The Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) has just appointed famous player Gerald Vanenburg with the goal of defending the SEA Games gold medal and winning a ticket to the Olympics.
On the morning of January 25, the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) announced that Mr. Gerald Vanenburg (60 years old) has become a member of the coaching staff of the Indonesian national team. With extensive experience, the former Dutch international and former PSV Eindhoven player will lead the U23 Indonesia team.
In addition, Mr. Gerald Vanenburg will work closely with the Indonesian U20 and U17 teams to ensure consistency at all levels. Gerald Vanenburg is the second Dutch coach appointed by PSSI after famous player Patrick Kluivert, who replaced Mr. Shin Tae-yong to lead the Indonesian team.
According toBola Sport, coach Gerald Vanenburg has 3 tasks ahead. First, coach Gerald Vanenburg is assigned the responsibility of leading the U23 Indonesia team to defend the gold medal at the SEA Games and win a ticket to the 2026 U23 Asian finals.
Erick Thohir, President of PSSI, set a long-term goal for Mr. Vanenburg to help the Indonesian U23 team qualify for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, USA. This is a big goal to affirm the position of Indonesian youth football in the international arena.
In addition to his role as head coach of the Indonesia U23 team, Vanenburg is also assistant coach to Patrick Kluivert for the Indonesian national team. He will work with coach Patrick Kluivert and assistants Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat to develop a comprehensive football development program for Indonesian teams at all levels.
"Vanenburg's extensive experience in football will be a great support for the young players. We hope his presence will contribute to taking Indonesian football to a new level," PSSI President Erick Thohir shared.
Gerald Vanenburg is one of the legends of Dutch football. During his playing career, he played for big clubs such as Ajax and PSV Eindhoven, making his mark with 372 matches, 112 goals and 15 European national championship titles. In particular, he won the European Cup 1 with PSV in 1988.
At the national team level, Vanenburg won over 40 caps for the Netherlands, participating in the 1990 World Cup and playing an important role in the 1988 EURO championship alongside legends such as Ruud Gullit, Marco van Basten and Frank Rijkaard. In addition, Vanenburg won the “Dutch Golden Boot” award twice in 1988 and 1989.
After hanging up his boots, Vanenburg pursued a coaching career. He managed 1860 Munich, Helmond Sport, FC Eindhoven and was an assistant coach at PSV and Willem II. Gerald Vanenburg served as technical coach for Ajax's U17, U18 and U21 teams from 2020 to 2023. However, Vanenburg's coaching career has not been as resonant as his playing days.
TH (according to VTC News)