Singapore's new head coach Bernd Stange confident the Lions will Roar!!!

Bernd Stange, the German who was appointed the new coach of the Singapore national football team, is confident he can lead the Lions to glory.

At his unveiling at the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) headquarters at Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday evening, the 65-year-old, who signed a two-year contract with the option of a two-year extension, said: "The post of national team head coach is always a challenging one for any coach - more so in a country like Singapore where football is the No. 1 sport and whose national team are now champions of the region. "I am deeply honoured to have been appointed from a pool of more than 100 qualified candidates. It was a rigorous process which enabled both FAS and I to have a clear understanding of each other's objectives and goals, and I am both impressed and motivated by the professionalism, vision and footballing goals of the FAS. "While I recognise that the task ahead will not be easy, I am confident and I believe my experience at the international level and contacts in the game will be an asset to Singapore football. "I understand the constraints and challenges faced by the national sports associations in Singapore, including FAS, and I urge all stakeholders to support us and work together as a team as we strive to optimise our resources and maximise our success. "I am looking forward with excitement to playing a role to further develop football in this beautiful country."

FAS appoints Bernd Stange as new head coach

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) today announced that it has appointed Bernd Stange as the next national team head coach on a two-year contract. Mr Stange’s illustrious coaching career includes leading Belarus during the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign where they defeated France in an away qualifier.

The 65-year-old achieved several remarkable results during his term as national coach of Belarus, including victories over the Netherlands as well as draws against traditional powerhouses Germany and Argentina. Mr Stange, who had also coached the national teams of East Germany and Iraq, led Belarus to a FIFA ranking of 36th in 2011, up from 90th spot in 2008. During Mr Stange’s term as national coach of Iraq, FIFA presented the Presidential Award 2003 to the Iraqi football community in recognition of their energy and determination to drive forward the development of football despite the difficult situation in the country at that time. Mr Stange said: “The post of national team head coach is always a challenging one for any coach – more so in a country like Singapore where football is the number one sport and whose national team are now champions of the region. “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed from a pool of more than 100 qualified candidates. It was a rigorous process which enabled both FAS and I to have a clear understanding of each other’s objectives and goals, and I am both impressed and motivated by the professionalism, vision and footballing goals of the Association. “While I recognize that the task ahead will not be easy, I am confident and I believe my experience at the international level and contacts in the game will be an asset to Singapore football. I understand the constraints and challenges faced by the national sports associations in Singapore, including FAS, and I urge all stakeholders to support us and work together as a team as we strive to optimize our resources and maximize our success.

I am looking forward with excitement to playing a role to further develop football in this beautiful country.” FAS president Zainudin Nordin said: “Bernd is one of the most respected coaches in Europe today and he brings with him a wealth of international experience, ability and track record of building and managing successful teams despite the constraints. Bernd, who is known to command respect from high-profile players, also has a vast network of contacts which further convinced us that he is the best choice to build on our success and bring Singapore football to the next level. “As we mentioned previously, we have a rigorous recruitment process in place to ensure that we select only the best available person. Through our own contacts and referrals from our partners including FIFA, UEFA and several leading Football Associations, we received applications from many qualified candidates who, together with those submitted by Sports Recruitment International, were part of the long list. “We subsequently trimmed the list to about 15 candidates, who boast impressive coaching credentials and experience, and conducted our due diligence before reducing the list to five.

Apart from face-to-face interviews with the candidates, we also consulted several leading personnel in the sports and football industries with the objective of ensuring that we appoint the best available person to assume the key post of National Team Head Coach.” Mr Zainudin added: “Bernd’s immediate target is to work with V. Sundramoorthy, who is the Head Coach of the 2013 SEA Games team and his assistant, Aide Iskandar, to prepare our team for the competition which will take place in December. Bernd will also oversee the preparations for the 2015 SEA Games as we strive to clinch the gold medal at the competition which will be held in Singapore. With his wealth of experience, Bernd will also play a key role in mentoring local coaches including V. Sundramoorthy and Aide Iskandar, and we hope that a local coach will be appointed as the National Coach soon. “Notwithstanding the progress of our national team and youth development programmes in recent years, there remains much hard work ahead.

We will support Bernd to the best of our abilities and work closely with him as we strive towards the goals spelt out in the Strategic Plan as well as the mid-term and immediate targets we have set. At the same time, we look forward to the continued support of our stakeholders, including the fans, media, sponsors and relevant agencies, which is critical to our success.” National team captain Shahril Ishak expressed excitement over the appointment of the new head coach. “As a player, I am delighted that the FAS has secured the services of one of the most experienced coaches in football today. Coach Bernd Stange has a proven track record at the top international level and had taken on the likes of Germany, Argentina, France, England and the Netherlands in recent years. His experience in Europe and Asia will be a value-add to local football and like any other player, I look forward to being part of Coach Bernd’s team and work together with him to raise our standards even further.” V Sundramoorthy, who has been appointed head coach for SEA Games squad, said: “I am really happy to be given the opportunity early this year to take our young players to the SEA Games in Myanmar this December. Many of our young players are gaining the necessary experience ahead of the Games while playing against older and tougher opponents in the S.League and the Malaysian Super League.

