The Indonesian U-19 Women's National Team Has A Power Of 23 Players And New Coaches

JAKARTA - The Indonesian U-19 Women's National Team (Timnas) will face the 2025 AFF U-19 Cup with 23 new players and coaches.

PSSI announced Akira Higashiyama to puzzle the team on Sunday, June 8, 2025.

"I know Indonesia has great potential. That's why I came here. I want to accept this challenge," Akira said on the PSSI website.

Akira comes from Sakai, Fukui Prefecture, and has a cross-border track record both as a player and a coach.

He started his football career at the age of 9 in Japan, then underwent a professional career in Thailand, Cambodia, Mongolia, and New Zealand.

After hanging up his boots, he took charge of FC Ulaanbaatar in the Mongolian Premier League and worked in Thai and New Zealand football.

Before landing in Indonesia, Akira was the Head of Youth at the Malaysian club, Selangor FC.

"I was a head coach in Mongolia, then worked in Thailand and New Zealand. I'm used to working across cultures and have great respect for local football," said the 35-year-old coach.

Akira's experience in dealing with cross-cultural teams is considered suitable for fostering the young Indonesian squad, which is now being prepared to compete at the regional level.

At the 2025 U-19 Women's AFF Cup which will take place at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, June 9 to 18, 2025, Indonesia is in Group B with Thailand, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

Akira emphasized the importance of mentality and character in forming young players. Although he does not ignore technical and tactical aspects, he pays great attention to the spirit, hard work, and desire to develop.

"I'm always hungry to win and learn. That's also what I instill in players and staff," he said.

Akira has also coordinated with the head coach of the senior Indonesian Women's National Team, Satoru Mochizuki, to align his long-term vision towards the Women's World Cup.

"I have spoken with coach Mochi. We have the same vision, namely to build a strong foundation and take the Indonesian Women's National Team to the World Cup," said Akira.

Meanwhile, Akira brought 23 names which he said reflected a combination of potential young players from various regions.

Some of the names that stand out include Sydney Sariprime, mixed-blooded midfielder who is in the spotlight for his experience abroad, twins Jazlyn Kayla Firyal and Jezlyn Kayla Azkha, and Ajeng Sri Handayani, who have caught the public's attention. football lovers.

The Indonesian U-19 Women's National Team will start the struggle in the 2025 AFF U-19 Cup against Thailand on Monday, June 9, 2025, at 15.00 WIB.

List Of Indonesian U-19 Women's National Team Players

Goalkeeper

Ghaza Ananda Alleana Ayu ArumyShesilia Putri Desrina

Defenders

Amelia Rode HeseloMerisya Ika Hermawan Gea YumandaMarcha Egis Nabila Sysilia DivanyJazlyn Kayla FiryalMarcelinda Nurul Nabilla Saputri

Midfielder

Zaira Aulia Kusuma Syafia Chorlienka Nasywa Zetira Rambe Aulia Arifah Sydney Sari

Striker

Shifana Rizka Nadhifa Ayunda Dwi AnggrainiAllya Putri Afianti Jezlyn Kayla Azkha Ajeng Sri Handayani Nasywa Salsabilla Fattah Kikka Putri Ramadani