Indonesia’s AFF Cup Exit: A Learning Experience for the Next Generation
following Indonesia’s disappointing exit from the 2024 AFF Cup, PSSI Chief Erick Thohir offered a viewpoint focused on the future. While acknowledging the team’s failure to advance to the semifinals after a loss to the Philippines, Thohir emphasized the invaluable experience gained by the nation’s young players.
Speaking after the match at Solo’s Manahan Stadium on December 21st, Thohir praised the team’s effort despite the setback. “The players played as hard as possible. Yes, there were several unfortunate incidents, there were red cards,” he stated, acknowledging the challenges faced during the competition.
Thohir highlighted the broader implications of the tournament, viewing it as a crucial step in developing the next generation of Indonesian footballers. “That’s good, because apart from the SEA Games next year, it turns out I checked for the AFC U-23 qualifications also next year, in 2025,” he explained, emphasizing the upcoming opportunities for these young athletes to hone their skills on the international stage.
He stressed the importance of accepting the defeat as a learning experience, stating, “Because we have to try to regenerate. Today is not profitable, so we have to accept it.” This statement underscores a long-term vision for indonesian football, prioritizing player growth over immediate results.
The loss, while disappointing for Indonesian fans, serves as a reminder of the ongoing development within the national team. Thohir’s focus on the future and the opportunities presented by upcoming tournaments like the SEA Games and AFC U-23 qualifications offers a glimmer of hope for the future of Indonesian football.
This strategic approach mirrors similar long-term development plans seen in othre accomplished national sports programs in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of youth development and international competition experience in building a strong national team.
Indonesia’s AFF Cup Exit: A stepping Stone, Not a Stumble
Erick Thohir, Chief of PSSI, took a forward-looking approach following Indonesia’s disappointing exit from the 2024 AFF Cup. Though the team fell short of semifinal expectations, experiencing a loss too the Philippines, Thohir emphasized the invaluable experience gained by the young players, viewing the tournament as a crucial step in their advancement.
Thohir acknowledged the team’s effort adn the challenges they faced during the competition, including unfortunate incidents and red cards. However, he stressed the importance of accepting the defeat as a learning experience, stating “Today is not profitable, so we have to accept it.” This pragmatic approach underscores a long-term vision for Indonesian football, prioritizing player growth over immediate results.
Thohir highlighted upcoming opportunities, such as the SEA Games and AFC U-23 qualifications in 2025, as platforms for these young athletes to further hone their skills on the international stage. This strategic focus on youth development echoes successful national sports programs seen in countries like the United States, where emphasizing international competition experience is crucial for building a strong national team.
While the AFF Cup exit was undoubtedly disappointing for Indonesian fans, Thohir’s optimistic outlook and focus on the future offer a glimmer of hope. By prioritizing long-term development and embracing the lessons learned, Indonesia can pave the way for a brighter future in international football. This tournament, though not successful in its immediate outcome, serves as a valuable stepping stone in the journey towards Indonesian football’s full potential.
