WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao head coach Dick Advocaat is actively working to convince Excelsior striker Jerolldino Bergraaf to commit to the Curaçao national team. Speaking on the Dutch television program Vandaag Inside, Advocaat praised the young forward as a major emerging talent and said he could become an immediate boost to Curaçao’s attacking line, which is currently facing several challenges.
The Curaçao Football Federation has also held talks with AC Milan prospect Cheveyo Balentien, who is still eligible to represent the Netherlands, Suriname, or Curaçao. Because Balentien has never played for a Dutch youth team and is not under consideration by the KNVB, Curaçao hopes to bring him into the Under-20 squad as early as February.
Advocaat also reflected on the recent World Cup qualifying draw, expressing frustration over its lengthy duration. Despite the tough qualification path ahead, he said he is satisfied with the progress the team has made. Curaçao remained unbeaten in the run-up to the Gold Cup, which Advocaat described as a crucial step toward the strong position the team finds itself in today.
Bringing in new offensive talent, he added, will be essential as Curaçao works to solidify its place on the international stage.