Jakarta, Indonesia – The Indonesian national team is gearing up for a new era under the leadership of John Herdman, and the Persatuan Sepak Bola Seluruh Indonesia (PSSI) has officially announced the full composition of his coaching staff. The appointment signals a commitment to bolstering the team’s technical expertise as they prepare for the upcoming FIFA Series 2026 and beyond.
Herdman, who previously managed the Canadian national teams – both men’s and women’s – brings a wealth of international experience to Indonesia. His track record includes guiding Canada to its first FIFA World Cup appearance in 36 years, a feat that underscored his ability to build competitive squads. The PSSI clearly aims to replicate that success with the Indonesian national team.
The newly assembled coaching staff reflects a diverse range of specializations, designed to cover all facets of the game. According to a statement released by the PSSI on Wednesday, Herdman will be supported by six assistant coaches, each with a specific focus. This strategic approach aims to provide comprehensive support to the team, addressing both offensive and defensive strategies, as well as specialized training for goalkeepers.
Elliot Dickman, an English coach with experience as an assistant manager at Hartlepool, will spearhead the offensive development of the team. On the defensive side, Steven Vitoria, a Canadian with a professional playing career at Boavista in Portugal, will bring his expertise to solidify the back line. Nova Arianto, a familiar face in Indonesian football, will serve as an assistant coach, drawing on his experience as the head coach of the Indonesian U-17 national team. Rounding out the assistant coaching roles is Simon Grayson, an English coach who most recently served as a consultant for Cork City in Ireland.
Goalkeeping will receive dedicated attention with the appointment of Andrej Kostolansky, a Slovakian coach who will also oversee set-piece strategies. He previously coached at Kompong Dewa in Cambodia. Supporting Kostolansky is Demien Van Rensburg, a South African coach with experience as a goalkeeper coach for Dewa United in Indonesia.
Beyond the on-field coaching roles, the PSSI has also assembled a team of specialists to enhance the team’s performance analysis and player conditioning. Dzikry Lazuardi will serve as the technical performance analyst, utilizing video analysis to provide insights into opponent strategies and player performance. Cesar Meylan will take on the role of head of performance, overseeing the team’s overall physical conditioning. Valdano Wiriawanputra will focus on sports science, applying scientific principles to optimize player training and recovery. Finally, Emilia Achmadi will be responsible for player nutrition, ensuring the squad maintains peak physical condition through a tailored dietary program.
This comprehensive team will immediately begin preparations for the FIFA Series 2026, with the first match scheduled against St. Kitts & Nevis at the iconic Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on Friday, March 27, 2026. The match represents a crucial opportunity for Herdman and his staff to assess the team’s capabilities and implement their strategies.
Here’s a breakdown of the full coaching staff:
- John Herdman (England) – Head Coach (Previously Head Coach of the Canadian National Team)
- Elliot Dickman (England) – Assistant Coach (Specializing in Attack) (Previously Assistant Manager at Hartlepool)
- Steven Vitoria (Canada) – Assistant Coach (Specializing in Defense) (Previously a player at Boavista)
- Nova Arianto (Indonesia) – Assistant Coach (Previously Head Coach of the Indonesian U-17 National Team)
- Simon Grayson (England) – Assistant Coach (Previously a consultant for Cork City)
- Andrej Kostolansky (Slovakia) – Goalkeeper Coach & Set Piece Specialist (Previously Goalkeeper Coach at Kompong Dewa)
- Demien Van Rensburg (South Africa) – Assistant Goalkeeper Coach (Previously Goalkeeper Coach at Dewa United)
- Dzikry Lazuardi (Indonesia) – Technical Performance Analyst (Video Analyst) (Previously Video Analyst at Persija Jakarta)
- Cesar Meylan – Head of Performance
- Valdano Wiriawanputra – Sports Science
- Emilia Achmadi – Nutritionist
The appointment of this international coaching staff underscores the PSSI’s ambition to elevate Indonesian football on the global stage. Herdman’s experience, coupled with the specialized expertise of his assistants, provides a strong foundation for the team’s future endeavors. The upcoming match against St. Kitts & Nevis will be a key indicator of the team’s progress under the new leadership.
The focus now shifts to Jakarta, where the national team will begin intensive training sessions under Herdman’s guidance. Fans will be eager to witness the implementation of new strategies and the development of a cohesive team dynamic. The FIFA Series match will not only serve as a competitive fixture but also as a valuable opportunity to gauge the team’s readiness for future challenges.
The PSSI’s investment in a world-class coaching staff signals a clear intent to compete at the highest level. With a blend of international expertise and local knowledge, the Indonesian national team is poised for an exciting new chapter.
Next up for the Indonesian national team is their FIFA Series match against St. Kitts & Nevis on March 27, 2026, at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Indonesian national team and the latest developments in Southeast Asian football.