There are several plans, including centralised training programmes and participating in overseas competitions to better prepare the squad prior to the tournament. “I also hope to learn from Bernd, who has vast experience with a proven track record at the top international level with different countries in East Germany, Iraq and Belarus. He has worked with many high-profile players, and our players will get to learn a lot under his guidance. I look forward to teaming up with Bernd to bring Singapore Football to the next level”, added Sundramoorthy. Ms Helen Soulsby, Director (Asia) at Sports Recruitment International, said: “After undergoing a rigorous process which commenced last year, we are delighted that FAS has appointed Mr Bernd Stange as its next National Team Head Coach. We appreciate the professionalism of FAS officials and it was a joy working with them. It is also a great honour and privilege to play a part in assisting the FAS in this key recruitment process, and we are proud to have added FAS to our list of clients which includes Arsenal FC, Liverpool FC, Juventus FC and other leading sports organisations such as UEFA and IOC. We are confident that FAS and Bernd are well positioned to scale greater heights in the coming years and we wish them the very best.”

Several Big Names expressed desire to lead Singapore

Football Association of Singapore (FAS) will widen the spread nets for a successor national team coach, Radojko 'Raddy' Avramovic.

FAS president Zainudin Nordin said: "Through our contact network and deep relationships Sports Recruitment International with talent coach, several candidates for the post of national coach has expressed their desire for a few months.

Sources said at least one big name - David O'Leary, former coach of Leeds United and Aston Villa - have expressed a desire to lead Team Singapore, but he was said to be too high demand.

Another name that was tipped Alex Miller, 63, who was the director of scouting for talent during Gerard Houllier's Liverpool Anfield club's coaching career in 1999.

Meanwhile, Raddy appreciation, Zainudin said: "Since joining us in 2003, coach Raddy was doing good and faithful. Addition AFF Cup success in 2004, 2007 and 2012, Raddy has elicited a lot of young talent.

"Raddy has played an important role in the development of football here in the last decade and I wish to express appreciation to Raddy for their dedication and hard work.

"We are delighted he has met both goals in 2011-12 gave him FAS - the third qualifying round of Asian qualification for the 2014 World Cup and qualified for the final of the AF Suzuki Cup 2012."

Avramovic, 63 years old, considered as one of the most successful coaches in Southeast Asia, said: "I am happy to Singapore football has progressed, especially in terms of youth development."

According to Zainudin, Sports Recruitment International has regional offices in Singapore, Australia, Switzerland and Britain, and FAS will carry out the first stage of the interview soon.

"While we hope to resolve this urgent appointment, we will not rush into making a decision. Event new national coach could not be appointed for the first match of Singapore in 2015 Asian Cup qualifiers, we will appoint a temporary coach to guide the Lions squad."

10 players who should be in the Singapore squad

There is a lot more talent out there who could take the step up and don the national red. We present 10 players who we think should be in the national team:

JAMIL ALI | Tampines Rovers

Ask anyone who has been watching the S.League regularly who should be in the Singapore national team, and you can bet that the most repeated name will be Jamil Ali. The hardworking Tampines striker has speed and the killer instinct to find the net in crucial matches. Jamil, who has one cap from 2004, unfortunately has the unenviable task of playing shadow to his striker partner, the prolific Aleksandar Duric. But not hitting the headlines should be no reason to be overlooked.

LIONEL LEWIS | Home United The former Singapore number 1 has since dropped down the pecking order after a series of injuries. In his place, the worthy LionsXII duo of Izwan Mahbud and Hyrulnizam Juma'at have stepped up. But in both League and continental competitions, Lewis has shown superb form, worthy of at least a call-up, if not a return to being Singapore's number 1. What we need is a sign of assurance from the big man that he's ready, but his performances are evident enough anyway.

AMY RECHA | Geylang United Nazmi Faiz of S.League's Harimau Muda A fame has been on the radar of European scouts for a good year and he finally got his big move to the Portuguese First Division. What Nazmi had was exposure, and that is exactly what young Amy Recha needs. The 20-year-old Geylang forward has played bit-part roles off the bench but his eyecatching performances should be a sign of bigger things to come if developed well.

SEVKI SHA'ABAN | LionsXII Hariss Harun could not possibly deputise for two missing centre-backs, and that meant a starting berth for what was then a fourth-choice centreback in Sevki Sha'aban. But the former Geylang United player's form has been remarkable, coinciding with the LionsXII's best run in the league. Never looking a step out of place and a natural in the heart of defence, Sevki has too few caps to his name.

