Appoint Ivar Jenner As U-23 National Team Captain, This Is Indra Sjafri's Reason

JAKARTA - The U-23 Indonesian national team coach, Indra Sjafri revealed the reason he appointed Ivar Jenner to be captain. The moment occurred when the team conducted a trial against Mali at Pakansari Stadium, Saturday, November 15.

This opportunity is the first moment for Ivar to wear the captain's armband at the U-23 Indonesian national team. Previously, when Indonesia U-23 was handled by Gerald Vanenburg, the players who captained Garuda Muda were Kadek Arel Priyatna and his deputy Muhammad Ferarri and Dony Tri Pamungkas.

Once Indra was appointed PSSI to become the U-23 Indonesia coach for the 2025 SEA Games, the captain's armband did not change. Kadek is still the captain in the test match against India U-23.

However, Ivar's entry in the test match against Mali changed conditions. The captain's armband was given to Ivar, even though Kadek was still the first choice or a starter.

The selection of Ivar was not without reason. There is a measure that Indra uses in choosing the Utrecht FC player to become a leader on the field.

"Yes, because we really want Ivar to be the leader of the team. And we discussed it. And there were also some results from yesterday's test that the leadership was okay," said Indra Sjafri after the match, quoted on Sunday, November 16.

"Then how can he guide his friends is also okay. And other players also accept it. Maybe that's more important. So his friends are also comfortable. And I'm also comfortable being the representative we are on the field," continued the coach.

Ivar was not only a leader because there was a captain's arm on his left arm, but also the leader of the Garuda squad's game because of the distribution of the ball and his vision of playing became an important life for the team.