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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Sports

Diks Backs Ridho as Captain for Indonesia's Upcoming Matches

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Indonesian national team defender Kevin Diks expressed full confidence in Rizky Ridho, who will captain the squad in upcoming FIFA friendlies.
  • Ridho, a defender for Persija Jakarta, was appointed captain due to the injury of regular captain Jay Idzes.
  • Diks highlighted Ridho's leadership qualities and respect among teammates, noting his previous captaincy experience.

Indonesian national team defender Kevin Diks has placed his full trust in Rizky Ridho to lead the Garuda squad during two FIFA friendly matches in June 2026. Diks believes the Persija Jakarta defender possesses the leadership qualities necessary to wear the captain's armband against Oman and Mozambique.

Ridho steps into the captaincy role following an injury to the team's primary leader, Jay Idzes. Diks considers this a fitting choice, acknowledging Ridho's significant contributions to the team over the past few years. "He will lead us tomorrow (today). In my opinion, he is indeed worthy of it," Diks stated in a pre-match press conference.

Diks emphasized that Ridho is not only a crucial player on the field but also a figure respected by all team members. The Borussia Mönchengladbach player described Ridho as having a natural leadership character. "He is a leader. He is a good person and receives great respect from all players, including me," he added.

He will lead us tomorrow (today). In my opinion, he is indeed worthy of it.

— Kevin DiksKevin Diks expressed his full confidence in Rizky Ridho, who was set to lead the Indonesian squad in two FIFA friendly matches in June 2026.

This is not the first time Ridho, a 24-year-old defender, has captained the Indonesian national team. He previously led the squad to a 1-0 victory over Vietnam in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in March 2024 and wore the armband during a commanding 6-0 win against Taiwan in a friendly match in September of the previous year.

Despite Ridho's capabilities, Diks acknowledged that Idzes's absence is a significant loss for the team. Since his debut, the Sassuolo defender has consistently been entrusted with the captaincy and has been a central figure in the locker room. Diks sees Idzes's absence as an opportunity for other players to step up and take on greater responsibility. "Many other players have the chance to show their abilities. We have lost our leader, but other players must step forward, including myself. We miss him, hopefully, he recovers soon," said the 29-year-old Diks.

He is a leader. He is a good person and receives great respect from all players, including me.

— Kevin DiksKevin Diks described Rizky Ridho's leadership qualities, noting his natural leadership character and the respect he commands from teammates.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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