iMSPORT.TV – Three coaches have been mentioned as candidates to lead the Indonesia U-23 national team at the 2025 SEA Games, which will take place in Thailand from December 3–18. This tournament carries great significance as Indonesia U-22/U-23 are the defending champions, making national football pride once again at stake.
Although the team is currently coached by Gerald Vanenburg, it remains uncertain whether he will continue to lead Garuda Muda in the tournament.
Newly appointed Minister of Youth and Sports as well as PSSI Chairman, Erick Thohir, is scheduled to meet with PSSI Technical Director Alexander Zwiers in the next one or two days to review the candidates for the U-23 coaching position.
“As I mentioned earlier, we will review several candidates with the Technical Director within the next 1–2 days,” Erick Thohir said at a press conference in Jakarta on Tuesday (September 16, 2025).
Who Will Lead Indonesia U-23 at the 2025 SEA Games
Zulkifli Syukur
Former Arema FC captain and current Indonesia U-23 assistant coach, Zulkifli Syukur, is a potential candidate. Well-acquainted with the current squad and respected as a football legend, the 41-year-old is considered to have strong authority over the players.
Indra Sjafri
Indra Sjafri is the most widely rumored name for the job. His track record in youth-level tournaments across Southeast Asia is impressive. He led Indonesia U-19 to win the AFF U-19 Championship in 2013 and 2024, and guided Indonesia U-22 to the 2019 AFF U-22 Championship title as well as the gold medal at the 2023 SEA Games.
Gerald Vanenburg
The final candidate is current head coach Gerald Vanenburg. If Alexander Zwiers’ evaluation finds him still fit for the role, the 61-year-old tactician may continue to lead the team at the 2025 SEA Games. However, Vanenburg previously failed to meet PSSI’s targets, falling short in winning the 2025 AFF U-23 Championship and failing to qualify for the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup.
(amr/adm)
More :
- Ticket Prices for the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2025, Here’s How to Get
- The Results of the Indonesian National Volleyball Team’s Draw for the 2025 Asian Youth Games
