Contributing a Lineup of Key Pillars to the Garuda Squad, Mauricio Souza Expresses Extra Pride

Jakarta – The Super League 2025/2026 competition season ended on a sweet, proud note for Persija Jakarta. The commanding 3-0 victory over Semen Padang at the Jakarta International Stadium (JIS) on Saturday, 23 May 2026, did not only secure the club's third place in the final standings. It also became a celebration stage for head coach Mauricio Souza, as his players demonstrated absolute quality that earned them national team call-ups.

It was not just the final league points that brought a wide smile to the Brazilian tactician's face, but the massive contribution of Macan Kemayoran to John Herdman's Indonesia National Team. Eight core Persija players have been officially called up for the crucial upcoming FIFA Matchday and ASEAN Cup fixtures. This selection spans every line of the pitch, from defensive fortresses to the forward line: Rizki Ridho, Dony Tri Pamungkas, Fajar Fathurrahman, Rayhan Hannan, Witan Sulaeman, Eksel Runtukahu, Jordi Amat, and naturalised striker Mauro Zijlstra.

"I am extremely happy that we are able to contribute such a large number of players to our country. They have proven their capabilities while playing for the club. I hope they will make the most of this opportunity, and remain part of the national team for all upcoming tournaments," Souza stated with clear pride after the match.

That night at JIS also stood as solid proof of the quality within Souza's squad. Persija rained attacks on the Semen Padang goal - a side that would ultimately confirm their relegation with this defeat - starting with a brace from Gustavo Almeida in the 30th minute, followed by his successfully converted penalty in the 57th. Maxwell Souza sealed the goal fest with a finish in the 67th minute. Even after play was temporarily halted in the 70th minute due to flare smoke from the supporter stands, Persija held firm to close out the clean win, finishing the season on a total of 71 points.

Yet beneath the end-of-season euphoria and the pride of seeing his players represent the Garuda Squad, Souza delivered one sharp critical evaluation: the club's anomalous home form. In an ironic twist, this season Persija emerged as ruthless "away kings", but repeatedly lost their edge when playing in front of tens of thousands of The Jakmania at their own ground.

"We collected the highest number of points of any team in away matches. Unfortunately, at our home stadium we dropped around 11 points," Souza commented in his post-match assessment, as quoted by Antara on 23 May 2026. He cited the inability to replicate their away performance standards, combined with costly red card suspensions, as the critical issues that derailed Persija's challenge for the league title.

Despite the flaws in their home performances, Souza closed the season by expressing deep appreciation for the unity of his coaching staff, and the unwavering loyalty of The Jakmania. While the curtain has fallen on the domestic league campaign, Persija's flame now burns on through the eight representatives wearing the Indonesia national team jersey.