JEREMY CHIANG | Home United 27-year-old Jeremy Chiang is not the most eye-catching player you would see. But the former Gombak United defender fits the mould of what, Jose Mourinho dubbed Paulo Ferreira - 'A player who will never be man of the match but will always score 7/10 for his individual display.' In other words, Chiang is the mark of consistency and in a Home United side built on industry, has qualities that are much needed in the national set-up.

ISMAIL YUNOS | Gombak United Having thoroughly recovered from that horrific knee injury that wrecked his international career in 2009, he has been patiently biding his time while manning the rear with Gombak United. Familiar with every position across the backline, and especially experienced in supporting the attack from rightback, this lanky man provides a seasoned alternative to untested rookies like Raihan Abdul Rahman, Poh Yi Feng and Shakir Hamzah.

MADHU MOHANA | LionsXII It may seem curious to suggest that, with 18 LionsXII players already called up, there are still perfectly good ones being left out, but both Sevki and this Singapore Sports School alumnus have been putting in determined performances at the back whenever they are called upon. If friendly matches like the ones against Hong Kong and Malaysia are a chance to cultivate young talents, this emerging pillar should not be far from such a shortlist.

NURULLAH HUSSEIN | Gombak United Moving straight from the National Football Academy to Gombak United’s first team, this teenage fullback has fully justified Bulls chairman John Yap’s pre-season tip that he will be an exciting one to watch with his willingness to surge forward and support the attack. Being involved in the national Under-22s setup apparently precluded him from selection this time, but if he keeps up his good work, an appearance in August against Hong Kong should not be ruled out.

K.VIKRAMAN | Gombak United There is a growing trend of picking versatile players who can cover multiple positions, and on that basis, this wily winger can be given serious consideration. Having already shown that he can take both the left and right flanks while with Balestier Khalsa, he has also served at rightback and defensive midfield for Gombak United this term. At 29, his career has bloomed relatively late, but surely there can be a place for him.

Aliff Shaffaein | Tanjong Pagar United The pint-sized attacker has often had to battle against the odds, and after years of working with top guns at Tampines Rovers, the shock switch to Tanjong Pagar United has thrown him more challenges. But he has adapted well after a difficult start to provide creative impetus on the left, and if Firdaus Idros can earn himself a place in the Singapore national team, a similarly skilful and gutsy man such as ‘The Little Master’ can do it too.

Fandi says no to FAS job offer as Temporary Assistant Coach

ESPN STAR.COM


Singapore's favourite footballing son Fandi Ahmad has turned down an offer from the Football Association of Singapore to work as an assistant coach with the national team.


Fandi was only recently hired by Malaysian Premier League outfit Johor earlier this month as a technical advisor.

However, the Singapore star, who 52 goals in 101 caps, has since revealed he had an opportunity to assist national team coach Raddy Avramovic for their final 2014 World Cup qualifier against Iraq - an offer which he turned down.

"The Football Association of Singapore had earlier offered me a role as assistant to national coach Radojko Avramovic for the final World Cup qualifying match against Iraq in Doha at the end of the month," Fandi told Singapore's TODAY newspaper.

"I promised to get back to them but now I realise it's just not possible to take up the offer.

"Doing so would mean I have to be away for at least 12 days from the day training starts and by the time I get back to Singapore after the match. Johor need me especially this period when I am still new to the team and they need all the help.

"I will tell coach Raddy of my decision. He is the first person I need to inform.

"I am not snubbing the FAS. Maybe another time."

The Lions will play a friendly against Azerbaijan on February 24, before they take on Iraq five days later.

Perak 1-2 LionsXII: Shahril Ishak double seals second win on the trot

By Keeshaanan Sundaresan  www.goal.com

The Singapore captain continued his excellent goal scoring form with a double that ended Perak's 100% home record

Lionsxii were evidently the better team from the beginning with the home side failing to find their footing early on in the game. Sufian Anuar came close to giving LionsXII a much deserved early lead, but he scuffed his shot over the bar after a terrific cross from Shahril Ishak.

The pace of Sufian Anuar was causing mayhem for the Perak defenders, while the midfield battle between Shahril Ishak and Michal Kubala was proving to be intriguing.

Perak then had a shout for penalty when Lazar Popovic was brought down inside the penalty box, but the referee waved on for play to continue, much to the dismay of the home fans.

As the game continued, Perak began to assert themselves in the match, with Fahrul Razi proving to be a real menace down the left flank. However, it was the away side that opened the scoring in the 35th minute, when Shaiful Esah's cross was headed into the path of Shahril Ishak by Sufian Anuar, and the skipper did not disappoint by netting his his fourth goal in three matches.

Hariss Harun then smashed in a long-distance scorcher which was dispatched well by Nasril Nourdin, as the score remained until half-time.

