WILLEMSTAD (DA) — Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat said several players approached by the men’s national team want to keep their options open while waiting to see whether they receive a Netherlands call-up.
According to Advocaat, Demiane Agustien, Ro-Zangelo Daal and Elijah Dijkstra were approached, along with two or three other players, but they want to wait before committing.
The coach described that hesitation as an ongoing recruitment challenge, pointing to players in the 21-22 age group who still hope for an opportunity with the Netherlands. He believes Curaçao could field a stronger team if more of those players committed.
“If this wasn’t the case we would’ve had an even better team,” Advocaat said.
Despite the impact on his recruitment efforts, Advocaat acknowledged that he understands the players’ position.
“At that age group I can understand it,” he said.