Indonesian Fan Support Makes Calvin Verdonk Feel at Home

Calvin Verdonk revealing the adaptation process together Indonesian National team to the media in the Netherlands. The NEC Nijmegen player admitted that he was very impressed because his adaptation went smoothly and he was treated like he was at home.

Verdonk officially became an Indonesian citizen (WNI) in early June 2024. The 27-year-old player made his debut with the Indonesian National Team in the continuation of Group F of the second round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone.

However, Verdonk had to be absent when the Indonesian National Team challenged Iraq. The NEC Nijmegen full-back only made his debut when facing the Philippines and played from the start before being pulled out in the 67th minute.

To the Dutch media, Verdonk expressed his best impression with his debut experience with the Indonesian National Team. The reason is, he received extraordinary support so that he was not hampered by adaptation problems.

“I attended all the training sessions there and one match. If you come from Europe, they make you feel at home very quickly,” said Verdonk, as reported by Forza NEC, Tuesday (16/7/2024).

“You feel the support and they are happy to have me there. I think that’s because I played well at NEC last season,” he added.

Verdonk said communication was not an obstacle at all. Despite being filled with players from diverse backgrounds, he admitted that the Garuda Squad players had good English skills.

“You can talk to everyone and they all speak good English. I spent a lot of time with (former NEC player) Ragnar Oratmangoen, who I have known for a long time. That helps you feel at home,” Verdonk explained.

Verdonk is currently preparing himself with NEC Nijmegen to face the Dutch League next season. It is known, FC Twente will be their first opponent on August 10, 2024.

In addition, Verdonk will fight with the Indonesian National Team in Group C of the third round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in the Asian Zone which will begin on September 5. The Garuda squad is in a tough group with Japan, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Bahrain, and China.

The Indonesian national team will visit Saudi Arabia at the King Abdullah Sport City Stadium, Jeddah. Next, the Garuda Squad will host Australia at the Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya, on September 10, 2024.

(fly)