Persija Parts Ways with Mauricio Souza After One Season in Charge

Persija Jakarta officially announced the departure of head coach Mauricio Souza after deciding not to extend his contract beyond the 2025/2026 season. The decision came despite the Brazilian tactician guiding the club to a strong third-place finish in the BRI Super League during his first campaign with the team.

Souza joined Persija in 2025 with the responsibility of leading one of Indonesia's biggest football clubs back into title contention. Under his guidance, the team collected 71 points from 34 matches and remained competitive throughout the season. His tactical approach and disciplined system helped shape a more organized identity for the squad.

Even with those achievements, Persija's management concluded that the overall targets agreed upon at the beginning of the contract were not fully achieved. The club acknowledged Souza's contribution and praised his dedication, work ethic, and influence on the team's development during his time in Jakarta.

The separation also involved several members of Souza's coaching staff. Assistant coach Italo Bartole Resende, fitness coach Vitor Branco da Cruz, goalkeeping coach Gerson Rodrigues Rios, analyst Caio Araujo, and interpreter Claudio Luzardi all left the club alongside the head coach as part of a broader restructuring process.

Persija director Mohamad Prapanca expressed appreciation for Souza's efforts while confirming that the club has already started searching for a new manager. The management hopes to appoint a coach capable of leading Persija toward a championship challenge in the 2026/2027 season as the club looks to build on the foundation created over the past year.