After the break, Perak marched into the pitch with fire in the belly as they began to show more initiative on the offensive. Their efforts paid immediate dividends as Perak were awarded a penalty in the 48th minute. Kubala's shot was not cleanly saved by Izwan Mahbud and Popovic was brought down as he went for the rebound. Kubala finished-off the penalty in style to restore parity for the Seladangs. But a lengthy delay preceded the penalty kick after a laser pointer was used on Izwan.

Akhmal Rizal then came close to giving Perak the lead, but his fluffed shot went straight at the keeper in the 65th minute. That missed proved to be costly as Shahril Ishak netted his second of the game, after a brilliant cross from Saiful Esah, to restore the lead for LionsXII.

From that moment on, Perak's momentum began to falter as Sundramoorthy's men dictated proceedings. Both sides managed to foster a few key chances towards the end of the game, but the scoreline remained for a much deserved LionsXII victory.

Local fans react over LionsXII National Service snub

By Daniel Teo | Fit to Post Sports 


Local football fans Yahoo! Singapore spoke to have voiced their opinion on the recent National Service-LionsXII saga.

It was reported in The New Paper that only 15 players travelled to Ipoh on Monday for their Malaysian Super League (MSL) match against Perak on Wednesday evening, with Hariss Harun, Yasir Hanapi, Shakir Hamzah, Safuwan Bahrudin and Khairul Nizam only able to join up with the squad on Tuesday due to NS commitments.

Players who are Full-time NS servicemen (NSF) have been utilizing their annual leave for away fixtures this season and it has been revealed that the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) has rejected a season's worth of leave applications by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) before the season started.

Mindef spokesman Colonel Desmond Tan has made it clear in his TNP quote that the LionsXII players will not be excused from their NS duties.

"Where exigencies of service permits and subject to the merits of each case, Mindef allows national sportsmen, who are supported by the SSC, Full-Pay Unrecorded Leave (FPUL) to represent Singapore in selected major international competitions," he said.

"The MSL is a football league and not an international competition. Mindef does not grant FPUL for participation in the MSL."

This has sparked a big debate among the local football fraternity.

Dave Law, a Business Development manager, told Yahoo! Singapore that authorities should start putting into action what they promised and blamed National Service for stunting the growth of our athletes.

He lamented: "One hand we are talking about supporting local sports. On the other hand we are killing them off.

"National Service is singlehandedly responsible for the sporting death of many aspiring potential medal winners."

Justin Mark Roy, a follower of local football, believes playing for the country - albeit not in an international competition - is a form of national service itself.

"Playing for your country is a service, be it in any sport," he declared.

"If NS continues to be a restriction to our talents, then our field of sports, arts and sciences will all suffer."

While some are disappointed by the lack of support from the NS bodies, there are others who understand and back Mindef's decision against granting leave to the LionsXII players.

Yahoo! Singapore Facebook reader Muhd Khalis Rifhan said: "Lets be fair to Mindef. LionsXII is not the Singapore national team. So this ruling make sense.

"LionsXII is a club and should be treated like one and not be accorded status like a national team."

Yahoo! Singapore reader WP added: "Good decision by Mindef and SPF. Don't waste time and resources on sports where we cannot excel. Singapore football is nothing but rubbish."

LionsXII cruise to 3-1 win over Negeri Sembilan

By wenjian

Finally, it all clicked on the night.

Boosted by a 7,000-strong home crowd who chose to forgo the Man United-Liverpool clash on television, the LionsXII cruised to a 3-1 win over Negeri Sembilan at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

But what really got the fans purring was the manner of victory. Neat team play, silky passes and nifty footwork, which had all been missing in the LionsXII's displays so far, all finally came together.

Much of the credit must go down to coach V Sundramoorthy's brave decision to field former Home United striker Sufian Anuar in place of the tried-and-tested Agu Casmir and boy, did he impress, creating two goals and generally wreaking havoc on the opposition defence.

The first half saw the Singapore side dominating play and coming close to scoring several times.

Surprise starter Sufian, who introduced a certain fluency to the LionsXII play, spurned several one-on-one chances against Negeri Sembilan's goalkeeper Farizal Marlias, which against stiffer opposition, perhaps, may have proved costly.

But the game's opening goal came in the 30th minute through a penalty awarded to LionsXII courtesy of a handball and captain Shahril Ishak coolly stroked home, his first of the night, to give the home side the lead.

The LionsXII continued to remain organized, compact in defence and aggressive in attack and it was not long before they went 2-0 up after Sufian's pass was polished off by Shahdan Sulaiman.

Negeri Sembilan found scoring chances few and far between with their strike duo of Jean-Emmanuel Effa and Ahmad Shakir well-marshalled by a cool and composed backline led by Baihakki.

The third goal of the night came in the form of a brilliant slide at the far post by skipper Shahril to slot home a low cross by the in-form Sufian.

