Viny Silfianus Reflects On Her Journey and The Pride of Captaining Indonesia

Viny Silfianus Reflects On Her Journey and The Pride of Captaining Indonesia

How would you describe yourself as a person, both on and off the pitch?
On the field, I am a highly competitive player who is always vocal and never gives up, no matter the circumstances. I believe in leading by example, constantly pushing myself to perform at my best, and motivating my teammates to do the same. Off the field, I am a down-to-earth and reserved individual. I enjoy spending time in quiet reflection, learning new things, and continuously working on my personal growth. I believe in evolving not just as a player, but as a person, always seeking ways to improve and develop.

Growing up, what role did football play in your life? Was it always your dream to become a professional player?
Football has been everything to me since I was a child. It’s more than just a sport—it’s the reason I’ve come this far, the place where I find happiness, and the way I express myself. Becoming a professional player has always been my dream, even though it hasn’t been easy. But I’ve always believed that with hard work and dedication, that dream can become a reality.

I first noticed you during the 2024 AFF Championship. Can you describe the emotions you felt when your team won the title? What did that victory mean for you personally?
Winning is a moment that words can't fully capture. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride, emotion, and gratitude for the opportunity to represent Indonesia and lead the team to victory. It’s the culmination of all the hard work, sacrifices, and support from the team, coaches, and my family. Personally, it stands as one of the greatest achievements of my life so far.

As the captain of the Indonesian women’s national team, what does that responsibility feel like? How do you motivate and inspire your teammates?
Being a captain is both a tremendous honor and a great responsibility. I always strive to lead by example, both on and off the field. I motivate my team by consistently supporting them, sharing my experiences, and reminding everyone that we are fighting for the same goal. It’s essential that we trust one another and work together as a united team.

What’s the current state of women’s football in Indonesia? What are the key areas where you think the game can grow, both in terms of development and support?
I am genuinely excited to see how women’s football in Indonesia has been improving year after year. The progress is encouraging, but there is still significant room for growth. One key area that needs attention is the availability of proper training facilities, which are essential for players to develop their skills and compete at a higher level.

Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the women’s league is organized consistently every year, providing players with regular competition to sharpen their abilities and elevate the overall standard of the game. Equally important is the need to create more opportunities for young talents. This can be achieved through the establishment of academies dedicated to nurturing female players and by organizing more interclub and interschool tournaments. These initiatives will not only help identify and develop future stars but also inspire the next generation to pursue football. By addressing these areas, we can continue to build a brighter future for women’s football in Indonesia.

Growing up, who were your football role models? Is there an Indonesian player—male or female—you particularly looked up to?
Since I was a child, I’ve idolized Messi because he is a genius on the field and an absolutely extraordinary player. I feel so fortunate to have witnessed him play during his era—it’s truly remarkable. I hope I get the chance to watch him play live before he retires.

From Indonesia, I greatly admire Marcelino Ferdinand. He has incredible skills, sharp goal instincts, and consistently gives his best for the team.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a female footballer in Indonesia? How did you overcome these obstacles?
The biggest challenge is the lack of opportunities and platforms for female footballers to grow and develop. Without sufficient support, it can be difficult for players to reach their full potential and for women’s football to thrive as a whole.

To overcome this, I stay focused on training hard to continually improve my performance. I also use my platform to raise awareness about the importance of supporting women’s football. This includes advocating for better facilities, structured leagues, and more opportunities for young girls to get involved in the sport.

I believe that progress starts with visibility and collective action. By shining a light on the challenges and sharing my journey, I hope to inspire others to support and invest in women’s football, creating a brighter future for the next generation of players.

What advice would you give to young girls in Indonesia who dream of following in your footsteps? What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never stop dreaming, but make sure those dreams are accompanied by hard work, discipline, and courage. Along the way, you will undoubtedly face many obstacles, but if you truly believe in yourself and stay committed, you can achieve anything.

It’s important to remember that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s the result of perseverance and a willingness to push through challenges. Every setback is an opportunity to learn and grow, shaping you into a stronger, more resilient person.

Most importantly, always enjoy the journey. The process you go through, the lessons you learn, and the people you meet along the way are just as valuable as the end goal itself. Cherish every step, and keep moving forward with faith in your abilities and the determination to turn your dreams into reality.

As an athlete, how do you balance the pressures of competition, training, and your personal life? What do you do to stay mentally and physically healthy?
I strive to maintain balance by managing my time effectively between my education and career. To take care of my mental and physical health, I prioritize proper nutrition, getting enough rest, and maintaining a regular training routine. These are my top priorities.

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I take a break and retreat to nature—whether it’s the beach or the mountains—because I find peace and tranquility in those settings. Spending time in nature helps me recharge and regain focus.

Looking ahead, what are your goals for 2025 and beyond? Are there any particular achievements or milestones you're striving for in your career?
I want to help the national team achieve greater success at the Asian level, such as in the Asian Games or the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with our ultimate goal being to qualify for the World Cup. Of course, this journey won’t be easy, but I truly believe that we can reach that milestone.

On a personal level, I dream of playing for Chelsea Women or Barça Femení and contributing to the growth and development of women’s football in Indonesia.


 

 


 


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