INDOPOSCO.ID – Indonesia defender Kevin Diks has been appointed captain for the opening match of the 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup against Singapore at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium on Friday (Sept. 25, 2026), at 8 p.m. local time.
The Borussia Mönchengladbach defender said he was honored to take on the captaincy and ready to shoulder greater responsibility, with Jay Idzes reportedly still sidelined with an injury.
“We miss Jay, but we have to raise our level. It is a great honor for me,” Diks said in Jakarta ahead of Indonesia’s clash with Singapore, as quoted on Friday (Sept. 25, 2026).
Indonesia head coach John Herdman stressed that all players are fit and ready to deliver their best performance in front of the home supporters.
Herdman’s 23-man squad features greater depth compared with the previous meeting between the two sides. Several players based overseas, including Emil Audero, Maarten Paes, Kevin Diks, Justin Hubner, Elkan Baggott, Calvin Verdonk, Dean James, and Ole Romeny, are set to feature in the competition.
Herdman also said the intensity of training during the team’s training camp had been positive. The squad’s energy remained high, even though some players had only joined the camp after featuring for their respective clubs.
The main focus has been on re-establishing the team’s playing identity and building connections among the players following the international break.
However, the English coach remains wary of Singapore’s strengths. He said the Lions possess tactical discipline, experience, and a strong sense of togetherness built over many years.
“They are a tough team that never gives up. We have to be ready for that challenge,” Herdman said on the same occasion. (dan)
