Indonesia U-23 Team Placed in Pot 1 Ahead of SEA Games 2025 Draw in Thailand

Indonesia’s U-23 national football team has officially secured a place in Pot 1 for the 2025 SEA Games football tournament group stage draw, which will be held in Thailand.

This elite placement reflects their status as defending champions, following a historic triumph at the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia — where they stunned Thailand 5-2 in a dramatic final that went into extra time.

Ending a 32-year gold medal drought

That victory was more than just a title. It ended a 32-year wait for a football gold medal at the SEA Games — Indonesia’s last triumph dated back to 1991. Under the guidance of Indra Sjafri, the 2023 squad wrote themselves into national history and reignited public enthusiasm for youth football.

Now, the Young Garuda are preparing to defend their title in Thailand, with renewed optimism and increasing international attention.

Gerald Vanenburg leads preparation

Currently, the U-23 team is under the leadership of Gerald Vanenburg, a former European champion with the Netherlands and assistant coach of the Indonesian senior team under Shin Tae-yong. He works closely with fellow assistant Patrick Kluivert, ensuring continuity between the senior and youth squads.

Vanenburg has been actively scouting talent across Liga 1, attending matches and visiting club training grounds to assess potential players who could strengthen the U-23 roster.

“We are focusing on players with both technical ability and strong mentality. The SEA Games require more than just skill,” Vanenburg reportedly said during a visit to a Liga 1 club.

Player selection still under wraps

While Sriwijaya FC has already confirmed that several of its young talents received call-ups, the PSSI has yet to publish the official list of players. The final squad announcement is expected in the coming months, as the team enters centralized training and pre-tournament friendlies.

As the SEA Games draw approaches, expectations are high for Indonesia to replicate — or surpass — their 2023 success, with Pot 1 seeding providing a more favorable pathway through the group stage.