Football: Interim national coach Sundram to tackle Asian Cup qualifiers

SINGAPORE: Interim national football coach V Sundramoorthy’s first task will be the Asian Cup qualifiers. The Lions will play Jordan away in their opening encounter on Wednesday.

Sundram was appointed the interim coach in January.

Since the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup win, this will be the Lions’ first big test.

The team must adapt to a new style under Sundram, who is also coaching the LionsXII.

Sundram’s first game as Lions coach was a friendly against Bahrain on February 1, where the Lions lost 3—1. He was also using the opportunity to try out some new faces who had just joined the Lions ranks.

Many in the football fraternity though back Sundram for the post.

Courts Young Lions coach Aide Iskandar said: "For me, he is an experienced coach. He has worked very well with the young players and also, most of the players in the national team he has coached before. So I believe he has the potential to actually take charge of the national team and he should be given a chance."

Team manager of Tampines Rovers, Zulkarnaen Zainal agreed, saying: "It’s a good move in my opinion. For so long we have not had a local coach for the national team. Hopefully, Sundram can show the local players and coaches that he can do the job."

—CNA/ac