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta on Monday, July 14, 2025.

Previously, Rafael Struick was rumored to have joined the U-23 Indonesian national team because he was in Indonesia and was one step away from joining Dewa United.

The name Marselino is also reportedly on the radar to strengthen the U-23 Indonesian national team. However, the 20-year-old player is busy with Oxford United who has just appeared in the 2025 Presidential Cup.

However, Gerald said he was satisfied with the composition of his squad for the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup. He carries the ambition to be able to complete all matches to the maximum in order to win the title.

"I'm happy with the players I have and they have to improve. Their quality has made me happy."

"We have to try to appear and respect every opponent. All we can do is beat all opponents because they will also try to do the same thing," he said.

The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup will take place in Jakarta and Bekasi from July 15 to July 29, 2025. The two venues used to hold tournaments are Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium and Patriot Stadium.

The U-23 Indonesian national team is in Group A with Malaysia, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam. The Garuda Muda team will undergo their first match against Brunei at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, WIB night.