PSSI Appoints Indra Sjafri to Handle the U-23 National Team at the 2023 SEA Games

NOBARTV NEWS – After holding an internal meeting between the Exco and the General Chair of PSSI, Indra Sjafri was finally chosen as a replacement for STY at the 2023 SEA Games. This was decided because of the busy schedule that South Korean coach Shin Tae-yong will face.

As is known, in 2023, Indonesian National team in various age groups will take part in several important events. Meanwhile, Shin Tae-yong is a trainer who handles three age groups at once. He was a coach for the senior, U-23 and U-19 teams.

Throughout 2023, Shin Tae-yong will join the Garuda squad in the U-20 Asian Cup, U-20 World Cup, SEA Games 2023, Asian Games 2018, until FIFA Matchday 2023. This tight schedule meant that Shin had to give up one important tournament.

Therefore, an event was chosen that was very close, namely the 2023 SEA Games. It is known that the 2023 SEA Games will be held in Cambodia from 5 to 17 May 2023. Meanwhile, the U-20 World Cup is scheduled to start a few days later, namely on the 20th. May to June 11.

The very close distance meant that STY had to give up one of his positions (in the U-23 National Team). Because it is impossible for him to prepare two teams at once in such close proximity. Therefore, after the meeting held on January 30, the Secretary General of PSSI announced the name of Shin Tae-yong's replacement one day later or on January 31.

The announcement was written in an article published by PSSI on its official website with the title "PSSI Appoints Indra Sjafri as 2023 SEA Games Coach."

"Considering that the implementation of the SEA Games in Cambodia is getting closer, PSSI needs to take steps to appoint a coach who will be responsible for the event," said PSSI Secretary General Yunus Nusi.

"This is of course in line with the Kemenpora and KOI programs regarding preparation of sports for achievements which will soon be implemented," added Yunus Nusi again.

The choice of the name Indra certainly made Indonesian football fans quite surprised. The reason is, some time before, the names Nova Arianto and Bima Sakti were predicted to replace STY. Because Indra himself is currently serving as Technical Director of PSSI.

However, Indra's choice was certainly not without reason. Indra has previous experience coaching the U-23 Indonesian National Team. He has also been a coach for the U-19 to U-16 national teams. At club level, the man who was born in Lubuk Nyiur 59 years ago is listed as a former coach of PSP Padang and the Liga 1 team Bali United.

And what we certainly cannot forget is that at the 2019 SEA Games, Indra was also the coach of the Indonesian National Team. At this event, Indra brought the Garuda squad as runners-up behind the Vietnam National Team.