Over 60 candidates expressed interest in the position vacated by coach Tsutomu Ogura, who resigned on 24/6 for personal reasons. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is committed to finding a reputable international coach. After conducting numerous interviews, the FAS has narrowed the list to 15 candidates.

Fabio Cannavaro attends FIFA The Best 2022. Photo: Reuters

Fabio Cannavaro attends FIFA The Best 2022. Photo: Reuters

Among the shortlisted candidates is former player Fabio Cannavaro, considered one of the greatest defenders of all time. He is one of three defenders to have won the Ballon d'Or, alongside Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.

Cannavaro's coaching career, however, hasn't mirrored his playing success. He has Asian experience, having managed China in 2019, along with club sides Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin Quanjian (China), and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia). The 1973-born coach later had short stints with Italian club Udinese and Croatian club Dinamo Zagreb.

Former Liverpool and Australia national team player Harry Kewell, once assistant to Ange Postecoglou at Celtic, is another contender. After his time in Scotland, Kewell managed J-League 1 side Yokohama F.Marinos but was dismissed after 7 months.

Another of Postecoglou's former assistants, Nick Montgomery (now at Tottenham), is also on the shortlist. Other notable names include Luis Milla, former coach of the Indonesian U23 team; Nestor El Maestro, former coach of Saudi Arabia's Al-Taawoun; former New Zealand national team coach Anthony Hudson; and former Iraq national team coach Jesus Casas.

Mano Polking, currently coaching Cong An Ha Noi and fresh off winning the 2025 National Cup, is a surprising inclusion. The Brazilian coach led Thailand to victory in the 2020 and 2022 ASEAN Cup (formerly AFF Cup). Under his guidance, Thailand impressed with an attractive and dynamic playing style.

Mano Polking celebrates Cong An Ha Noi's 5-0 victory over SLNA in the 2024-2025 National Cup final at Vinh Stadium, Nghe An on 29/6/2025. Photo: Xuan Hoang

Mano Polking celebrates Cong An Ha Noi's 5-0 victory over SLNA in the 2024-2025 National Cup final at Vinh Stadium, Nghe An on 29/6/2025. Photo: Xuan Hoang

The FAS seeks a coach with strong communication skills, experience working in Asia, and the ability to maximize available resources. Other considerations include salary and the coach's desired support staff.

Singapore is currently ranked 159th by FIFA. They haven't been a major force for over a decade, after ending their policy of using naturalized players without Singaporean heritage. Singapore is now focused on youth development and recruiting players of mixed heritage, but its small population presents a challenge for football development.

Singaporean football experts aren't overly optimistic about Harry Kewell or Fabio Cannavaro. "They are big names but haven't achieved much as coaches," said expert Khidhir Khamis. "It would be a mistake to hire a big name without believing they can help us progress."

Mano Polking and Jesus Casas are considered more appealing choices. Former player Rhysh Rai commented: "Polking has the experience, the track record, the charisma; he's loved by players and encourages attractive football. Casas, meanwhile, did a good job in Iraq."

Singapore is currently under the guidance of interim coach Gavin Lee. The team has a friendly match scheduled against Malaysia on 4/9 at Bukit Jalil Stadium.

In the final qualifying round for the 2027 Asian Cup, Singapore leads Group C with 4 points, tied with Hong Kong but ahead on goal difference. Bangladesh and India each have one point.

Singapore has never qualified for the Asian Cup through the qualifying rounds. Their only appearance was in 1984 as the host nation.

Trung Thu (The Straits Times)