Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Singapore: V. Sundramoorthy has been announced as the new “caretaker coach” of the Singapore national team after signing a one-year contract with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
The 50-year-old, who this week led S.League giants Tampines Rovers to the last eight of the 2016 AFC Cup, was officially unveiled at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday afternoon.
The appointment ends weeks of speculation over the vacancy following the departure of Bernd Stange after his tenure of almost three years, and the FAS were in no doubt that they had appointed the right candidate.
“After much deliberation, the executive committee of FAS has decided to appoint a local coach and, today, we are delighted to announce that V. Sundramoorthy will be the next coach to lead the national team,” said Lim Kia Tong, vice president of FAS.
“During the past few months, we have received many applications from many qualified applicants from around the world, including several who have excelled at international level and clinched league titles in top professional leagues.
“We are convinced he [Sundram] is the best choice to succeed Bernd.
“The ‘caretaker coach’ [title] is just a term. The substance is that Sundram is indeed the national team coach.
“He demonstrated strong conviction and belief in himself to lead the national team, as well as in the players that are available to him.”
With Sundram’s present deal running until next May, his immediate focus will be on the upcoming ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Championship, where the Lions will be looking to make amends after bowing out in the group stage two years ago despite entering the tournament as defending champions and co-hosts.
While he is yet to conduct his first training session in his new role, the ambitious Sundram, who won the Malaysia Super League in 2013 with a youthful LionsXII outfit, has already set his sights on making amends come the end of 2016.
“Coaches are often measured by results and the duration of the contract makes little difference,” said the former Singapore striker.
“Both FAS and I are happy with the one-year deal and I’m also thankful to Tampines for releasing me [from my contract].
“The most important thing is the opportunity for me to lead my country, which has always been my dream.
“I am confident that we will perform well at the year-end Suzuki Cup [AFF Championship]. My initial target is a place in the semi-finals.”
The appointment was welcomed by Lions vice-captain Hariss Harun, who said: “Coach Sundram is very meticulous and detailed in his planning and, together with the support of the FAS management, I am confident that we will be fully prepared for the year-end Suzuki Cup.
“The national team has gained much experience over the past few years and we look forward to working with coach Sundram to further raise our standards.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports