Kapadze’s Jakarta Visit Fuels Speculation on Indonesia Coaching Role
Jakarta. Timur Kapadze isn’t saying much, but his presence in Indonesia is making plenty of noise.
The former Uzbekistan national team coach arrived in Indonesia on Friday, fueling speculation that he is a leading candidate to take over the Indonesian national team following the departure of Patrick Kluivert.
Kapadze was seen attending Friday prayers at Jakarta’s Istiqlal Mosque and later confirmed that the Indonesian Football Association, or PSSI, had contacted him. He declined to say who within the federation reached out.
“I’ve studied Indonesia’s development. They nearly qualified for the 2026 World Cup, and the squad is still young,” Kapadze said.
PSSI has not released a shortlist of candidates, but officials say the federation is in the final stage of its selection process. Sumardji, chairman of the National Team Committee, said five candidates are being considered.
Kapadze led Uzbekistan to its first-ever World Cup qualification in 2026, going unbeaten (five wins and three draws) in eight qualifying matches. He also guided the team to the 2025 CAFA Nations Cup title and oversaw the U-23 program that reached the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was reassigned as assistant coach last month after Fabio Cannavaro took over the senior team.
PSSI has not said when it will announce its new coach, and Kapadze has not confirmed whether he is in Jakarta for formal talks.
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