Ricky Nelson highlights Mauro Zijlstra and Shayne Shayne's adaptation at Persija.
Source: Antara News
Persija Jakarta successfully secured three crucial points after defeating Bali United with a narrow 1-0 scoreline in Week 21 of the BRI Super League 2025/2026 at I Wayan Dipta Stadium, Bali, Sunday, 15 February 2026. This victory also marked the debut moment for young striker Mauro Zijlstra with Macan Kemayoran.
Assistant coach Ricky Nelson gave his assessment of Zijlstra's first appearance, who came on in the 76th minute replacing the winning goal scorer, Gustavo Almeida. The striker, acquired from FC Volendam during the second transfer window, was judged to still need time to reach his best performance.
"So for Mauro, yes, this is his first game. So naturally he wasn't at his maximum yet, because he is also still adapting to this very tight competition situation," Ricky said after the match ended.
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Previously, Zijlstra had been included in the Persija squad when facing Arema FC at Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium, Jakarta. However, in that match which ended in a 0-2 defeat, he did not get a chance to play.
Besides focusing on Mauro, Ricky also discussed the progress of another new player, Shayne Pattynama. The left-back underwent his second match with Persija, entering in the 79th minute replacing Dony Tri Pamungkas.
"And for Shayne, actually his adaptation has progressed significantly," said Ricky, who led the match because head coach Mauricio Souza was absent due to a red card suspension.
Ricky explained that the decision not to start Shayne yet was part of the coaching staff's consideration. Mauricio reportedly still saw Dony as more ready to play from the start of the match.
"So that will all continue in training. And for the next game at home we don't know yet who it will be, whether Dony or Shayne we don't know yet. That will all be seen in training," stated Ricky.
The additional three points from Bali United's headquarters kept Persija holding onto third place in the provisional Standings with a collection of 44 points. Macan Kemayoran is now only two points behind Borneo FC and three points behind Persib Bandung, who have not played their match this week. The battle at the top of the BRI Super League is getting tighter as it enters the crucial phase of the season.
