WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao will play two crucial World Cup qualifying matches on June 6 and 10, followed by its participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup starting June 14 in the United States and Canada. But national team head coach Dick Advocaat has expressed frustration over the continued absence of top-tier players like Riechedly Bazoer and Tahith Chong. 

In an interview with ESPN over the weekend, Advocaat, who arrived on the island via Hato Airport, said he is looking forward to the upcoming matches but is disappointed by the lack of commitment from some Curaçao-born players. 

“I find it incomprehensible,” said the veteran coach, referring to the fact that Surinamese players seem more willing to represent their national team than Curaçaoan players. “Over a year ago, when I took this job, I hoped that talents like Bazoer and Chong would join us. Unfortunately, nothing has changed.” 

His remarks come shortly after Dutch-born players Stefano Denswil, Sheraldo Becker, and Etiënne Vaessen announced they would represent Suriname internationally. 

The Curaçao national team is now in final preparations for a busy and important month, hoping to perform strongly in both the World Cup qualifiers and the regional Gold Cup tournament. However, Advocaat’s comments highlight ongoing challenges in recruiting high-caliber talent eligible to play for the island.