Profile of Uston Nawawi: The Interim Replacement for Paul Munster at Persebaya

Persebaya Surabaya has once again appointed Uston Nawawi as the interim head coach to replace Paul Munster, who will be absent from the upcoming Liga 1 2024-25 match against PSBS Biak due to accumulating his fourth yellow card of the season. The match, scheduled for Saturday, February 15, at Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium in Surabaya, will see Nawawi take over the team’s responsibilities once more. This is not the first time Nawawi, an assistant coach and Persebaya legend, has stepped in to lead the team during Munster’s absence.

Nawawi is a well-known figure among Persebaya’s passionate supporters, Bonek and Bonita. Having been part of the club for many years, he has proven his abilities as a caretaker coach on multiple occasions. One notable moment was when he led Persebaya to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Arema FC during the 13th week of the current Liga 1 season, a match in which Munster was also unavailable due to suspension.

Uston Nawawi is considered a living legend of Persebaya. He joined the club in 1996 and helped them secure the Liga Indonesia title in his first season (1996-97). His performance earned him a place in the Indonesian national team for the 1997 SEA Games, although the team fell short of gold after losing to Thailand in the final.

In 2004, Nawawi played a key role in securing another Liga Indonesia championship for Persebaya. As a player, he was known for his goal-scoring abilities, netting 63 goals during his time at the club, a remarkable feat for a midfielder.

After retiring as a player, Nawawi transitioned into coaching and has continued to serve Persebaya. He has taken on the role of caretaker coach twice—first after Aji Santoso's departure, and later following the dismissal of Josep Gombau. His initial stint saw Persebaya secure 4 wins and a draw in 5 matches, though his second term was more challenging, with 1 loss and 4 draws. Despite the mixed results, his efforts in maintaining team stability during tough times were highly appreciated.

In addition to his assistant coach role, Nawawi has been serving as Persebaya’s Technical Director since June 2023. In this capacity, he oversees the synchronization of coaching programs between the senior team and youth development, as well as scouting talented young players. His appointment as Technical Director underscores the trust the management places in his vision and extensive experience.

With a UEFA Pro coaching license, Nawawi is well-equipped to lead the team and continues to play a vital role in Persebaya's ongoing development.