Timur Kapadze, a name now synonymous with Uzbekistan’s historic 2026 World Cup qualification, has become the epicenter of a swirling storm of speculation linking him to the vacant head coach position for the Indonesian national team. While the rumored trip to “Balie Cafe” at Tashkent City Boulevard, Uzbekistan remains unconfirmed in official reports, Kapadze’s recent movements, coupled with his high-profile resignation from the Uzbekistan national team setup, have sent the Indonesian football community into a frenzy.
PSSI’s Pursuit and Kapadze’s Credentials
The PSSI’s search for a new head coach is focused on finding a figure capable of delivering both short-term success and a long-term developmental vision for Indonesian football. Kapadze, the 44-year-old Uzbek coach, fits this profile perfectly, having demonstrated exceptional skill in nurturing talent and achieving historical milestones for his home country.
Indonesia’s quest for a new national team boss following the departure of former coach Patrick Kluivert has been an intense public affair. The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) has openly acknowledged Kapadze as a leading candidate, and his notable achievements, particularly with Uzbekistan’s youth and senior teams, make him a compelling, world-class prospect for the Garuda squad.
A Track Record of Triumph
Kapadze’s coaching resume is arguably the strongest among the rumored candidates. His achievements highlight a coach who can work with different age groups and deliver results at the highest level:
1. Historic World Cup Qualification (2026)
He masterminded Uzbekistan’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup, guiding the senior team through an unbeaten run (five wins, three draws) in the qualifying matches. This feat alone makes him an icon in Uzbek football and a coach with proven success under pressure.
2. Youth Development Prowess
Kapadze successfully coached the Uzbekistan U-23 team to a remarkable silver medal in the 2024 AFC U-23 Asian Cup, securing a historic first-ever Olympic Games berth for Uzbekistan at Paris 2024. This success demonstrates his capability to develop and transition young players into the senior squad, a key requirement for Indonesia’s long-term football strategy.
3. CAFA Nations Cup Winner (2025)
He also led the senior team to win the CAFA Nations Cup, further solidifying his reputation as a winner.
The Buzz and the Breakup
The speculation about Kapadze intensified dramatically after his brief tenure as assistant coach under Fabio Cannavaro following Uzbekistan’s World Cup qualification. Kapadze ultimately chose to step down, reportedly to seek a head coaching role that would allow him to implement his own vision. His sudden availability immediately put him on the radar of several Asian federations, with Indonesia being the most prominent.
The Indonesian National Team Ambition
Indonesia is currently enjoying a resurgence in football popularity and ambition. The national team, despite missing out on the 2026 World Cup, has a youthful and disciplined squad with immense potential. The PSSI’s goal is to capitalize on this momentum and elevate Indonesia to become a consistent force in Asian football.
Why Kapadze is the Right Fit
The appeal of Timur Kapadze to the PSSI lies not just in his trophies but in his overall coaching philosophy, which appears to align with Indonesia’s needs:
1. Long-Term Vision
His success in qualifying the U-23 team for the Olympics shows a deep understanding of long-term planning and player development. Indonesia needs a coach who can build a sustainable football structure.
2. Asian Football Expertise
As an Uzbek, Kapadze is deeply familiar with the nuances, challenges, and competitive landscape of Asian football, which is crucial for navigating the AFC Asian Cup and World Cup qualifiers.
3. Winning Mentality
His ability to deliver historic results—qualifying for the World Cup and the Olympics—instills a winning and confident culture that the Indonesian team desperately needs.