Fandi decision applauded

It is about time Singapore's most famous footballer returned to the national fold, according to former Lions defender R Sasikumar.

The New Paper reported yesterday that the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) had identified Fandi Ahmad as the man to take over as LionsXII coach.

The LionsXII have played in Malaysia's club competitions since 2012 with V Sundramoorthy as coach and won the Malaysian Super League (MSL) crown earlier this year.

Welcoming the news, Sasikumar said: "It's a good reunion and it's always good to see our best talent - be it players or on those in administration - come back and contribute to Singapore football."

From more than the 70 coaches who applied to replace Sundram, the FAS finally decided on Fandi after weeks of deliberation.

The 51-year-old told TNP he will be meeting FAS today to discuss the terms of a two-year contract. If both parties reach an agreement, Fandi will be unveiled as the new LionsXII coach within the week.

Former Singapore forward Abdullah Noor feels that his former teammate has the motivational skills and tactical acumen to guide the LionsXII.

He added: "Fandi is definitely a good choice because he is one of the best local coaches. He will get the best out of the team because the local players are inspired by him and want to play for him.

"Also his teams have always played an attractive brand of attacking football."

There is some talk that the FAS will set a lofty target of a top-three finish for next season's MSL and an appearance in a cup final.

If true, both Sasi and Abdullah Noor says it will be tough for Fandi.

"It remains to be seen whether the fans will be patient with Fandi," said Sasikumar.

TOUGH JOB

"He has his work cut out for him after what Sundram achieved and, especially, since he's not inheriting a championship-winning team.

"The players who have left - Baihakki (Khaizan), Hariss (Harun) and Shahril (Ishak) - were the spine of the team. Take three key players out of any team and they'll struggle.

"Plus, all the other teams are strengthening with three foreign players."

"I think the question will be where the team are going to find the goals. Last year, they got plenty through set-pieces, which Sundram worked a lot on," he added.

"I don't see a prolific scorer in next year's team. (Khairul) Amri is a very good player and probably one of our best, but the problem is getting him on the pitch week-in, week-out. Statistically, he does not hold up well over seasons."

This is why Abdullah Noor hopes that Fandi will be given the support and resources he needs to sign players he wants.

"As of now, it could be a challenge to get more quality players since most of the top local players, who are not in the LionsXII, have already committed to S-League clubs," he said.

"A top-three target is fair considering they are the defending champions, but the LionsXII have not reached a cup final before, so that is not going to be easy."

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