Simon Tahamata, Ajax Amsterdam DNA, and the Perfection of Filanesia

His height is only 1.64 meters. For players in Europe, that stature could be considered "diminutive." However, Simon Tahamata has proven his illustrious career as a player from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s.

After hanging up his boots, his presence remains significant for Ajax Amsterdam, his childhood club. Not only in the Netherlands, Simon received similar honors in Belgium. His substantial role for one of the most successful clubs in Belgium, namely Standard Liege, is difficult to match by anyone.

His extensive experience managing several junior teams, starting from Standard Liege and Beerschot in Belgium, then Ajax and the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, is evidence that Simon has made significant contributions to the early age development programs for those teams.

Simon may not have given debut opportunities to players in the first team, but he is the mastermind behind designing program after program and directly training young individuals with dreams of breaking into the professional football level.

The role of Head Talent Scout for the Indonesian National Team as of June 1, 2025, presents a new challenge for the 69-year-old man. Doubts certainly overshadowed Simon's arrival, who has Maluku ancestry, to his ancestral land. He is perceived to be more focused on players from the diaspora in the Netherlands or other countries.

In reality, Simon dismissed those allegations. He has planned to stay in Indonesia for the duration of his contract with PSSI. He did the same when he served as a technical coach at the Al-Ahli Academy in Saudi Arabia from 2005 to 2009.

Simon was present to directly observe the first training session of the Indonesian national team in Jakarta ahead of their match against China, on Monday (2/6/2025), at the Madya Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, Jakarta. Together with the technical staff of PSSI and former coach of the U-20 Indonesian team, Indra Sjafri, the two appeared to be engaged in a serious discussion.

"We want to help (soccer) Indonesia. Children must have played football since they were under 13 years old, eight years old like in the Netherlands. Don't be late when they are 15 years old," said Simon in fluent Indonesian, Maluku dialect.

He continued, "I want to help from young people. I don't want us to only use children from outside Indonesia."

Simon came to Indonesia with over 15 years of experience working at De Toekomst, the Ajax academy center. Day by day, weeks turned into months, which Simon spent at one of the "factories" of the world's best football players.

Simon’s primary task is not only to directly train children in the introduction and development of their basic techniques. Simon also ensures that the "DNA" of Ajax football, which is attacking and entertaining in accordance with the legacy of Johan Cruyff, remains preserved for generations of young players.

Undoubtedly, for the children who have just entered the Ajax Academy, the opportunity to be trained directly by Simon is something they aspire to before striving to break into the first team.

In Indonesia, Simon, who has 22 appearances with the Dutch national team, emphasized that he will maintain the Ajax philosophy that has been ingrained in him. He said he would look for potential young players for the Indonesian youth team based on the 4-3-3 formation.

I was the smallest in front of much taller opponents. I have to use another method. I have to be smart.

He stated that there is a need for a strong defender who can play the ball and build attacks; wingers in the defensive position and fast, agile, and intelligent forwards; as well as a playmaker in the midfield; and strikers with brilliant goal-scoring instincts. Simon is confident that Indonesia has these players, especially if they are optimally trained.

"I want players to be able to use both feet equally well, have excellent technique, and possess a winning mentality. These are the essentials to become a special player," said Simon, who played as a left winger during his active career.

Not to be missed, Simon reminded the importance of Indonesian players not having an inferior mentality.

"I am the smallest in the presence of opponents who are much taller. I must use other methods. I have to be smart," said Simon while pointing to his head.

Oom Simon, as he is known in the community of players and supporters of Ajax, proves that stature is not a barrier for a footballer. The brain and fundamental skills are the most important factors for competing in the harsh jungle of the football world.

In essence, the 4-3-3 formation is already in line with the format of Indonesian football philosophy, known as filanesia, which was initiated by PSSI in 2017. At that time, filanesia was initiated by PSSI's Technical Director Danurwindo.

With Simon's extensive experience with clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium, he certainly has the opportunity to make filanesia even more perfect. Filanesia is no longer just a training slogan, but is implemented in the development of players across all local football schools, coach education, and is applied in both youth and professional competitions.

"We are focused on thinking about strategies for players under 18," said Simon.

In the current management structure of the Indonesian national team, Simon is the most respected figure. It is fitting that Indonesia's Coach Patrick Kluivert has invited Simon to contribute to Indonesian football.

His experience in early childhood coaching techniques in Europe, along with his blood ties to Indonesia, makes him a suitable figure to assist Kluivert and his three assistants, namely Danny Landzaat, Alex Pastoor, and Gerald Vanenburg, in producing new national team players from Indonesia.

The relationship between Simon and Kluivert is also very good. Their personal closeness was evident during the launch event of the statue of four Ajax legend players on November 21, 2024, at the Ajax Supporters' House located in the Johan Cruyff Stadium complex. The four legends are Simon, Kluivert, Frank Rijkaard, and Daley Blind.

Kluivert, along with former Ajax and Netherlands national team goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, carried Simon to unveil the black curtain that covered his head statue on the upper wall, approximately three meters from the floor.

"His experience and expertise in developing young players will be a valuable asset in our journey towards the world stage," said PSSI Chairman Erick Thohir regarding PSSI's hopes for Simon.

Hopefully, PSSI can maximize Simon's role. Not only to monitor young players, but Simon's ideas for improving early childhood development in Indonesia must also be well-facilitated.