Jay Idzes Returns To Captain When The Indonesian National Team Vs Japan

Jay Idzes seems to be the permanent captain of the Indonesian national team (Instagram/@jayidzes).

JAKARTA - The manager of the Indonesian national team, Sumardji, confirmed that Jay Idzes will be the team captain during the match against Japan.

The Indonesia vs Japan match in the Third Round of Qualification for the 2026 World Cup will be held at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Friday, November 15, 2024.

Sumardji's statement was in line with the coach's choice, Shin Tae-yong. They said that Jay was the most appropriate person to carry out his position as team captain.

Jay Idzes was chosen as team captain to replace the position previously held by Asnawi Mangkualam, who this time was not summoned against Japan and Saudi Arabia.

"God willing, Jay (Idzes). I have been in the team, Jay's character, Jay's leadership in my opinion, personally and all of the team, coach Shin Tae-yong also assessed that Jay is the most worthy to be captain," said Sumardji while guarding the Indonesian national team's training at the Madya Stadium, Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

The decision to give Jay Idzes the responsibility as captain was deemed appropriate because the 24-year-old player was indeed considered capable of showing leadership, calm, and maturity while on the field.

The armband of the Indonesian national team is nothing new for Idzes. Previously, he had held the same responsibility in the first three matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualification Third Round against Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Bahrain.

In fact, against Saudi Arabia, when Asnawi Mangkualam entered the second half, the armband of the captain remained circular in Jay Idzes' arm. This reinforces the assumption that the coach has found a new figure to lead the Garuda Squad.