Strengthening naturalized players, Indonesia U22 is confident to win the gold medal at SEA Games 33

19/10/2025 06:55:00 ChampionChatter

National football expert Ronny Pangemanan is confident that the Indonesia U22 team can successfully defend their gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games, especially with the support of quality naturalized players.

After being eliminated in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Asian qualifiers, PSSI has set the 2025 SEA Games in Thailand as their next key objective.

This major Southeast Asian sporting event will be held in Bangkok from December 9 to 20, 2025.

Indonesia U22 arrives in Thailand as the reigning SEA Games champions, having defeated Thailand in the final at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, ending a 32-year wait for the historic gold medal.

Unlike two years ago, this time Garuda Muda is strengthened with many naturalized players playing abroad, adding considerable depth to the squad.

Ivar Jenner contests the ball with Thái Sơn of Vietnam U22 in the match on March 21, 2024

On the coaching bench, coach Indra Sjafri continues to be entrusted with leading the U22 team. He was the mastermind behind the gold medal achievement at the 2023 SEA Games.

Previously, PSSI appointed Gerald Vanenburg as head coach of the U23 team, but the Dutch strategist was dismissed following failures at the 2025 AFF Cup and the 2027 U23 Asian qualifiers.

Expert Ronny Pangemanan (Bung Ropan) believes Indra Sjafri can repeat his success, as he is not only a "youth player expert" but also has many quality naturalized talents at his disposal.

"The SEA Games team is now back under coach Indra Sjafri, who led Indonesia to the SEA Games Cambodia championship after a 32-year wait – that was a historic achievement. Now everything is in his hands again," Ropan said on his personal YouTube channel Bung Ropan.

"The current squad is very strong, mostly selected from the national U23 team. They played friendlies against India, losing 1-2 and then drawing 1-1. Compared to before, this lineup is more balanced."

Ropan believes Indra Sjafri is trying to blend local players with naturalized stars like Ivar Jenner, Tim Geypens, Adrian Wibowo, Dion Markx, and possibly Mauro Zijlstra.

However, he also admits that a major challenge is the 2025 SEA Games schedule might overlap with the domestic leagues where these players currently play.

"SEA Games is not included in the FIFA calendar, so clubs may not release players. But if PSSI sends call-up letters early and receives approval, I am confident Indonesia will win gold again," Ropan commented.

"If the full squad is available – Ivar Jenner in midfield, Tim Geypens on the left, Dion Markx and Adrian Wibowo on the wings, plus Mauro Zijlstra – Garuda Muda's strength will be unmatched."

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