To their credit, even at 3-0 down, the visitors continued to attack and finally had something to show for when Firdaus Azizul scored a consolation goal during a goalmouth melee.

After the match, coach Sundram was quick to praise former Home United striker Sufian Anuar: "I feel that I made the right decision to select Sufian in attack but this is a long season."

He added that Nigerian-born Agu Casmir, who made way for Sufian, need not despair.

"The entire team will have different times to contribute and on another night, Agu Casmir will play a vital role for the LionsXII."

His opposite number Mohd Azeaai Khor bin Abdullah also commented at the post-match press conference, "My players were not used to the pitch here and they did not have enough time get accustomed to it. However, I feel that we also had some players who looked tired and Ahmad Shakir who was with the Malaysian Olympic team was looking physically worn out as the match progressed. We had our chances in the game but were unable to capitalize on it."

Gabriel Batistuta in line to partner Fandi Ahmad

by Tan Yo-Hinn

Johor crown prince reveals talks with football legend to join former Singapore star at state side


SINGAPORE--In a stunning development, Johor crown prince Ismail Sultan Ibrahim revealed in his Twitter account yesterday that Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta could join the state's Malaysian Premier League (MPL) side and work with former Singapore star Fandi Ahmad.

According to Ismail, who is also the Johor FA president, Batistuta will arrive in Johor soon to hold talks with him and Fandi.

Batistuta, who turned 43 a week ago, is Argentina's record all-time leading scorer with 56 goals from 78 appearances during an 11-year international career that included outings at three World Cups and two Copa America triumphs in 1991 and 1993.

He also turned out for Argentina's River Plate side, and later played for Serie A's Fiorentina and AS Roma in a professional career that spanned almost two decades from 1988 to 2005.

But it was during his nine-year spell with Italian Serie A side Fiorentina, and winning a Scudetto with Roma in 2001, that he rose to global prominence.

Batistuta retired in 2005 after a spell with Qatari side Al Arabi.

Should he agree terms with Johor, Ismail said the Argentine will collaborate with Johor FA technical adviser and team manager Fandi on strengthening the state team. He is confident that Batistuta will also spur young local Johor players to improve their game.

The crown prince signed Fandi to his current positions on a three-year deal earlier this month.

Johor FA are currently fifth in the 12-strong MPL standings with nine points after six matches, four points behind leaders Pahang who beat them 2-0 on Tuesday night in Temerloh.

S-League jumps on regional airwaves

by Shamir Osman

'Live' telecast in Malaysia and Brunei a tremendous breakthrough, says Lim


SINGAPORE - Regular matchdays, a two-round format and new foreign teams in Malaysia's Harimau Muda and Brunei side DPMM FC, but changes in domestic football, christened S-League version 2.0, have still to set pulses racing. 

But in a move that will surely raise the profile of a league going into its 17th year when it kicks off in two days, Today has come to learn that the 2012 season will be broadcast "live" by Malaysian television company Astro in Malaysia as well as Brunei, starting with Harimau Muda's opening game against Gombak United this Thursday. 

Speaking to Today, S-League chief executive officer Lim Chin said: "It is a tremendous breakthrough for us that Astro has decided to telecast our games 'live' in Malaysia and Brunei. 

"It will help our popularity to grow well beyond our shores to a wider audience." 

And Lim expects the spillover effects from this to be felt sooner rather than later. 

"This will enable us to reach out to footballers who might want to come and play here, and this might even help us in terms of luring in sponsors, who will get a wider audience across the region," he said. 

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) have already decided on the company that will be in charge of the production of S-League games as well as the cable television company that will broadcast the matches, with that announcement expected to take place tomorrow.

Similar to the LionsXII Malaysian Super League matches, Today understands that S-League games will also be available on free-to-air television, with a weekly magazine show in the pipeline as well. 

Lim believes this broadcast arrangement will be a viable testing ground for the ASEAN Super League (ASL) - a competition featuring teams from across the region in a combined league similar to its basketball cousin, the ASEAN Basketball League - that is expected to take shape within the next few years. 

"The S-League this year is a smaller scale concept of the ASL, with teams from different countries travelling across the region to play matches. And the fact that broadcasting it regionally is possible, with the promotions and sponsorships that we expect to achieve, augurs well for the ASL, should it materialise," said Lim. 

"The broadcaster will be tracking viewership numbers to see just how well the matches are being received, and we will endeavour to keep up production and broadcast standards too."

But if Lim and his team have their way, S-League version 2.0 will continue to see additional revisions, like an All-Star game sometime in June, that Lim hopes will see as much excitement surrounding it as last Sunday's Charity Shield fixture between Tampines Rovers and Home United. 

"The Charity Shield went well, and we want to keep things vibrant in a league that will be shorter this year (after the format has been changed from a three-round format to a two-round system). The All-Star game is one idea that has been mooted, but things are still fluid now," said Lim. 

