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Persija Jakarta faces a hurried search as Rahmad Darmawan confirmed his departure from the club on Thursday.

The 44-year-old coach said he had agreed to lead the Indonesian Under-23 team, though he has yet to officially sign a deal with the Indonesian Football Association (PSSI).

“I have to choose because I won’t be able to get the best results if I have to divide my focus, and I like the challenge of working with the U-23 team,” Rahmad said.

The PSSI offered him a two-year contract, he said, without giving further details.

Rahmad, who took over the U-23 team last month, has spent the last two weeks in Malang, East Java, preparing his charges for November’s Southeast Asian Games.

He led Persija to a third-place finish in the Indonesian Super League last season, his second stint at the club following the 2006-07 season.

Lampung-born Rahmad is one of the most decorated coaches in the country. He led Persipura Jayapura to league title in 2005 and then brought Sriwijaya FC the trophy in 2007. He also won three consecutive Indonesian Cup titles during his three-year stay in Sriwijaya.

PSSI chairman Djohar Arifin Husin confirmed the deal on Thursday.

“In principle, Rahmad has agreed to sign with the PSSI. We met when I visited the U-23 training camp in Batu, Malang, and I talked to him to listen his wishes. The signing is just a formality. The most important thing is he agrees to take the job,” Djohar said.

Djohar said Rahmad would be assisted by Widodo Cahyono Putro and Aji Santoso, with Satia Bagdja as the physical trainer.

Persija chairman Ferry Paulus said he already had shortlist for Rahmad’s replacement, though he refused to reveal any names.

“I don’t think we will hire a local coach because Rahmad is the best local. We may opt for a foreign coach,” Ferry said.