SINGAPORE — The date for the Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) first-ever elections for a new president and executive committee members has yet to be announced, although it is tipped to be held in September, while the requirements for candidates to contest the elections remains unknown.

But one thing’s for certain — there will definitely be a contest for Singapore’s top football post in Singapore. R. Vengadasalam will ensure that.

Popularly known as Venga, the former team manager of now-defunct S.League club Woodlands Wellington told TODAY that he is assembling a team to compete in the elections even though he will not be running for any position himself

“I am a controversial figure and people will use my past against me, so I feel it will be better to be a campaign manager,” said the 55-year-old private landscape contractor who was once nicknamed the ‘Mouth of the North’ for his controversial and colourful comments about opposing managers and players, and clashes with football officaldom.

He declined to reveal his team members but hinted that they are “well-known and experienced names” from the local football community who are "tired with the decline of Singapore football, and the way the sport is run here".

“At the moment, I have about five to six people but the final number depends on what posts are up for grabs,” said Venga.

“They are people who have served local football for many years, and have great knowledge of the S.League. Some have also worked in the FAS.”

Venga has already written to the FAS to ask for the date of the elections and the requirements for candidates who want to run for office. The FAS has replied that they are still finalising the details and will update him accordingly.

Speculation is rife that current FAS vice-president Lim Kia Tong will run for the presidency which has been held by former Member of Parliament Zainudin Nordin since 2009.

The 64-year-old lawyer has been involved with the FAS since 1992, and is the chairman of the Asian Football Confederation’s disciplinary committee. He is also deputy chairman of FIFA’s disciplinary committee.

When asked why he wants to form a team for the elections, Venga, who was also once the director of football with Tampines Rovers, and Balestier Khalsa’s Prime League team manager, said: “Everywhere I go, people talk to me about football.

“I have many friends who share similar sentiments with me about the decline of Singapore football, and in particular the S.League in recent years.”

“I love Singapore football and I feel it is time for a group of right people to take the lead, make a difference and build a positive sporting culture.”

Save for a surge in attendances in this season’s S.League following the return of national players to the clubs after the LionsXII was disbanded, and Tampines’ signing of former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, the 21-year-old S.League had been in decline in recent years. Crowd attendances had fallen while media coverage had shrunk.

It did not help matters too that a string of clubs, including Woodlands, Sembawang Rangers, Tanjong Pagar United and Gombak United pulled out over the years because of financial difficulties.

“To get Singapore football going again, we need to make the S.League competitive,” said Venga. “Before the start of every S.League season, there is always uncertainty about which clubs will take part and over the format of the league. “

“This affects the careers of players and naturally the fans will lose interest. The fact that complimentary tickets are offered as a desperate attempt to bring them back is not the right way to go.”

Venga said his team will work at ensuring that local teams are financially secure and that the S.League reaches out to everyone in the community.  “We need eight to 10 local teams from all parts of the country competing just like the good old days,” he said. “They will be given the right funding and tools to manage themselves and get support from the new regime.

“All clubs should also have a youth system in place for players from an early age.”

Also in the pipeline: a minimum wage system for players, and a relegation-and-promotion system to incentivise and recognise to National Football League clubs,

Tampines Rovers chairman Krishna Ramachandra told TODAY he would welcome change for the betterment of Singapore football.

“I would welcome a open contest (during the elections) and feel it is good that we have veterans like Venga who have been involved in local football and are still willing to spend time to make a positive difference,” said the lawyer.

“I feel the current system could do with changes and I would like to see some discussion between the relevant stakeholders.”