Mauro Zijlstra Plays for 55 Minutes Against Persik, Persija Coach Provides Assessment

KOMPAS.com - Persija Jakarta coach, Mauricio Souza, believes that Mauro Zijlstra still needs time before being in his best condition.

Mauro Zijlstra finally returned to defend Persija after being absent since February. In his comeback match, he was chosen as a starter in the match against Persik Kediri.

The Persik Kediri vs. Persija Jakarta match in week 33 of the 2025-2026 Super League took place at Brawijaya Stadium, Kediri, Saturday (16/5/2026).

In fact, Mauro had returned to the Macan Kemayoran squad since the duel against Persijap Jepara.

However, at that time he was only a substitute on the bench.

Commenting on the striker’s performance in the match, Mauricio Souza assessed that Mauro still needs time to reach his prime physical condition.

“Mauro (Zijlstra) still needs more training time. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury before joining the national team, and then he suffered another injury while with the national team,” said the Brazilian coach in a press conference after the match.

“He has only had about 1.5 - 2 weeks of full training. There is no doubt that he is not yet in his best physical condition,” he revealed.

With the competition only having one match left, it is likely that Mauricio Souza’s hopes for Mauro can only be realized next season.

“He is a smart player, a player with a strong presence in the penalty box,” said Mauricio Souza.

“If he focuses a little more on his physical condition and returns to being fit, I am sure he can become a great player,” he said.

Persija Jakarta managed to secure full points in their last away match of this season’s Super League.

After falling behind first after the team nicknamed Macan Putih opened the lead in the 24th minute through a header from Jose Enrique, Macan Kemayoran was able to bounce back quickly.

Three goals were scored into the Macan Putih net thanks to contributions from Rayhan Hannan (26’) and a brace from Gustavo Almeida (64’ and 66’).

The full points obtained at Persik’s ground confirmed Persija’s status as the “Away Kings” this season with 11 wins.

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