Fandi Ahmad will be the FAS’ new Head of Elite Youth, the organisation announced in a media statement last Saturday (23 Nov).
The announcement quashes rumours that Fandi was considering offers from overseas clubs.
Currently the head coach of the Singapore Premier League’s Young Lions team and the national Under-22 team competing in the SEA Games, Fandi’s contract was due to expire on 31st December of this year.
While the FAS did not state the length of the extension, The Straits Times reported that it will be for two years.
In the statement, FAS said Fandi will work closely with technical director Joseph Palatsides to enhance the pathways and structure for the development of youth players for the national teams.
This includes player scouting and tracking, mentorship programmes as well as specialised training sessions for players in the various national teams.
In addition, Fandi will also be part of national team coach Tatsuma Yoshida’s backroom staff, in order to create greater synergy between the elite youth developmental pipeline and the National Team.
Nazri Nasir, the current national assistant team coach, will take over the reins of the Young Lions in the 2020 Singapore Premier League season, as well as the Under-22 National Team.
Commenting on his new role, Fandi said he was confident in the development of young elite players in Singapore and was looking forward to working with Joseph and the national youth coaches to develop the next generation of players.
“I have seen potential in many youth players over the years but not many had the opportunity to be groomed for the future. We need to establish a strong foundation for our youth development system so that we can identify and nurture the talent of tomorrow,” Fandi added.
Welcoming the appointment, FAS General Secretary Yazeen Buhari said in the statement, “Fandi has accumulated a wealth of coaching experience in the last 20 years and we see the value he brings to the area of elite youth development.
“His work rate and professionalism are exceptional and he has embraced the FAS’ desire to further develop our youth footballers. He has developed a good working relationship with National Team Coach Tatsuma and we see this partnership further growing for the benefit of Singapore Football.”
This article first appeared on The Straits Times.
