Jakarta – Former Uzbekistan national team coach Timur Kapadze was observed attending Friday prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta today, November 21st, amid speculation he is a leading candidate to fill the vacant position of head coach for the Indonesian national team. Kapadze, who recently led Uzbekistan to qualification for the 2026 World Cup before being replaced by Fabio Cannavaro, has confirmed his interest in the role and has reportedly begun preliminary discussions with Indonesian football officials. The coach’s visit to Southeast Asia’s largest mosque signaled a potential cultural immersion as he considers taking the helm of the Indonesian squad.
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Former Uzbekistan national team coach Timur Kapadze attended Friday prayers at the Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta on Friday, November 21st.
Wearing a long-sleeved purple and brown batik shirt, Kapadze prayed in the front row. National figure Effendi Gazali was seated beside him.
Prior to prayers, Kapadze appeared impressed by the Istiqlal Mosque, frequently looking around at the interior’s details.
ADVERTISEMENT
SCROLL TO CONTINUE WITH CONTENT
Following Friday prayers, Kapadze was immediately invited to the Istiqlal Mosque’s VIP room to speak with the Imam and the prayer’s Khatib. The 44-year-old coach appeared enthusiastic during the conversation.
Kapadze’s arrival in Indonesia has drawn attention as his name surfaced on the list of potential candidates to coach the Indonesian national team after his departure from Uzbekistan.
Kapadze has expressed interest in taking the helm of the Indonesian squad, with initial discussions already underway, according to reports from Uzbekistan news agencies.
The 44-year-old first took charge of the Uzbekistan national team in 2025, having previously managed the U-23 team since 2021. He also served as Uzbekistan’s interim coach in 2018.
A key achievement during Kapadze’s tenure with Uzbekistan was securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup. He was subsequently replaced by Fabio Cannavaro in October 2025 after achieving that milestone.
The Indonesian national team’s head coaching position is currently vacant. The National Team Body (BTN) has presented five potential candidates to the PSSI, though their names have not yet been made public.
(ikw/ikw/jun)
fbq('init', '1047303935301449'); fbq('track', "PageView");
