The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) has officially appointed David Nascimento as the head coach of the Indonesia U-17 national team, as announced on Friday, July 3, 2026. Nascimento, a UEFA Pro-licensed coach and the current head of the PSSI Academy, will lead the squad alongside assistant coaches Ahmad Bustomi and Simon Tahamata to prepare for the upcoming U-17 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Who is David Nascimento and What is His Coaching Background?
David Nascimento is a 60-year-old Portuguese coach who brings significant European experience to the Indonesian youth setup. According to PSSI, he currently serves as the Head of the PSSI Academy. His resume includes a stint as an assistant manager to Louis van Gaal at the Dutch club AZ Alkmaar during the 2005-2006 season.
David Nascimento’s appointment marks a strategic shift for PSSI, as the organization looks to integrate European-style academy structures into the national youth development pipeline.
How is the New Coaching Staff Structured?
PSSI has assembled a multi-disciplinary technical team to support Nascimento in his new role. The official announcement via the @pssi Instagram account confirmed the following appointments:
- Assistant Coaches: Ahmad Bustomi (former Indonesian national team midfielder) and Simon Tahamata.
- Physical Coach: Muhamad Alimudin.
- Video Analyst: Taufik Nur Hidayat.
- Goalkeeper Coach: Arief Priyadhi.
What Are the Next Competitive Objectives for the Team?
The immediate focus for the U-17 squad is the Garuda Championship Series 2026. This friendly tournament, scheduled to be held at the Manahan Stadium in Solo, Central Java, features matches against the Malaysia U-17 national team on July 4 and July 7, 2026.
These matches serve as critical preparation for the U-17 Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. While the friendly series takes place in July, the official qualifying campaign is not scheduled to commence until November 2026. This four-month window allows Nascimento and his staff to evaluate player performance under competitive conditions before the official tournament begins.
Follow the official PSSI social media channels for real-time updates on squad rotations and tactical adjustments during the Garuda Championship Series.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new head coach of Indonesia U-17?
David Nascimento, a Portuguese coach and current Head of the PSSI Academy, has been appointed as the new head coach.
When does the U-17 Asian Cup 2027 qualification start?
The qualifying rounds are scheduled to begin in November 2026.
Who are the assistant coaches for the team?
Nascimento is assisted by former Indonesian national team player Ahmad Bustomi and Simon Tahamata.
Where will the Garuda Championship Series 2026 be held?
The matches against Malaysia U-17 will take place at the Manahan Stadium in Solo, Central Java.
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