Indra Sjafri Plans To Perform A Promotion-Degradation System In Indonesia U-20

Indonesia U-20 has left for Qatar for TC (doc. PSSI).

JAKARTA - A total of 26 players joined Indonesia U-20 to undergo a training camp (TC) in Qatar starting December 22, 2023. The agenda was held in preparation for the 2025 U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Under the leadership of Indra Sjafri, Indonesia U-20 will take advantage of the year-end holidays by undergoing a training camp.

This team has long-term programs ranging from the 2024 AFF U-19 Cup, the 2025 U-20 Asian Cup Qualifiers, to trying to qualify for the 2025 U-20 World Cup.

"Bismillah, we are starting preparations for early Indonesia U-20 this week in Qatar," said Indra Sjafri, quoted from PSSI's release on Friday, December 22, 2023.

The players who were called up at the beginning of this training camp were most Indonesian U-17 players at the 2023 U-17 World Cup which were born in 2006 and 2007. In addition, the 2005-born players played in Leagues 1 and 2, continued the coach.

From the list of players that have been announced, there are a number of names that sound familiar because previously they were already in Indonesia U-20 or strengthened Indonesia U-17.

Ji Da Bin, Hugo Samir, Dony Tri, Arkhan Kaka, and Sulthan Zaky are included in 26 names of players who left for Qatar. This name is expected to help the coach to achieve the target for Indonesia to qualify for the 20 2925 U-20 World Cup in Chile.

Indra Sjafri himself has good experience leading Indonesia U-20. He had brought Indonesia to the quarter-finals of the 2018 U-20 Asian Cup.

This means that Indonesia has only one more step to qualify for the 2019 U-20 World Cup. However, unfortunately at that time Indonesia lost 0-2 to Japan and was unable to qualify for the advanced round.

Currently, Indra is optimistic about the target of qualifying for the 2025 U-20 World Cup. You see, squad members have experience playing at the 2023 U-17 World Cup.

Even so, Indra Sjafri still opens up opportunities if there are players who have better quality or performance. No wonder, he will implement a promotion-relegation system in training camps.

"Susuunan pemain tentu ada promosi dan regradasi. Jadi, kami terbuka kepada siapa pun pemain. Termasuk pemain beredah bila memenuhi kriteria yang kita inginkan dan regulasi usia pasti kita memberi kesempatan masuk Indonesia U-20."

"We are also open to criticism, hopefully Indonesia U-20 preparations will run smoothly and achieve the best results in the tournaments that are followed," Indra Sjafri.

Indonesia U-20 has left for Doha, Qatar, on Friday, December 22, 2023, morning WIB. Previously they had gathered in Jakarta from December 21, 2023 and underwent a medical check-up at Mitra Keluarga Cibubur Hospital.

While in Qatar, Garuda Muda will train at the Academy Aspire, Doha.