By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar
JAKARTA, Jan 8 (Bernama) -- Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert has been officially named the new head coach of the Indonesia national football team, according to the Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) on Wednesday.
Kluivert, a former star for the Netherlands and several top European clubs, has signed a two-year contract running from 2025 to 2027, with an option for an extension.
“He will be supported by a team of Dutch assistants, including Alex Pastoor and Denny Landzaat. Additionally, two local Indonesian coaches will join as assistant coaches,” PSSI stated in a statement.
Kluivert is expected to arrive in Indonesia on Jan 11, with his official unveiling set for the following day.
His first matches in charge will be the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, starting with a clash against Australia at Sydney Football Stadium on March 20, followed by a home game against Bahrain at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium in Jakarta on March 25.
Both fixtures are part of the third round of World Cup qualifiers for the Asian zone, PSSI added.
Kluivert, 48, brings a wealth of experience as Indonesia’s new head coach, having been a legendary striker for the Netherlands and top clubs like Ajax, Barcelona and AC Milan before transitioning to coaching in 2008.
He started as an assistant at AZ Alkmaar, NEC Nijmegen, and Brisbane Roar before becoming head coach of Jong Twente, where he won a title.
Kluivert also served as assistant to Louis van Gaal during the Netherlands’ third-place finish at the 2014 World Cup and managed Curaçao in World Cup qualifying and the Caribbean Cup.
His coaching career includes roles at PSG, Barcelona’s academy, Ajax U-19s, and as assistant to Clarence Seedorf with Cameroon.
Before taking charge of Indonesia, he coached Turkish club Adana Demirspor and served as Barcelona’s academy director.
-- BERNAMA
