News

PSSI Removes Satoru Mochizuki as Indonesia Women's National Team Coach, Eyes Japanese Successor

PSSI Removes Satoru Mochizuki as Indonesia Women's National Team Coach, Eyes Japanese Successor
Satoru Mochizuki has officially been removed from his role as head coach of the Indonesian women’s national football team following the squad’s failure to qualify for the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Despite his dismissal from the coaching position, Mochizuki will remain involved in Indonesian football by focusing on the development side of the women's game under the supervision of the national football federation, PSSI.

PSSI believes that Mochizuki's experience and connections—especially his ties with the Japan Football Association and the Japanese women's league—are better suited for strategic development. As a result, he has been assigned the task of creating a long-term roadmap for the progress of women’s football in Indonesia. This shift reflects PSSI's desire to build a more structured and sustainable foundation behind the scenes.

While preparations for the 2025 AFF Women’s Championship continue, PSSI is actively searching for a new head coach for the senior women’s team. They remain committed to drawing influence from Japan, with ongoing discussions with Japanese football authorities to find a suitable candidate. The organization has stated that the new coach should match or surpass the capabilities of Mochizuki to meet the increasing demands of the national team.

Among the potential candidates, Akira, who currently manages the U-19 team, is being considered for promotion to the senior team. However, PSSI is taking a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of thorough background checks and careful evaluation. The federation recognizes the weight of expectations at the senior level and aims to avoid rushed decisions to ensure the best outcome for the future of women’s football in Indonesia.