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Ahead of big day, Sundram prepares for Stags’ night TV TIMES

SINGAPORE — V Sundramoorthy will lead Tampines Rovers for the last time during tonight’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup last 16 clash against Indian side Mohun Bagan.

SINGAPORE — V Sundramoorthy will lead Tampines Rovers for the last time during tonight’s Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup last 16 clash against Indian side Mohun Bagan.

TODAY broke the news last week that the former Singapore international will be appointed Singapore national coach on a one-year deal, with an official announcement due by the end of this week.

And the Stags expect this to be his last match in charge as head coach because they will not be in action again until June 11.

“Yes, it should be his last match in charge because as you know he is set to become the next national coach and we have a long break coming up,” Tampines chairman Krishna Ramachandra told TODAY. “The break effectively means it would be his last game.”

Sundram’s first task as national coach will be an international quadrangular in Myanmar from June 3 to June 5. The friendly tournament — which also features Myanmar, Vietnam and Hong Kong — is part of the Lions’ preparations for the Suzuki Cup.

With Sundram’s imminent departure, Tampines have acted swiftly to appoint his successor.

Assistant coach Akbar Nawas will become head coach until the end of the season, with club captain Mustafic Fahrudin taking up the role of player-assistant coach. Goalkeeper coach Herman Zailani will also take on a dual role as assistant coach.

“We all know he (Sundram) is on the verge of being appointed national coach so it’s only prudent as a club we start making provisions and not wait for any delays that will affect our progress,” explained Ramachandra.

“I have a lot of confidence in the new coaching set-up and feel that this decision makes a lot of sense for the team at the moment. They are very recognised names and the club is familiar with all three individuals.”

The 44-year-old lawyer added: “I consulted Sundram about this and it was an all-round decision that everyone (at the club) has happily embraced. There will be minimum disruption to the team.”

For now, Sundram is fully focused on tonight’s game and making sure Tampines progress to the AFC Cup quarter-finals.

“This is the biggest game of our season (so far), and right now the squad and I are fully focused on getting the job done,” the 50-year-old told TODAY. “Any discussions about my future can be done after the game.”

The five-time S.League champions will have a tricky task against Mohun Bagan though, with English forward Billy Mehmet and winger Yasir Hanapi out through suspension while midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman remains a long-term absentee.

“We are going to miss Billy, Shahdan and Yasir, but nevertheless what is important is that we have capable replacements for these players and I believe mentally and physically they must be ready,” said Sundram.

Tampines played against Mohun Bagan back in January’s AFC Champions League qualifying preliminary round one, losing 3-1, but Sundram believes his side will be much more prepared this time.

“Back then (in January), it was one of our first games during pre-season and I believe this time the boys are geared up and raring to qualify for the next round,” he said.

“We are ready and waiting to pounce on any weaknesses that they have in their team.”

Mohun Bagan vs Tampines Rovers Tonight, 9.30pm Starhub Ch 210 and Singtel Ch 116

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