The match could feature a team made up of players from clubs hailing from the Eastern side of the island against their counterparts from the West, or even a local All-Star team against an S-League foreign legion side. 

But the central idea remains to keep the buzz around the S-League going. 

Said Lim: "We're still in the early stages of things and it is still just an idea right now, but I like the idea of bringing everyone together again at the Jalan Besar Stadium."

LionsXII to ring changes

by Shamir Osman

SINGAPORE - A Singapore-Selangor fixture of the past years would have thrown up a close encounter and displaying an array of attacking talent the envy of all. Names like Mokhtar Dahari, Zainal Abidin Hassan, Azman Adnan on one end with Dollah Kassim, Quah Kim Song and Fandi Ahmad on the other. 

Separated by a single point in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) table, the two teams meet tomorrow at the Bukit Jalil Stadium but under different circumstances.

Selangor will parade their latest signing, former Croatian international striker Bosko Balanban in their attempt to lift their fortunes. V Sundramoorthy's LionsXII side have been struggling to find goals too, managing just four to Selangor's five. 

But things could change for the LionsXII in March when the transfer window opens on April 2.

"There will be some changes in the squad. We will look to beef up the squad when the transfer window opens. The focus will be on attacking, but at the moment, there aren't many local attackers around," assistant coach Kadir Yahaya told Today. 

"It's still early in the season, but some have achieved good marks, others still need more time, and some are struggling."

But other problems have also plagued the 29-man LionsXII squad. Today understands that the trio of Praveen Guanasagaran, Izzdin Shafiq and Gabriel Quak have not been able to train regularly with the team due to National Service commitments, with others reporting for training late, even unable to travel for away games due to the same reasons. 

Injuries to Khairul Amri, Khairul Nizam, Shahdan Sulaiman and Safuwan Baharudin have also hit the team. 

Yesterday's training session saw only 21 players take part in full training, not enough for a full two-sided game. 

Today understands LionsXII officials have approached S-League clubs for their players, but there has been some resistance from both clubs and players. 

Said Kadir: "Based on performances, injuries and National Service commitments, there will need to be changes, and we will inform the players involved soon." SHAMIR OSMAN 

LionsXII midfielder suspended for breach of conduct

by Philip Goh Haw Hann


SINGAPORE - LionsXII midfielder Firdaus Kasman has been suspended indefinitely by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) following a birthday outing last Saturday, which ended in the police detaining the 24-year-old and a friend.

The FAS in a statement released last night said that Firdaus has been suspended because he has breached its Code of Conduct & Professional Ethics, which specifically prohibits the consumption of alcohol at any time.

The FAS condemned the player's action, which they deemed irresponsible, and will decide on the appropriate action to be taken after a disciplinary committee hearing.

Meanwhile, Firdaus and his unnamed childhood friend are also under investigation by the police for an incident, in which the friend had allegedly picked up a lady's handbag, while believing it to belong to Firdaus' fiancee.

The incident took place while the friend was helping Firdaus to the toilet as the footballer felt like vomiting. Subsequently, the police who was called in detained the two of them. 

The police detention had resulted in Firdaus missing training on Sunday.

Firdaus has issued an apology expressing regret for his actions and his willingness to accept the pending sanctions from the FAS disciplinary committee.

I still have role to play in S’pore football: Fandi Ahmad

By danteo | Fit to Post Sports

Singapore football legend Fandi Ahmad insists he still has a role to play in Singapore football despite being appointed team manager of Johor FA last Friday.

The former Lions striker's latest appointment came just a day after landing the role of technical adviser with the two-time Malaysia Cup champions, who have since slumped into the second division.

The 49-year-old was initially keen on leading Singapore's Under-21 side to the AFC Under-22 qualifier in Brunei in June as part of the Young Lions preparations for next year's Sea Games in Myanmar.

But according to Malaysia daily New Straits Times, the Football Association of Singapore "was slow to respond" and Fandi decided to take up the role with Johor FA, whom he signed a three-year contract with.

Singapore's favourite footballing son however insists he can still contribute to his country's footballing development despite pledging his loyalty to Johor.

"I will still help out the FAS on ad-hoc basis. But right now my loyalty lies with Johor. Sukumaran [head coach] and myself are determined to rebuild Johor football and bring back the glorious days," he told NST.

"I am really honoured to be given this post. I am grateful to be given the trust by the top guns in the association and I will do my best to take Johor football to new heights," he added.

Local football fans have given their views on Fandi's involvement with their cross-border neighbours.

Chan Chok Seng, 36, reckons home is always Fandi's preferred destination. He said: "If Fandi has been given the job at FAS, do you think he would choose to go Johor?

"Whether it's a wrong decision for FAS not to hire Fandi remains to be seen. But having an experienced player who had seen it all as a coaching staff will certainly do no harm.

