From the field to the sidelines: A leader’s journey back to Oslo
Pinsa Prahadian will return to Norway as coach for the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup after representing his country on the field in 2017 at the tournament
In 2017, Pinsa Prahadian stood on the field of the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup as the captain of the Indonesian Homeless World Cup national team. Eight years later, history will bring him back to Oslo, this time in a different role. Pinsa is no longer a player fighting on the field but will be the head coach responsible for leading the Indonesian team in August at the 20th edition of the much loved tournament.
pinsa’s journey from player to leader is a testament to the transformative power of football.
For Pinsa, the Homeless World Cup is more than just a tournament; it was a turning point in his life. In 2017, he arrived in Oslo with a personal story of struggle. Now, in 2025, he returns to bring a story of hope to a new generation of players.
As head coach, Pinsa sees himself not only as a tactical instructor but also as a mentor and inspiration for players now representing Indonesia. He understands the challenges they face - not just on the field but also in their everyday lives.
The Homeless World Cup team caught up with Pinsa as he looks ahead to Oslo.
Pinsa at the Oslo 2017 Homeless World Cup
How did you feel when you found out you were returning to the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup as head coach?
“Honestly, I was emotional and proud. Oslo is where I once played as a player in 2017, and now I’m returning as the head coach. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s proof that life’s journey can take us to unexpected places.”
What is the biggest difference between your role as captain in 2017 and as head coach in 2025?
“As a captain, I had to lead from within the field, setting an example through my game and spirit. As a coach, the challenge is bigger because I have to shape the entire team—not just their skills but also their mentality and unity.”
What do you want to bring to the Indonesian team at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup?
“I want to bring the spirit that football is not just about winning or losing, but about changing lives. I want every player to return from Oslo believing that they can transform their future, just like I did.”
What is your message to the players competing in Oslo this summer?
“Enjoy every moment, give your best, and never doubt that you deserve to be here. The Homeless World Cup is not just about football; it’s about second chances in life.”
The 2025 Homeless World Cup will return to Norway’s capital, Oslo in August. Pinsa has many happy memories of the tournament as a player for Indonesia.
Pinsa Prahadian’s journey from captain in 2017 to head coach in 2025 is more than just a personal achievement, it’s a symbol of how football can change lives.
His return to Oslo is proof that opportunities like the Homeless World Cup don’t just end on the pitch; they open doors to new possibilities, new roles, and new dreams.
Now, as he stands on the sidelines guiding a new generation of players, Pinsa embodies the very essence of what this tournament represents: hope, transformation, and the power of second chances.
For the Indonesian team at the Oslo 2025 Homeless World Cup, they are not just playing for a trophy—they are playing for a future filled with possibilities. And with a leader like Pinsa, they know that their journey doesn’t stop in Oslo. It’s only the beginning.
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