Rafael Struick: Adapting to Hot Weather During Indonesian National Team Training Camp

CNN Indonesia

Thursday, 08 Jun 2023 18:56 WIB

Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —

Rafael Struick said the weather in Surabaya drained energy during the training camp Indonesian National team ahead of the match against Palestine on June 14.

Since the team’s training camp on June 5, Struick has been trying to adapt well. The opportunity given by Shin Tae Yong to enter the Indonesian National Team squad will try to be paid for with excellent performances.

“To be honest, I have to get used to the weather, but I think everything is going well. Like I said, it’s very hot, but I have to get used to it. It’s better than rain,” said Struick.

The ADO Den Haag player who plays as a striker hopes to be given minutes to play in the match against Palestine at the Gelora Bung Tomo Main Stadium, Surabaya. This fight could be Struick’s debut with Garuda.

Given the chance, Struick would prove himself. The hope is of course to be trusted to appear again when Indonesia clashes with Argentina at the Bung Karno Main Stadium, Senayan, Jakarta on May 19.

“I hope to be given time to play and in training just to show what I am capable of and give everything 100 percent every practice. And, let’s see what will happen,” he was quoted as saying on PSSI’s YouTube website.

Regarding colleagues in the national team, Struick was happy. Currently the number of players is increasing. If the first practice was only attended by eight players, the second day on Wednesday (7/6) there were already 15 players.

“Now there are more players starting to come together from all over the team. I think the coaching team is very good. I love playing with this team and let’s work hard these two weeks,” said Struick.

Struick has the opportunity to debut with the Indonesian national team after receiving Indonesian citizen status (WNI) last May. Even though he was just naturalized, Struick was able to defend the Indonesian national team because he had never played for the Netherlands.

(abs/nva)