jpnn.com, JAKARTA – Timur Kapadze, a highly respected figure in Uzbekistan football, will not be taking on the role of head coach for the Indonesia national team as was widely anticipated. Instead, the seasoned strategist has officially been appointed to lead Uzbekistan League club, Navbahor.
Kapadze had emerged as a prominent candidate for the coveted Indonesia national team coach position, with strong indications that he was eager for the opportunity and awaiting an offer from PSSI. This context makes his official move to Navbahor a significant development in the football world.
The news of Kapadze joining Navbahor was officially announced by the club on Monday across their digital platforms, including their website and Instagram. The club’s statement highlighted extensive discussions and a comprehensive agreement reached between the experienced coach and the management regarding the team’s strategic direction and future targets.
“Navbahor Football Club today officially introduced Timur Kapadze as the new head coach. The experienced coach has discussed all relevant matters with the club management and reached a full agreement on the team’s future plans and targets. Both parties have signed a contract,” stated the official release from the club.
In their announcement, Navbahor praised Kapadze as one of the most recognized and influential personalities in Uzbekistan football. They underscored his remarkable coaching journey, which includes successfully managing various teams from youth categories to the senior national squad, consistently achieving significant international milestones.
“Throughout his coaching career, he has successfully led various teams, from youth levels to the senior national team. Under his guidance, these teams achieved significant accomplishments in international arenas,” Navbahor further articulated. The club’s management expressed unwavering confidence that Kapadze’s profound experience, astute professional insights, and contemporary approach to football will be crucial in achieving the club’s ambitious goals.
This strategic appointment comes as Navbahor concluded the 2025 Uzbek League season in seventh place, accumulating 40 points and finishing 20 points behind champions Neftchi Fergana. Kapadze’s arrival is expected to inject new momentum and a winning mentality as the club aims for higher accolades in upcoming seasons.
Kapadze’s reputation within Uzbekistan football is indeed illustrious. He notably guided the Uzbekistan U23 national team, leading them to the 2024 Olympics. His impressive coaching resume also includes a tenure as head coach of the senior Uzbekistan national team, commencing in January 2025. Under his tactical prowess, Uzbekistan achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the FIFA World Cup finals for the very first time.
He subsequently resigned from his role as Uzbekistan national team coach in November 2025, following the Uzbekistan Football Association’s (UFA) decision to appoint former Italy international defender Fabio Cannavaro to lead the team for the 2026 World Cup campaign. With a proven track record of delivering historic results, Kapadze is now poised to steer Navbahor towards new triumphs. (antara/jpnn)
Summary
Timur Kapadze, a prominent candidate previously linked to the Indonesia national team coaching position, has officially been appointed head coach of Uzbekistan League club, Navbahor. This development confirms he will not take on the anticipated role with the Indonesian squad. Navbahor announced his appointment, stating a comprehensive agreement was reached regarding the team’s strategic direction and future targets.
Kapadze is a highly respected figure in Uzbekistan football, celebrated for guiding the U23 national team to the 2024 Olympics and the senior team to their historic first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification. His extensive coaching career includes significant accomplishments across various team levels. Navbahor, having finished seventh in the 2025 Uzbek League, expects Kapadze’s profound experience and contemporary approach to inject new momentum and help achieve ambitious club goals.