Samarinda | After taking a year-long break from football, Dandri Dauri is officially back as team manager of Borneo FC Samarinda for the upcoming BRI Super League 2025/26 season. His return is seen as a positive boost for the club, especially as the team undergoes a major transformation, August 5, 2025.
In a bold restructuring move, approximately 80% of the squad has been replaced. However, Dandri is confident this won’t pose a major challenge. According to him, although many of the players are new to Borneo FC, they are not new to the top flight, as all come with Super League experience.
“Yes, I’m aware that around 80 percent of last season’s players are gone. That means we now have a lot of new faces in the team. But they’re experienced players in the Super League. This is an advantage for me. It’s just a matter of establishing smooth communication,” said Dandri.
For the 44-year-old manager, communication is key—not just in matches, but also in the daily lives of the players. Dandri believes that strong mental strength and team unity start from building personal relationships off the pitch.
“We will work on building a strong mentality and deeper communication. I’m ready to be a friend, even a father figure to them. Football isn’t only about match day—it’s also about how the players live their everyday lives. As a manager, I care about that,” he added.
Dandri Dauri is not a stranger to Borneo FC. Known for his calm demeanor and warm smile, he was a familiar face on the Borneo FC bench for four consecutive seasons, during which the team consistently ranked among the top five in the league. His crowning achievement was leading the team to win the 2023/24 Regular Series title.
His decision to return is more than just a professional commitment—it’s a personal calling. As a native of Samarinda, managing Borneo FC is something close to his heart.
“This isn’t something entirely new. Even during my year off, I kept a close eye on the team. When President Nabil asked me to come back, I agreed right away. It’s an honor for me as a Samarinda citizen,” said Dandri.
As Borneo FC prepares for the season opener on August 8, Dandri Dauri steps into familiar territory—but with a new challenge ahead: to unite a reshaped squad, reignite team spirit, and lead Pesut Etam back to the top tier of Indonesian football.
Wyndoee
