In a groundbreaking achievement for Singaporean football, coaches Isa Halim and Noh Alam Shah have secured prestigious positions at the esteemed Japanese club Tokyo Verdy. They make up the inaugural batch of coaches under the Coaches Overseas Attachment programme, a new initiative as part of the Unleash The Roar! (UTR!) national football project. This programme aims to provide promising Singaporean coaches with opportunities to upskill themselves through attachments with overseas football clubs, enhancing their coaching expertise and broadening their horizons.
Selected from over 200 candidates in Singapore, the duo is not only grateful for the opportunity provided by the UTR! national football project but is also determined to pave the way for future coaches from their home country. We caught up with them to discuss their transformative experiences, the challenges they faced, and their aspirations during their time in Japan.
“It’s a tremendous honor to be among the two selected for this role,” Isa shared. “We are genuinely thankful to UTR! for believing in us and providing this incredible opportunity.” Alam Shah added, “This journey isn’t just about us; we hope to set a precedent so that more coaches can follow suit and explore similar opportunities abroad.”
Alam Shah emphasized the critical need for ongoing education in coaching: “Coaches’ education can’t be neglected, and vice versa. As we grow as coaches, the players also elevate our level. It’s a symbiotic relationship.” Isa nodded in agreement, noting that their experiences in Japan have significantly enhanced their coaching philosophies.
Despite their enthusiasm, the transition into Japanese football culture was fraught with challenges. “It took us nearly two months to break into the team culture,” Isa explained. “The language barrier and various other factors were quite frustrating. However, we are incredibly grateful to Hiroshi Yofuko (main photo), the club’s head coach, who took the time to understand us and gradually introduced us to the team.”
Now, five months into their journey, both coaches have become integral parts of a highly motivated coaching staff at Tokyo Verdy, which boasts the youngest squad in the J.League, with an average age of just 25. As of now, they are positioned sixth in the league, having secured 12 wins and 11 draws out of 31 matches.
While this isn’t Isa’s first experience in Japan—having previously worked with the youth teams of Omiya and Kofu—this role marks his first involvement with a first team. “Being part of a first team brings a different level of responsibility and excitement,” he remarked, reflecting on the intensity of the experience.
Both coaches noted that while coaching techniques may not differ significantly, the Japanese place a strong emphasis on details. “Here, the coaches empower players to ‘imagine’ their next move,” Isa shared. “This approach enables players in various positions to grasp movement and the lines of passes from teammates.” Alam Shah added, “It’s fascinating to see how technically skilled the players are; many can use both feet and are extremely comfortable with the ball, which is less common in Singaporean football.”
One standout aspect of coaching in Japan is the camaraderie among coaches. “After training, all the coaches stay back for a ‘Rondo’ or also known as ‘Monkey,’ 6 vs 2 with conditions like one touch with no return pass,” Alam Shah explained. “This practice helps us understand the challenges related to the movements we coach, providing us with valuable insights when instructing our players.”
A typical day for the coaches and players is both structured and dynamic. “We arrive at 7:30 AM, with players coming in by 8:30 AM,” Isa detailed. “We hold a team meeting at 9:30 AM, followed by training from 10:00 AM for about 60-90 minutes, depending on the intensity required for the upcoming league fixtures. After training, players often stay back for individual practice, focusing on free kicks, crossing, and passing, while we continue with our Rondo.”
The day continues with lunch at 1:00 PM, where carefully curated meals are served in the clubhouse. In the afternoon, players engage in gym or recovery sessions, with some returning for a second training at 3:30 PM. “It’s a long day, but every moment counts,” Noh noted, reflecting on the dedication required.
As Isa Halim and Noh Alam Shah continue their journey with Tokyo Verdy, their unwavering dedication and passion for football shine brightly. They not only represent Singaporean talent on an international stage but also embody the spirit of growth and collaboration in coaching. With their invaluable experiences in Japan, they aim to inspire future generations of coaches and players back home, proving that opportunities for success in football extend far beyond borders. Their story is a testament to the power of perseverance and ambition in the world of sports, as they lead the way for Singaporean coaches through the path carved by the Coaches Overseas Attachment programme.
Thank you Tokyo Verdy and UTR! for facilitating this visit. Special mention to Kampung Buangkok Futsal Team for making this trip possible.
