Six naturalised players to boost Indonesia

GOAL – JAKARTA, The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) plans to call-up six naturalised players to bolster the national team following three consecutive 2014 World Cup qualifying defeats.

On Monday, five players pledged their allegiance to Indonesia by becoming naturalised, in Nigeria-born pair Greg Nwokolo and Victor Igbonefo, along with Tonnie Cussel, Stefano Lilipaly and Jhon van Beukering who all have Dutch descent.

Adelaide United striker Sergio van Dijk is also set to undergo his naturalisation oath next week meaning he’d be available to wear the Merah Putih jersey.

The five players took the oath at the Department of Justice and Human Rights of Indonesia and have a chance to play for Merah Putih in the three matches remaining in the third round of 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

PSSI secretary general Tri Goestoro told reporters: “The decision about call-up the players is a pure right from the coach (Wim Rijsbergen). So, it depends to the coach whether to call them or not.”

Thus it means, the six naturalised players are likely to strengthen Indonesia in their upcoming qualifiers away to Qatar on November 11 and at home to Iran on November 15.