The Football Association of Singapore today announced that V. Sundramoorthy has resigned as Head Coach of both Lions XII and SEA Games Under-23 team. FAS has appointed current Courts Young Lions Head Coach Aide Iskandar to lead the Under-23 team at the SEA Games in December. Coach Aide will be supported by National Team Head Coach Bernd Stange and other technical and backroom support staff.
Coach Sundram said: “It was not an easy decision to make – especially since FAS had earlier offered me a very competitive and fair package aimed at renewing my contract which would expire in December. In addition, I have enjoyed a close relationship with my colleagues and have also received full support from the management at all times. However, I believe it is time for me to embark on a new challenge, especially since this would be my first overseas coaching assignment. It has been a satisfying and fulfilling period for me and the various teams I have worked with since joining FAS in 2004.We have established a strong foundation which will be key to the continued growth and success of Singapore football.”
FAS General Secretary Winston Lee said: “We are saddened by Sundram’s decision to leave the organisation but we respect his desire to pursue a new challenge. Coach Sundram has played a pivotal role and made significant contributions to Singapore football for the past nine years, including the recent capture of the Malaysian Super League (MSL) title. We would like to extend our gratitude to Coach Sundram for his commitment and contributions to Singapore football, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Mr Lee added: “Sundram has been one of the key members of our technical team and we hope he will return to Singapore one day as his contributions will further enhance our development and growth. Developing local coaches is a key priority for us and we will continue to invite Sundram, and other ex-internationals who have moved into coaching, to our coaching seminars and conferences.”
Courts Young Lions Head Coach Aide Iskandar said: “ Like everyone else at FAS, I am saddened by Coach Sundram’s decision to leave the organisation. He is a highly-respected and experienced coach and I have learnt a lot from him since I joined the Association. Among other achievements, Sundram has built a strong, cohesive and disciplined team which has defied all odds to capture the Malaysian Super League title – one that will be remembered and appreciated by us and the fans. However, I respect that his decision was made after careful considerations and he leaves behind a strong team capable of achieving more honours. I am happy for him that he is embarking on a new journey with exciting challenges and I would like to wish him all the best.”
“I am honoured and humbled to be appointed as Head Coach for the Under-23 squad, and I am thankful for the vote of confidence shown by the FAS management. Since January, Sundram has been preparing the Under-23 team for the year-end SEA Games and I am pleased and encouraged by the team’s progress over the past few months. Together with Coach Bernd Stange and the rest of the capable and dedicated coaching staff, I will do my best and will strive to lead the squad to a good showing at the upcoming SEA Games in December. I am focussed on the task ahead and I am confident that the team will give their best and reach the final of the competition.”
Captain of the National Under-23 squad, Hariss Harun also expressed his gratitude towards Coach Sundram: “Coach Sundram has played a key role in the development of our young players during the past two seasons. We understand that FAS had offered a fair and competitive package to Coach Sundram but he has since decided to embark on a move to a foreign team. As professional sportsmen, we will always consider all key factors before making a decision on our future. We understand Coach Sundram’s position and we wish him well. As players, we remain focused on our upcoming tasks, including the year-end SEA Games.”
“We are pleased with the appointment of coach Aide Iskandar who, along with National Coach Bernd Stange, has been closely involved with most of the SEA Games players during the past few months. We are now in the final phase of preparations for the year-end competition and my teammates and I are all determined to put up our best performances in Myanmar for our fans and the nation.“
Mr Lee said: “Following coach Sundram’s resignation, FAS has appointed Aide Iskandar to lead the National Under-23 team for the upcoming SEA Games in Myanmar this December. Aide has worked with most of the players in the SEA Games 2013 squad and we believe his appointment will ensure continuity for the team. Both Aide and Bernd have been monitoring and working with the players for the past few months, and we will continue to provide the maximum level of support and optimise our preparations for the biennial competition.”
Coach Sundram said: “I am confident of the National Under-23 team’s abilities to achieve good results at the upcoming SEA Games. I regret that I am not able to lead the National Under-23 team at the upcoming SEA Games, but I do not dismiss the possibility of returning someday as Singapore football will always hold a very special place in my heart.”
“I would like thank the FAS Presidents, past and present, including Mr Zainudin Nordin, A/P Ho Peng Kee, Mr Mah Bow Tan, and General Secretary Winston Lee for the numerous opportunities and utmost support they have given me throughout this period. I wish the Association continued success in the years ahead,” he concluded.
FAS will place an advertisement to seek and shortlist the best pool of potential candidates, including both external applicants and those within the FAS setup, for the post of LionsXII Head Coach for the 2014 MSL season. Ultimately, the best available person who will fulfil both the Association’s and team’s objectives for 2014 and beyond will be selected. An announcement on the appointment of the LionsXII Head Coach for 2014 will be made in due course.
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