[EvertonDiehard]

A formidable S'pore national football team can only emerge when there is a national passion for football, apart from an excellent talent scouting and training infrastructure, with continuity from developmental stage to senior level. 

[EvertonDiehard]

Apart from raising the standard of our coaching at the grassroots level, there must be continuity through the various age groups. This is sorely lacking, and was a major factor behind the break-up of the 2010 Youth Olympic Games squad that defied all odds to finish third. A relatively small population cannot be an excuse for our lack of talent. Some of the strongest teams in the world include Denmark with a population of 5.8 million, Uruguay with 3.4 million and Iceland which has only 337,780 inhabitants. A deep-seated passion for the game as well as an efficient system of identifying, developing and retaining young talent probably propelled these 3 nations to consistently compete at the highest level.

[pinkpanther]

You think pn sivaji, jita Singh never think of that? They are veteran coaches and even they have given up hopes on sg football...just recruit foreign imports and give them citizenships...a easier route to success....

Look at the early 2000s when we have them..shi jiayi, qiuli, the 3 Africans. We were at our peak!

[EvertonDiehard]

You think pn sivaji, jita Singh never think of that? They are veteran coaches and even they have given up hopes on sg football...just recruit foreign imports and give them citizenships...a easier route to success. Look at the early 2000s when we have them..shi jiayi, qiuli, the 3 Africans. We were at our peak!

Recruiting foreign talents is a short term fix like Malaysia has opted for by naturalising more than 20 players. They have improved the squad by leaps and bounds. Not only did Malaysia qualify for the Asian Cup this year, they even managed to draw 3-3 with mighty South Korea.  

[pinkpanther]

Recruiting foreign talents is a short term fix like Malaysia has opted for by naturalising more than 20 players. They have improved the squad by leaps and bounds. Not only did Malaysia qualify for the Asian Cup this year, they even managed to draw 3-3 with mighty South Korea.  

Don depend on our local boys...they are just not good enough to achieve anything..
Take a look at fandi's sons....they are grown ups already and what have they achieve for sg...nothing!! The current crop of players are just not good enough..

[EvertonDiehard]

Don depend on our local boys...they are just not good enough to achieve anything. Take a look at fandi's sons....they are grown ups already and what have they achieve for sg...nothing!! The current crop of players are just not good enough.

S'pore needs to break free from years of transition and perpetual underachievement to start fulfilling our potential through astute leadership. The FAS must change its approach by focusing on bringing in cultural change from the academy to senior level. Sport science must be adopted to achieve marginal gains that help the Lions perform better and with greater consistency. The team must maintain its principles in the face of major setbacks and underwhelming performances. While youth development must be strongly encouraged, the shortage of talent may be mitigated through the recruitment of foreign-born players with S'porean lineage as well as foreigners who have come through the ranks at our local clubs and wish to take up citizenship. 

[pinkpanther]

FAS doesnt spend enough so you won't see any significant changes....many personnels from your coaches, referees to anyone involved are either volunteers or poorly paid! There is no rewards or incentives to see any developments or programs through..

When I played for my school donkey years ago...I was paid $3-$5 per match by the school that is just enough to cover bus fare and maybe a can of coke...you played for the love of the sports but times are different!! 

The cost of living goes up, no medical coverage, not paid enough.....how to continue..how to see progress!