REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian national team goalkeeper Maarten Paes improved his Indonesian speaking skills by studying books and interacting with the squad. “I studied with Sandy Walsh (Indonesia national defender) and a few other players. I also have a book for it,” said Paes, Sunday (8/9/2024).
The goalkeeper for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer (MLS) continues, regularly learning Indonesian to facilitate communication and adaptation to the national team. Paes also aims to be fluent in Indonesian by October 2024.
“Maybe next month I can be interviewed with Indonesian,” said the 26-year-old footballer.
While related to Sandy Walsh, Maarten Paes called his partner the pitfall of every new player in the team, especially naturalized players who have careers abroad. Just like Paes, Sandy is also a naturalised player who previously held a Dutch passport.