"He's an icon and he could give the players a lift when needed," he added.

However, Kelvin Tan, 31, feels it might be a blessing in disguise for Singapore football, arguing: "He's a good player but I don't think he can hit the same heights as a coach.

"We should bring in some real foreign talent with technical expertise. No point crying over spilled milk. He has made his decision and that's that."

FAS could not be contacted to comment at press time.

'Be adventurous, push forward'

by Dan Guen Chin

Singapore's Most Prolific Striker (Fandi Ahmad) gives his take on the LionsXII and their goal-scoring problems

SINGAPORE - Four goals in five matches, and not to mention, one of them came courtesy of a Kuala Lumpur own goal during the Lions- XII's 2-1 win on Jan 17.

The LionsXII's goal-scoring record in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) is far from impressive, as far as Fandi Ahmad is concerned, and the Republic's most prolific goal-scorer believes it could make it tough to do well in their first season back in Malaysian football.

But Fandi said that in all fairness, the LionsXII never really had the best of preparations for the MSL season but they could only improve if they stick together throughout the trying season. "It clearly shows the team did not play enough pre-season matches and therefore it will take a much longer period for them to gel. But they will get there if they hang on together and don't waiver in the face of some tough competition along the way," added Fandi.

His advice for the team's goal-scoring woes was to go get a striker, convert another player into a forward or try out someone new. Just find someone. "We just have to find someone who can score the goals, failing which we will find it hard to win matches and get the points needed for a respectable finish at the end of the season," said Fandi.

The 50-year-old, who captained Singapore to triumph in the 1994 Malaysia Cup, has been following the LionsXII's progress in the MSL and while he is happy that the team is holding its own against the big boys, he has pointed out several areas that need improvement.

Fandi and Sundram are friends and the duo formed one of the most deadly striking partnerships in their heyday, but Fandi did not shy away from commenting on the current coach's tactical decisions.

"To be honest, Agu Casmir, the front man, is not playing in his ideal position. He is an effective player but only in the 18-yard box. That's where he thrives. He comes alive in the box. But to ask him to play a bit deeper and do all the running and fetching, it's asking a bit too much of him."

With regard to team captain Shahril Ishak, Fandi said: "You either put him as an out-and-out striker or play him just behind the frontman. To ask him to score and also to create goals would be a bit too taxing on him.

"He is a talented player, no doubt, but he has his limitations."

Fandi rated the current LionsXII squad, saying that it was of reasonable quality and he reserved special praise for the solid defence which has been superbly marshalled by Baihakki Khaizan. But a great defence does not amount to goals and Fandi was quick to point out that the glaring lack of creativity in midfield is a major factor in the goal drought.

True to his nature as a goal predator, Fandi urged the team to go on the prowl for goals. "You don't create chances and you don't get the goals. But to be able to create chances means you have to be adventurous and push forward a bit more," said Fandi.

"I always believe that football should never be played in a defensive mode. Attack at every given opportunity is the name of the game."

Safuwan, Shahdan doubtful for Selangor match

by Ian De Cotta

The LionsXII could be without the services of two key players - defender Safuwan Baharuddin and midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman - when they face Selangor in the Malaysian Super League at the Bukit Jalil Stadium next Wednesday.

The 20-year old Safuwan hurt his ankle in the second-half of the match against Terengganu at the Jalan Besar Stadium last Saturday and, although an MRI scan did not reveal any serious injury, he may not be fit in time for the trip to Kuala Lumpur.

Also doubtful for the trip with a similar injury is midfielder Shahdan but the good news for the LionsXII is that Baihakki Khaizan, the rock in the heart of the defence, has recovered fully from the knee injury which kept him out of the match against Terengganu. He should be in the starting lineup against archrivals Selangor.

LionsXII physiotherapist Majid Khan told Today that although he expects Safuwan and Shahdan to start light training in a couple of days, their recovery could take up to 10 days.

"Safuwan and Shahdan are the only ones doubtful. But they may recover early, if they respond well to treatment," said Majid.

"We have started therapy for them in the pool, which could accelerate healing and we could see some results in a few days' time."

If Safuwan is forced to skip the match against Selangor, midfield ace Hariss Harun may have to step up and fill the gap in defence for the third match in a row.

THE LIONS XII: MY FIRST IMPRESSIONS

by Fandi Ahmad

I feel that the Lions XII have done relatively well in the Malaysia Super League so far but as much as I'm happy for the coaching staff and players with their two victories against Kuala Lumpur and Sabah, I feel that they still have a long way to go.

Taking nothing away from the team, they are indeed a young and promising side for the future. At this point in time however, I have not seen a particular playing style that they have adopted. These new players are still trying to adjust to the competition, which is more aggressive; fast paced and definitely more intimidating with more spectators in attendance than our S-League matches.

