(Image from ST)
New coach signs three-year contract
Singapore, 7 December 2013: The Football Association of Singapore today announced that Mr Fandi Ahmad has been appointed as LionsXII Head Coach on a three-year contract, with an option to extend for another two years.
Fandi, who clinched two league titles during his tenure as coach of Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (now known as Warriors FC), will commence employment on 12 December 2013.
“I am delighted and honoured to have been selected from a pool of more than 70 applicants and I would like to thank the Football Association of Singapore for the opportunity to build on the success achieved by coach V. Sundramoorthy,” said Fandi, who holds the AFC Pro Diploma Coaching License, the highest coaching certification in Asia.
“I know from experience that it will not be easy for the league champions to defend the title. Having said that, I am happy that we have a strong team which includes at least 15 players who have been capped at the international level. The composition of the team – including both players and backroom staff, coupled with the support from my colleagues and stakeholders, has given me confidence that we can secure a top three placing in the league. We will also try our best to reach the final of a Cup competition next season,” added Fandi.
FAS General Secretary Winston Lee said: “Apart from his illustrious playing career, Fandi is one of the most respected coaches in Singapore today and he brings with him a wealth of experience both at the domestic and regional levels, including the Indonesian and Malaysian football leagues. We are confident in his abilities to bring the LionsXII to the next level.
“In line with our coaching development pathway, National Teams Head Coach Bernd Stange will also be working closely with Fandi on areas pertaining to football and coaching development. We believe Fandi will benefit from the wealth of experience and knowledge that Bernd has, and this will further enhance his development as a coach.”
Fandi said: “I noted that good progress has been achieved since FAS embarked on the implementation, in phases, of the FAS Strategic Plan. I look forward to being part of the team and work with my colleagues and the senior management to uphold the professional standards, and continue the good work aimed at bringing Singapore football to the next level.”
Singapore international midfielder Isa Halim, who will don LionsXII colours for the third consecutive season in 2014, hailed the appointment. “I am happy and excited with the appointment, as Fandi is known for his attacking style of football. He is a coach who is always looking to share his ideas and is, at the same time, always open to feedback from the players.
“In addition to his status as one of our top footballers, Fandi has a good coaching record and he knows the players well. We look forward to learning from, and working with, him to achieve more successes.”
Statement issued by Corporate Communications Department, Football Association of Singapore.
