Indonesia calls up a brand-new naturalized 'assassin' originally from the Netherlands for the SEA Games

The U23 Indonesia squad caught fans off guard by including the young Dutch-origin forward Mauro Zijlstra in the lineup for the friendly against Mali, indicating he might feature at the SEA Games.

The U23 Indonesia team received good news as young striker Mauro Zijlstra was summoned for the friendly match against U23 Mali this November. This is seen as an important preparation step for defending their SEA Games title.

Zijlstra currently plays for Volendam in the Dutch Eredivisie. According to the schedule, SEA Games 33 will take place from December 3 to 18, coinciding with Volendam’s domestic league matches. However, the fact that coach Indra Sjafri included him in the squad for the Mali match suggests Volendam is likely to allow Zijlstra to join the national team.

The match against U23 Mali falls under FIFA Matchday, so clubs are required to release players. However, experts believe coach Indra Sjafri would not call up Zijlstra without a long-term plan, especially since PSSI confirmed this is a tactical and personnel trial ahead of the SEA Games.

At Volendam, Zijlstra has yet to appear in the Eredivisie this season, mostly sitting on the bench and playing for the U21 team. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old striker impressed by scoring 3 goals in just 2 matches in the Dutch youth league. This form caught the attention of the U23 Indonesia coaching staff.

Zijlstra’s inclusion promises to strengthen U23 Indonesia’s attack, which already features notable names like Rafael Struick, Jens Raven, Hokky Caraka, Rahmat Arjuna, and Ricky Pratama.

As the reigning SEA Games champions, coach Indra Sjafri’s team faces immense pressure to defend their title. Zijlstra’s arrival not only adds tactical options but also reflects PSSI’s effort to leverage diaspora players to elevate Indonesian football.

If he continues to perform well against Mali, Mauro Zijlstra is likely to become one of U23 Indonesia’s “new weapons” at the 2025 SEA Games.

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