Hopefully, the players will be able to adjust fast enough to convince the supporters that they are worthy of representing their country and at the same time prove to their Malaysian opponents that they belong in this competition.

How can they achieve this? Firstly, they need to bring in a proven striker as the present captain, Sharil Ishak, is more of a playmaker than an out-and-out striker. He is playing alone up front and has done well to hold the ball and distribute it before making the runs but he definitely needs some support.

Secondly, they have to cut out the long balls as they do not have players who are quick enough or even smart enough to keep the ball upfront except for Agu Casmir, who is out injured.

What the Lions XII should be doing is keeping the ball on the ground but that requires a lot of fitness to execute. Unfortunately, the boys have shown, especially in the final quarter of matches, to be severely lacking in match fitness, and this is simply a recipe for disaster.

Lastly, they need to start producing more combination attacking play and to get more bodies going forward in attack. With the added firepower up front, this will give the team more options and avenues to attack the opposition.

The big plus about the Lions XII despite being only recently formed is that their defence has been relatively good with Baihakki as my pick as the team's stand-out performer so far. Apart from Baihakki, vice-captain Harris, for me, comes in a close second because he has shown his willingness and versatility of playing at centre-back when called upon this season.

Another good thing to take note of is that the team is growing each time they play and they can only get better with more experience. The players need to be able to adjust to the demands of the long campaign especially with all the traveling involved. Injuries are bound to happen and it’s extremely important that the guys pay attention to the rigours of the league over the next few months.

Fandi's unhappy, but holds out hope for a national job

by Dan Guen Chin

JOHOR BARU - He will turn 50 on May 29, but the boyish good looks are still clearly evident.

He had spent over an hour yesterday afternoon barking out instructions, cajoling, encouraging and exchanging words with coach K Sukumaran, easily settling into his new role as technical advisor of second-tier Malaysian Premier League side Johor FA.

When Fandi Ahmad settled down later for a chat, the famous smile was instantly recognisable.

Although it very quickly became clear Fandi was upset, and all was not right in his world.

Speaking to TODAY, he said: "I have not been happy with the way the FAS (Football Association of Singapore) have done certain things in the past.

"But I've told myself that whatever happens, I am still a Singaporean and national interests must come first.

"So, even though I've got nothing to do with the FAS directly now, I hope I will be given the chance to take charge of a national team.

"Maybe the Singapore under-23 team for the 2013 SEA Games in Myanmar or the 2015 SEA Games (which Singapore will host).

"That would be fitting for my football career."

Fandi, Singapore's most famous footballer and arguably the best player to don the national jersey, was the assistant to Singapore national coach Radojko Avramovic from 2004 to Dec 2006.

The former SAFFC coach, who led the S-League giants to two titles, left the FAS after that stint.

"To tell you the truth, I was ready to continue then. But they (the FAS) never got back to me. They only did so in March, three months later, and offered excuses like they could not contact me earlier," he said.

"How do you expect me to react. I told them I was no longer interested."

Fandi moved on.

He coached in Indonesia until 2009, then returned to form the Fandi Ahmad Academy in co-operation with SAFFC.

He was appointed coach of the H-Two-O Dream Team, a collaboration between the isotonic drinks manufacturers and the Institute of Technical Education.

He also became technical director of the Sembawang Soccer Academy last year, but recently relinquished that position.

Now, he has signed a three-year contract with Johor FA and is out to help the team gain promotion to the Malaysian Super League.

He will assist coach Sukumaran on all footballing matters, from training sessions to tactical workouts to the recruitment of players.

"Working with young players and watching them grow gives me immense satisfaction. It's the same with Johor, too. They have a bunch of young and inexperienced players and it's a challenge to keep them in the fight in the M-League," said Fandi.

Away from the football field, Fandi admitted life has not been a bed of roses, with his wife, model Wendy Jacobs, ill.

Fandi, who has five children with Wendy, said: "My wife has just been discharged from hospital today after suffering a fall at home during Chinese New Year. I was in the shower when she fell.

"In fact, she has not been really well after she suffered a seizure back in 2009 when we were living in Jakarta and I was coaching Pelita Jaya in the Indonesian Super League.

"The medical bills are mounting for me and made worse by the fact that her condition is not covered by insurance.

"But I am an optimist and I believe things will work out well for us in the end."

There is also the issue of housing.

Fandi sold his previous house when he left to take up the coaching job in Indonesia.

"I am in the process of applying to buy a HDB flat," he revealed. "But I don't have enough in my CPF savings. So things are a bit complicated."

He was Singapore's first sports millionaire, but after a number of failed business ventures, Fandi has lost much of his fortune.

The trace of bitterness was inescapable, when he said: "You see, maybe people value my football abilities more across the Causeway rather than in my own Singapore. That's why I am in Johor now and not in the employment of the FAS.

"But, I believe there are still some good people in the FAS who are willing to lend a helping hand.

"