Fandi is new LionsXII head coach

SINGAPORE — The Football Association of Singapore has appointed Fandi Ahmad as LionsXII Head Coach on a three-year contract, with an option to extend for another two years, the national body announced in a press release tonight (Dec 7).

Fandi, who clinched two league titles during his tenure as coach of Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (now known as Warriors FC), will commence employment this Thursday.

“I am delighted and honoured to have been selected from a pool of more than 70 applicants and I would like to thank the FAS for the opportunity to build on the success achieved by coach V. Sundramoorthy,” said Fandi, who coached Johor Darul Takzim last season in the Malaysian Super League but was reappointed as team manager towards the end of the league season.

“I know from experience that it will not be easy for the league champions to defend the title. Having said that, I am happy that we have a strong team which includes at least 15 players who have been capped at the international level. 

"The composition of the team – including both players and backroom staff, coupled with the support from my colleagues and stakeholders, has given me confidence that we can secure a top three placing in the league. We will also try our best to reach the final of a Cup competition next season."

Fandi's first match as LionsXII coach will be the Charity Cup clash against Malaysia Cup champions Pahang on Jan 17, which is the curtain-raiser for the new Malaysian Super League season.

FAS General Secretary Winston Lee said: “Apart from his illustrious playing career, Fandi is one of the most respected coaches in Singapore today and he brings with him a wealth of experience both at the domestic and regional levels, including the Indonesian and Malaysian football leagues. We are confident in his abilities to bring the LionsXII to the next level.

“In line with our coaching development pathway, National Teams Head Coach Bernd Stange will also be working closely with Fandi on areas pertaining to football and coaching development. We believe Fandi will benefit from the wealth of experience and knowledge that Bernd has, and this will further enhance his development as a coach.”

Singapore international midfielder Isa Halim, who will don LionsXII colours for the third consecutive season in 2014, hailed the appointment. 

“I am happy and excited with the appointment. In addition to his status as one of our top footballers, Fandi has a good coaching record and he knows the players well. We look forward to learning from, and working with, him to achieve more successes.”