Kapanlagi.com - Zulkifli Syukur, a former tough defender who was once a mainstay of the Indonesian National Team, is back in the public spotlight after his name appeared on the list of candidates for assistant coach to accompany Patrick Kluivert in the Indonesian National Team. The man born in Makassar on May 3, 1984, has undergone an interview session with the coaching staff, including Kluivert and his assistant.
Through his personal Instagram account, Zulkifli could not hide his gratitude for this valuable opportunity. "Alhamdulillah, the interview session with the national team coaching staff has been completed. This is a very valuable opportunity in my career journey, and not everyone can have it," he wrote on @zulkifli_03_syukur, as reported by Liputan6.
Not only Zulkifli, several other local coaches, such as Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto, Bima Sakti, and Eko Purdjianto, have also gone through the interview stages for the assistant coach position. However, with his impressive experience and track record in Indonesian football, Zulkifli stands out as one of the strongest candidates for the position. Stay tuned for more interesting information regarding the developments of the Indonesian National Team!
1. Zulkifli Syukur's Career as a Player
Zulkifli, a talented footballer who began his career journey at the local club Persim Maros, has explored various clubs in Indonesia, including giants like PSM Makassar, Persib Bandung, and Arema Indonesia, where his name began to shine. Although his goal record is not particularly striking with a total of 5 goals from around 336 appearances in the domestic league, his achievements cannot be overlooked.
He successfully won the Indonesia Super League title with Arema in the 2009-2010 season and contributed to the General Sudirman Cup trophy in 2015 while wearing the Mitra Kukar jersey. In addition to his contributions at the club level, Zulkifli also made history by representing the Indonesian National Team, including when they finished as runners-up in the 2010 AFF Cup. His colorful and experienced career makes Zulkifli an unforgettable figure in the world of football in the homeland.
2. Contributions to the Indonesian National Team
On the international stage, Zulkifli Syukur shone as part of the Indonesia U-23 national team, which underwent a training camp in the Netherlands under the guidance of coaches Foppe de Haan and Bambang Nurdiansyah. His career skyrocketed when he was called up to the senior national team, where he became a mainstay in the right-back position.
His brilliant moment occurred while representing the Red and White in the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup under the direction of Alfred Riedl, where Indonesia advanced to the finals. Zulkifli's dedication and professionalism are undeniable, making him a key figure in the defense, particularly on the right side. Unfortunately, despite his outstanding performance, he had to swallow the bitter pill when Indonesia lost to the Malaysian national team, but his name remains etched in the history of football in the homeland.
3. Transition to Coaching World
After hanging up his boots, Zulkifli Syukur did not just sit idle but continued his adventure in the world of football as a coach. His coaching career started brilliantly as an assistant coach at Adhyaksa Farmel FC in the 2022-2023 season. Shortly thereafter, in 2024, he was entrusted with leading the Central Sulawesi football team in the prestigious National Sports Week (PON) XXI Aceh-Sumut.
Now, Zulkifli holds a significant responsibility as the head coach of Persela Lamongan in Liga 2 Indonesia. With a wealth of achievements and ample playing experience, it is no wonder that his position as a coach is highly deserving and full of hope.
4. Opportunity to Become an Assistant Coach for the Indonesian National Team
Zulkifli Syukur, with a wealth of experience as a player and coach, is now emerging as the strongest candidate for the assistant coach position under the guidance of Patrick Kluivert. If selected, he will play a crucial role in preparing the Indonesian National Team for the continuation of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, including an exciting match against Australia on March 20, 2025. His presence on the coaching staff is expected to bring fresh air and significant contributions to the development of football in the homeland.
Being part of the coaching staff of the National Team is a dream for many local coaches, and for Zulkifli, this is a golden opportunity to contribute more to the world of Indonesian football. However, the challenges ahead are not trivial, considering the competition at the international level is becoming increasingly fierce. With his dedication and experience, Zulkifli is expected to lead the Indonesian National Team to greater achievements in the future.
5. People Also Ask
Q: Who is Zulkifli Syukur?
A: Zulkifli Syukur is a former Indonesian football player who played as a right wing-back and is now a football coach.
Q: What are Zulkifli Syukur's achievements with the Indonesian National Team?
A: Zulkifli was a mainstay in the right-back position and helped lead Indonesia to the final of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2010.
Q: Which clubs has Zulkifli Syukur played for?
A: Zulkifli has played for Persim Maros, PKT Bontang, and Persmin Minahasa.
(kpl/mni)
Disclaimer: This translation from Bahasa Indonesia to English has been generated by Artificial Intelligence.