The new coach of the National Women’s Team U19 comes from Japan

Monday, June 9, 2025 – 06:10 WIB

Yakarta, alive – PSSI confided the position of the coach of the Indonesian national team to Akira Higashiyama. The Japanese tactic has extensive international experience and a training philosophy that emphasizes the spirit, hard work and the formation of the character of young players.

I obtained PSSI’s confidence to handle the Indonesian women’s national team U-19. Akira was very enthusiastic. He said he knew that Indonesian women’s football had great potential.

“I know that Indonesia has great potential. That’s why I came here. I want to accept this challenge,” said Akira Higashiyama, cited from the PSSI official website.

Starting a football career in Japan since I was nine years old, Akira emigrated to Thailand to become a professional after graduating from the university. He also played in Cambodia, Mongolia and New Zealand.

As soon as he hung his shoes, Akira began to follow a training race. He had driven the Mongol club, the FC Ulaanbaatar. Before going to Indonesia, he had worked in Thailand and New Zealand.

“Once I was a chief coach in Mongolia, then I worked in Thailand and New Zealand. I am used to working throughout the culture and very respectful of local football,” he said.

The 35 -year -old coach has a perceived philosophy that is based on a simple but strong principle. The spirit to continue learning, developing and working hard according to him is the main key to him and the players.

“I am always hungry to win, study and develop. This is also what I planted in players and coaching staff,” Akira said.

Akira will have the task of taking the U-19 National Indonesian team to appear in the AFF U-19 2025 Cup. Joining Group B, the opponents are Thailand, Cambodia and Malaysia.

“I have talked to coach Mochi. We have the same vision of building a solid base and taken to the National World Cup to the World Cup,” he said.