Marselino Ferdinan and Rafael Struick Struggle for Game Time at Indonesian-Owned Clubs

Marselino Ferdinan and Rafael Struick, two rising stars of the Indonesian national team, are currently facing challenges in securing playing time at their respective clubs, both of which are owned by prominent Indonesian businessmen.

The two players joined new clubs at the start of the 2024/2025 season. Marselino Ferdinan signed with Oxford United in England, a club owned by Anindya Bakrie and Erick Thohir, while Rafael Struick moved to Brisbane Roar, an Australian side that has been under Bakrie Group ownership for over a decade.

“Congratulations to national team player Rafael Struick for joining Brisbane Roar FC. It’s great to see a Bakrie-owned club once again become a place for national players to grow,” wrote Anindya Bakrie on X account during the player’s introduction.

As the season approaches its end, both players have yet to receive significant minutes on the pitch. The lack of playing time is not due to poor performance but rather the limited opportunities given by their coaches.

This situation raises concerns among Indonesian football fans about the development and future contributions of these players ahead of important international duties with the national team.