Indra Sjafri Ready To Lead The U-23 National Team In The FIFA Matchday

Indonesia U-23 National Team Coach Indra Sjafri. (Doc. PSSI)

JAKARTA Indra Sjafri is ready to lead the U-23 Indonesian national team to undergo the FIFA Matchday 2025 next month as part of preparations for the 2025 SEA Games at the end of next year.

PSSI General Chair Erick Thohir has decided that FIFA Matchday will be used as preparation for the Garuda Muda squad in the midst of the vacancy of the Indonesian national team coach after the dismissal of Patrick Kluivert.

It automatically makes Indra Sjafri, who was appointed to handle the U-23 national team at the 2025 SEA Games Thailand, will be on the sidelines of leading his squad.

"I appreciate and accept it with full responsibility. This is not just a trial match, but an important part of the solid team formation process and ready to compete in the real event," said Indra in a statement.

Two FIFA Matchday matches will be used as competitive simulations that are integrated into training programs and performance evaluations.

Indra said that the next opponent election process would be carried out in a measured manner after he previously led the Garuda Muda squad to face India this month.

"We will discuss with the Secretary General of PSSI, the National Team Agency (BTN), and the Technical Director to determine the opponent who best suits the needs of the team. The quality and character of the opponent greatly determines the effectiveness of our preparation," he said.

Indra also opened the possibility of adding players. However, the selection process will consider three main aspects.

First, according to age regulations at the SEA Games with a U-23 limit. Then the second point, the selected players must be able to contribute optimally to get full points in the two FIFA Matchday matches.

Third, the addition of players must be in line with the team's top performance plan in December, so as not to interfere with the rhythm and progress of the training that has been prepared.

"We will not be reckless in adding players. All decisions will be based on data, tactical needs, and player mentality to deal with regional competition pressure," he said.

Indra Sjafri previously led the U-23 Indonesian national team to win the SEA Games gold medal in Cambodia in the last 2023 edition. That ended Indonesia's 32-year wait.

The 2025 SEA Games in Thailand will take place on 9-20 December. A total of 50 sports and 574 match numbers will be contested.