Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze has admitted to being contacted by PSSI regarding the Indonesia national team coaching position. Although he described the contact as not yet concrete, Uzbek media reports negotiations are in the final stage. Kapadze is currently in Jakarta for tourism activities and a coaching clinic.
Rumors of Timur Kapadze's appointment as the new Indonesia national team coach have intensified after Uzbek media outlet UZ Daily claimed negotiations with PSSI have entered the final stage. The 44-year-old former Uzbekistan national team coach, who led the senior side to their first World Cup qualification and the U-23 team to the Paris 2024 Olympics, recently arrived in Jakarta.
On Friday, he performed prayers at Istiqlal Mosque, drawing attention from Indonesia's football public. Kapadze acknowledged contact with PSSI's National Team Board Chairman, Sumardji. "So, there has indeed been contact with the federation, I spoke with Sumardji. But it's not concrete. The question was whether there is interest. So, I immediately said there is a plan to visit Indonesia. After the visit, it can be discussed," he revealed after prayers.
Kapadze emphasized that his current visit is as an Indonesia-Uzbekistan tourism ambassador and for vacation in Bali and Lombok, not for an official interview. However, Sumardji stated PSSI has five coaching candidates, with Kapadze as a strong contender, and interviews scheduled for the coming weeks. "Regarding these five coaches, we and Alex as well as the appointed Exco, one of whom is me, have been asked to conduct interviews, which we will do possibly in the next few weeks. From the five names, we will definitely choose the very best," Sumardji said.
On Saturday, November 22, 2025, Kapadze led a coaching clinic at the Mentari Intercultural School Jakarta football field, organized by EGI Sport. He praised the high passion of Indonesian youth players for football. EGI Sport Managing Director Rulit Candra noted Kapadze's strong interest in youth development. Football observer Effendi Gazali deemed Kapadze ideal for coaching the Indonesia U-17 team given his track record.
The head coach position for the Indonesia national team was vacated by Patrick Kluivert after PSSI chose not to renew his contract.