Leaving ‘was a difficult, but correct, decision’

SINGAPORE — When the LionsXII lifted the Malaysian Super League (MSL) title in July, V Sundramoorthy realised that it was time for him to move on.

One of the worst-kept secrets in Singapore football was finally confirmed yesterday when the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) announced that the former Singapore international will be leaving his post as LionsXII head coach.

Sundram chose not to renew his current deal, which expires on Dec 31, so as to accept an offer to helm Negeri Sembilan, who will play in the Malaysian Premier League next season. He submitted his resignation letter to the FAS at its Jalan Besar Stadium headquarters yesterday.

TODAY understands that the 48-year-old, who once played for Swiss side FC Basel, and also turned out for Malaysian states Kedah, Pahang and Kelantan during his prime, had reached an agreement with Negeri Sembilan earlier in the season.

However, he chose to wait for the appropriate moment to announce it. This came last Friday when the LionsXII were knocked out of the Malaysia Cup by Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM), who won the two-legged quarter-final tie 4-2 on aggregate.

“It’s time for a new challenge and I look forward to working in Malaysia. I will need to settle a few things back in Singapore and I will report for work with Negeri in November,” said Sundram.

Negeri Sembilan were relegated from the MSL this season but have plans to bounce back in a big way.

The Negeri Sembilan Football Association has not only offered Sundram a S$15,000 monthly salary — double of what he is earning now — but will also arm him with a huge war chest to sign top players to help the state side win promotion and, eventually, the MSL title and the Malaysia Cup.

When contacted yesterday, the association declined to comment.

Sundram, who joined the FAS in 2004, said it was a difficult decision to make, especially as it had offered him a “very competitive and fair package” to renew his contract.

His decision also means he steps down as head coach of Singapore’s national under-23 side for the Dec 11-22 South-east Asian (SEA) Games in Myanmar.

“I have enjoyed a close relationship with my colleagues and received full support from the management at all times,” he said in a statement.

“However, it is time for me to embark on a new challenge, especially since this would be my first overseas coaching assignment.

“I regret that I am not able to lead the national under-23 team at the upcoming SEA Games, but I do not dismiss the possibility of returning someday, as Singapore football will always hold a very special place in my heart.”

The FAS, which stressed that the door will remain open for Sundram to return, will place an advertisement seeking potential candidates to succeed him, with an announcement to be made ahead of the 2014 season.

Meanwhile, national assistant coach Aide Iskandar has been tasked to lead the U-23 side, with national coach Bernd Stange overseeing them as they seek to win Singapore’s first gold medal in football at the biennial meet.

Sundram will not be the only one to move across the Causeway next season.

LionsXII defenders Baihakki Khaizan and Safuwan Baharudin, midfielder Hariss Harun and captain Shahril Ishak could be joining different MSL sides next year.

“I respect that his (Sundram’s) decision was made after careful consideration, and he leaves behind a strong team capable of achieving more honours,” said Aide.

Hariss added: “As professional sportsmen, we will always consider all key factors before making a decision on our future. We understand his (Sundram’s) position and we wish him well. As players, we remain focused on our upcoming tasks, including the year-end SEA Games.”