Could a World Cup winner be Singapore’s next football head coach?
This was among the key questions posed by sports commentator Ash Hashim, who recently analysed the shortlist of coaching candidates on TikTok.
Following Tsutomu Ogura’s sudden resignation in June, more than 60 names—ranging from global stars to ASEAN stalwarts—have reportedly applied for the Lions’ top job.
Harry Kewell, who won the Champions League with Liverpool, and Fabio Cannavaro, the captain of the 2006 World Cup, are two of the more notable candidates.
Cannavaro and Kewell Lead the Pack
According to reports, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has narrowed the list to around 15 candidates. Cannavaro, a football legend widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in history, stands out. He is one of only three defenders ever to win the Ballon d’Or, alongside Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer. While his coaching career hasn’t matched his playing days, he did win the Chinese Super League with Guangzhou Evergrande in 2019 and has had stints in Saudi Arabia, China, Italy, and Croatia.
Then there is one of Australia’s most recognizable exports, Harry Kewell. The 46-year-old’s coaching résumé includes a Champions League final appearance with Yokohama F. Marinos and assistant stints under Ange Postecoglou at Celtic. However, his head coaching record in England’s lower leagues has been mixed.
Football fans will also recognise the name Nick Montgomery, who recently served as an assistant at Tottenham Hotspur and helped the club lift the Europa League this year. Montgomery has also coached in Australia and Scotland.
ASEAN Familiar Faces in the Mix
The shortlist is not just about star power. Ash Hashim pointed to several coaches with deep experience in Asian and ASEAN football—something the FAS is prioritising. Mano Polking, who guided Thailand to consecutive ASEAN Championship wins in 2020 and 2022, is one example of this. Polking is now coaching in Vietnam, where he recently won the national cup with Cong An Ha Noi.
Also mentioned were former Indonesia and Persib Bandung coach Luis Milla, ex-Iraq coach Jesus Casas, and Anthony Hudson, now technical director with the Football Association of Thailand.
What FAS Is Looking For
According to reports, the FAS is giving priority to three essential characteristics in addition to awards and name recognition:
- Strong communication skills – especially in English, to avoid needing a translator.
- Understanding of Asian football – familiarity with the region’s playing styles and challenges.
- Ability to work with limited resources – a reality of the Singapore football landscape.
As Ash Hashim explained: “They want someone who can inspire in the dressing room, who’s a strong communicator and who can work with what we have.” She asserted that with less than two months remaining before the international window and the Asian Cup qualifiers in October, there is no room for error in choosing the right coach.
What’s Next?
The interview process is still ongoing, with the FAS expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks. There are still questions about salary, backroom staff, and long-term planning—but urgency is building.
In the meantime, interim coach Gavin Lee is leading preparations for a friendly against Malaysia on September 4 at Bukit Jalil. Singapore currently tops Group C in the Asian Cup qualifiers, but faces a crucial double-header against India in October. Only the group winners will progress to the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.
As Ash concluded in her TikTok: “This is a huge opportunity—not just for a coach to make their mark, but for Singapore football to turn a new page.”
Who would you want to lead the Lions into this new era?
Watch the video here:
@ashfutbolita 60 coaches. World Cup winners. AFF champs. 👀 Who’s taking over as the new Singapore football head coach? 🇸🇬 #sgsports #sgnews #aseanfootball
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