Coach Indra Sjafri Stays Humble after AFF Success

Surabaya. Indra Sjafri maintained a humble demeanor despite becoming the most successful coach of the national football team after adding another regional trophy to his collection.
He led the U-19 national team to victory in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) tournament on Monday, winning every single match in the process.
Indra now boasts four regional trophies, including three from AFF tournaments and the first football gold medal at the 2023 Southeast Asian Games in 32 years.
He is now setting his sights on a bigger prize as the Garuda squad prepares to compete in the U20 Asia Cup.
"As a dedicated Indonesian citizen, I have a job in football, so wherever the PSSI assigns me, I cannot turn it down," Indra said on Tuesday, referring to the Indonesian Football Association.
"Let’s build on this momentum together. Winning the AFF tournament is a great start and a confidence booster to help us qualify for the Asian Cup."
The PSSI has naturalized enough players to form a full team, and one of them, Jens Raven, was included in the U19 squad. He scored the sole goal in Monday’s AFF final match against Thailand in Surabaya.
Indra, a native of West Sumatra, emphasized that his approach focuses on the individual skills of each player and their ability to work as a team, regardless of their family background.
"I treat them equally. Once you earn an Indonesian passport, you’re part of the team," he said, adding that taking a different approach “wouldn’t benefit either local or naturalized players.”
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Indonesia Routed 6-0 by Japan but Still March On
Coach Patrick Kluivert’s experimental lineup failed to withstand Japan’s high tempo and tactical precision.Indonesia Nears FIFA Top 100 After Defeating China in World Cup Qualifier
The projected jump of seven places would place the Garuda squad at its highest position in recent years.Indonesia Edges China 1–0 to Keep 2026 World Cup Dream Alive
The victory pushes Indonesia to third place in the group with 12 points, trailing behind group leaders Japan and Australia.‘This Isn’t Europe’: Prabowo Joins PSSI Honorary Council
The move contrasts with the European model of insulating football federations from government influence.PSSI Chief Warns Against Nepotism in National Football Talent Scouting
PSSI chief Erick Thohir vows to purge nepotism in scouting as Indonesia prepares to host 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.How to Get Tickets for Indonesia vs China: Garuda ID Now Mandatory
Watch Indonesia take on China in a key World Cup qualifier on June 5. Tickets now on sale; Garuda ID required for entry.Australian Health Tech BrainEye Sets Sights on Indonesian Sports Industry, PSSI Deal
BrainEye lets footballers screen for concussions using an AI-driven eye-tracking technology.Japan Becomes 1st Team to Qualify for World Cup As Kluivert’s Indonesian Debut Doesn’t Go Well
At its eighth straight World Cup, Japan joins co-hosts the United States, Canada, and Mexico in the expanded 48-team tournament.PSSI Introduces Jordi Cruyff as Indonesia’s New Technical Advisor
Jordi Cruyff joins Indonesia as technical advisor, focusing on strategy, talent development, and the team’s 2026 World Cup qualification.Jordi Cruyff Arrives in Indonesia to Begin Role as National Team Technical Advisor
Indonesia aims to incorporate elements of European football into the team’s playstyle -- particularly the famous Total Football system.The Latest
Indonesia Introduces AI and Coding to 59,000 Schools Nationwide
Indonesia rolls out AI and coding as elective subjects in 59,000 schools, aiming to prepare students for the digital future."I Realized I Was Alive": Survivor Speaks After Air India Dreamliner Crash
A lone survivor recounts escaping the Air India crash that killed 241 people. Investigators recover the black box as probe intensifies.Dental Issues Top List in Indonesia’s Mass Health Screenings, Minister Says
Indonesia’s free health check program finds dental issues most common, ahead of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity, health minister says.AVC Nations Cup: Indonesia Defeats Hong Kong, Eyes Top-Five Finish
Indonesia’s women’s volleyball team beat Hong Kong 3-1 at the AVC Nations Cup in Hanoi to advance in the battle for fifth place.Bali, Jakarta Explore $20B Subway Collaboration to Ease Island Traffic
Bali and Jakarta officials met to discuss plans for the island’s first MRT system, with underground tracks proposed to respect local customsMost Popular
