Struggling Singapore still a threat: Thailand coach Kiatisuk

SINGAPORE- While many local fans are already writing off Singapore’s chances of going far in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup in November, one man that will not be underestimating the Lions is Thailand head coach Kiatisuk Senamuang.

The Republic were handed the worst possible draw for the 11th edition of the biennial football tournament in Yangon, Myanmar, on Tuesday (Aug 2) when they found themselves in Group A alongside defending champions Thailand, co-hosts the Philippines and Indonesia.

Results in recent months, which include an embarrassing 1-2 defeat by Cambodia in an international friendly, the Lions’ first loss to the ASEAN minnows in 44 years, and a 3-0 thumping at the hands of Vietnam at the AYA Bank Cup final, have done little to help inspire confidence in head coach V.Sundramoorthy’s team.

But Kiatisuk (above; Photo: AFP) believes it would be unwise to discount Singapore, who crashed out in the group stages of the tournament in 2014 which was held on home soil.

“Everytime we face Singapore, we simply have to be at our best,” the 42-year-old told TODAY in a  phone interview.

“Our preparations for the match against Singapore are going to be no different from what we have done over the years, because we are expecting a tough game.”

“I look at the Singapore squad and they have plenty of experience all over the field. I believe (goalkeeper) Hassan (Sunny) will play an important role in this tournament,” added Thailand's former star striker who used to play for S.League side Warriors FC (then called Singapore Armed Forces FC) from 2001-2002.

“As we know Singapore have a good record at the Suzuki Cup, so my players and I will not take anything for granted and simply perform to the best of our ability.”

Thailand are the highest-ranked in the world (121st), but Kiatisuk admits his side have been drawn into a tricky group.

“This is a very tough group where all the teams have their (individual) strengths and they will put in their best performance for every match, “ he said. “The Philippines have been on the rise and even Indonesia (who are returning from a one-year FIFA ban) are a tricky team.”

Also, Thailand have progressed to the third round of the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and play Australia just four days before the Suzuki Cup begins. This means their best players may not feature.

However Kiatisuk, who is the only player in Suzuki Cup history to win the tournament as a player (1996, 2000 and 2002) and a coach (2014), said he still hopes his side can retain the title. 

“Our aim is to be the champions once again. It will be tough (due to the tight schedule) but we will work towards that.”

Meanwhile, Sundram, who is aiming for a place in the semi-finals, has revealed that Singapore will take part in six international friendlies as part of their preparations for the Suzuki Cup, which they will be hoping to win for a record fifth time after triumphs in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2012.

“Over the next three months, we will continue to strengthen the team as well as individual players through the national team training days,” said the 50-year-old in a media release.

“In addition, we will play another six international matches against opponents of varying strengths during the upcoming FIFA international weeks with one of the aims being to build depth by giving opportunities to young players.”

Singapore's Shahril Ishak (left) in a duel with Thailand's Theeathon Bunmathan during the 2012 Suzuki Cup final. TODAY FILE PHOTO

Added the former Singapore international, “It is an interesting draw for us – Singapore and Thailand are the most successful teams in the history of the AFF Championship. But this group isn’t just about Singapore and Thailand. Co-host the Philippines are equally strong and will enjoy home ground support, and Indonesia is also a good team.”

Forward Khairul Amri, who will be looking to pick up his fourth Suzuki Cup crown, said: “There is little difference in standards among the teams in South-east Asia today. In fact, I believe any of these teams in the competition have the ability to win the championship.”

In Group B, co-hosts Myanmar were drawn together with Malaysia and Vietnam. The fourth team of the group will be the winner of a qualification group - which consists of Brunei, Timor Leste, Laos and Cambodia - to be played in mid October.

Group A fixtures:

Nov 19: Thailand vs Indonesia, Philippines vs Singapore

Nov 22: Thailand vs Singapore, Indonesia vs Philippines

Nov 25: Singapore vs Indonesia, Philippines vs Thailand