New Head Coach Contender for Indonesia U-23 Ahead of SEA Games 2025: Indra Sjafri in the Spotlight
Following Indonesia U-23’s runner-up finish at the AFF U-23 Championship 2025, attention has shifted toward the upcoming SEA Games later this year. The current head coach, Gerald Vanenburg, has indicated he will not lead the team during the SEA Games, focusing instead on the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers. This development has sparked speculation about his replacement for the Southeast Asian multi-sport event.
The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (Kemenpora) have yet to confirm who will take over as the head coach for the SEA Games squad. PSSI’s chairman has acknowledged ongoing discussions with government officials about the coaching appointment. Meanwhile, Indra Sjafri has emerged as the frontrunner to assume the role, a move supported by government representatives and aligned with PSSI’s strategic plans.
Indra Sjafri’s track record with Indonesian youth teams makes him a strong candidate. He previously led the U-19 team to its first AFF Championship victory in 2013 and guided the U-23 squad to their inaugural AFF title in 2019. Furthermore, he was instrumental in securing Indonesia’s gold medal in football at the 2023 SEA Games, ending a 32-year drought for the nation.
Despite the growing consensus around Indra Sjafri’s candidacy, no official announcement has been made regarding the coaching position. As the SEA Games approach, Indonesia aims to defend its gold medal, putting pressure on the decision-makers to finalize the leadership of the Garuda Muda squad. Until then, fans and stakeholders await confirmation on who will steer the promising young team at this major regional tournament.
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