‘Fandi the man’ for LionsXII job: Tampines coach

SINGAPORE — Fandi Ahmad may remain coy about it, but Tampines Rovers General Manager Tay Peng Kee believes his former Singapore national team-mate remains the best person to succeed V Sundramoorthy as head coach of the LionsXII.

The post became vacant earlier this month after Sundram confirmed he would not be renewing his current deal with the Malaysian Super League (MSL) champions.

Since then, several names have been touted as possible replacements, including former internationals Terry Pathmanathan, Kadir Yahaya and national assistant coach Aide Iskandar.

Richard Bok, who led SAFFC — now known as Warriors FC — to four S-League titles from 2006 to 2009, has expressed an interest in the role.

Ong Kim Swee, coach of Harimau Muda “A” — effectively Malaysia’s national under-23 side — is also keeping his options open.

But Tay, who is also head coach of reigning S-League champions Tampines Rovers, thinks Fandi is perfect for the job.

“He is my pick to coach the LionsXII side. He has everything needed for the job. He has the experience, (commands) respect and he knows what is required for the job. After all, Fandi coached MSL side Johor Darul Takzim.

“He has played in the Malaysia Cup before with Federal Territory, Pahang and also Singapore. And he has coached in the S-League and served as assistant national coach.

“You cannot ask for a better man than Fandi.”

Tay also ruled himself out of the running when he said: “Coaching is not for me as a long-term career. I am only doing it for Tampines Rovers.”

Fandi, who left Johor Darul Takzim in August, insists he is only focused on running his football academy.

“So many people have been asking me if I am interested in coaching the LionsXII ever since Sundram announced that he is not continuing. (But) what can I say?” said the 51-year-old.

“Let’s just leave the matter alone for now because I am busy running my own soccer academy.”

Kadir, Sundram’s assistant with the LionsXII last season, has confirmed he will not be applying for the role of LionsXII head coach as he intends to see out his current contract as coach of St Joseph’s Institution.

But Ong, who led Harimau Muda “A” to a credible fourth-place finish in last year’s S-League, said: “I have always said that it would be an honour for any coach to work outside his own country. A challenge too.

“ And if the Football Association of Singapore come calling I would be interested.

“(But) my contract with the Football Association of Malaysia expires on Dec 31 and until then I am leaving my options open.”