National team reforged for World Cup qualifier

S'pore national football team reforged for World Cup qualifier

Singapore's national football coach has shortlisted 31 players to represent Singapore, four months after the national team was disbanded in early January after a poor performance at the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup.

Some observers said national coach Mr Raddy Avramovic should include familiar names who have delivered on previous occasions.

These include the oldest Lion, 40-year-old Aleksandar Duric.

Former assistant coach of the Tampines Rovers, Mr Syed Faruk said players such as Daniel Bennett, Mohd Noh Rahman and Shi Jia Yi should be considered, among others.

Some said Young Lions Captain, Hariss Harun is also a likely pick.

With the focus on youth, many of his team-mates like Fazli Ayob, Nazrul Ahmad Nazari, Afiq Yunos, and keeper Izwan Mahbud could also be included.

The rest of the S.League clubs too have young players with potential for national duty.

However, some feel age and reputation should not be the only criteria.

"As a coach at any level, national team or club, or whatever level, I think you got to pick the players based on current form, it's as simple as that, so let's not talk about ex-players and current players and things like that. On current form you pick the best players," said Mr Shasi Kumar, former S.League coach and player.

Selecting the best is crucial, as the Lions prepare for their first big test this year - a World Cup qualifier against Malaysia or Taiwan in July.

The Football Association of Singapore will be organising four friendly matches in May and June.

This will allow the national coach to make his final selection ahead of the World Cup qualifier in July.

~News courtesy of Channel Newsasia~