JawaPos.com-PSSI has hinted that the Milky Way will remain the coach of the U-16 national team. The milestone came after the 46-year-old man led his squad to win the 2022 AFF U-16 Cup.
“Still will be escorted by coach Bima. We will look for the next U-16 national team player,” said PSSI General Chair Mochamad Iriawan at the Maguwoharjo Stadium, Sleman, Friday (12/8) night.
According to the man who is familiarly called Iwan Bule, the Milky Way has succeeded in carrying out its duties. In addition to bringing the U-16 national team champion, he can also build a team atmosphere that is full of family.
“The kids are very close. They eat together, also pray. Then, parents are presented in the finals,” said Iriawan.
Bima Sakti has been trusted to handle the Indonesian U-16 national team since December 2018. He entered the squad nicknamed Garuda Asia replacing Fakhri Husaini.
On his way, Bima managed to bring his squad to qualify for the 2020 U-16 Asian Cup after becoming the second best team in the qualifying round. In the qualifying round, Indonesia was unbeaten and even able to match China 0-0. However, the 2020 U-16 Asian Cup was canceled due to the Covid-19 pandemic
Then, in his first experience at the U-16 AFF Cup, in 2019, Bima brought Indonesia to third place. Three years later, the 1990s Indonesian national team player led his squad to win the 2022 AFF U-16 Cup.
Furthermore, Bima will bring his team through the 2023 U-17 Asian Cup Qualification on 1-9 October 2022. In that qualification, Indonesia is in Group B with Malaysia, United Arab Emirates, Palestine, and Guam.
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Indonesia will host all Group B matches. However, PSSI has not appointed a stadium to host.
Later on, the 10 group winners and the five best second-placed will qualify for the finals with the host of the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, Bahrain.