Date:
Wed, 20 Apr 2011 
With MOUs signed between the Japan Football Association and the French Football Federation (2005) and Spanish Football Federation (2010), this will be the JFA’s first Memorandum of Understanding signed with an Asian country in their illustrious history.
This partnership will provide a new impetus for the cooperation between FAS and JFA in the development of football, particularly in the area of youth development, football science and medicine, coach and referee education.
The partnership will also serve as a basis for developing possible future collaborations and relations between both sides.
Under the terms of the partnership, Singapore and Japan will, among others, implement an Exchange and Attachment Programme which may comprise of courses, clinics, seminars and attachments for administrators, coaches, referees, players, instructors, football science and medicine personnel.
Both FAS and JFA will also work towards facilitating the arrangement of potential training camps for their respective national and club teams in both countries.
Another area of cooperation is the mutual exchange of information, know-how and expertise in key areas pertaining to the administration and management of football in both countries. This will include the application of information technology in the administration of the domestic leagues of both countries.
FAS President Zainudin Nordin said: “The signing of this MOU is in line with our Strategic Plan. One of our key objectives under the Strategic Plan is to develop and enhance the capacities and capabilities of our players, coaches, administrators and referees, among others, by sending them for overseas attachments.
“Apart from Japan’s success on the pitch over the past two decades, during which they qualified for four consecutive FIFA World Cups and won four Asian Cups, the JFA also won the AFC Member Association of the Year at the AFC Annual Awards in November last year. In this regard, we are confident that we can leverage and benefit from the expertise and experience of the JFA to bring Singapore football to the next level.”
Mr Zainudin also announced that the FAS has, through the assistance and recommendation of the JFA, appointed Mr Takuma Koga as the new National Football Academy U-16 coach.
“Koga's immediate task will be to prepare our NFA U-16 team, who have just been awarded the SNOC Team of the Year (Team Sport, Juniors), for the upcoming 23rd Canon Lion City Cup in June 2011. In addition, he will prepare the "Cubs" to participate in the 2013 AFC U-19 Youth Championships.
“Koga, who was previously the head coach of Cerezo Osaka Under-15 team, holds the S License obtained in 2006, which is equivalent to the AFC Pro Diploma - the highest coaching qualification in AFC. I am pleased to note that Koga's Club Cerezo Osaka are playing in this year's AFC Champions League and are currently on top of the group. Koga’s appointment as our NFA U-16 head coach has been made at the right moment, as the boys have completed their school competitions and will be able to focus their attention on the task ahead. Koga will be reporting to the FAS Technical Director Slobodan and he will also be sharing his coaching experience with our local youth coaches,” said Mr Zainudin.
Apart from his coaching credentials, Koga also boasts a distinguished playing career. As a professional footballer, Koga played alongside household names like Brazilian legend Dunga at Jubilo Iwata, where he won the J-League titles in 1997 and 1999, as well as the J-League Cup in 1998.
Mr Kohzo Tashima, Vice-President and General Secretary of Japan Football Association, also explained the reason for JFA’s agreement to this MOU when he said: “We are pleased to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with Singapore because we believe that the way to raise Japanese football standards to the next level is by helping our fellow Asian countries improve.
“We decided to work with FAS because they are the leading Association in ASEAN and one of the top member Associations in Asia, especially in football administration, and it was only natural for us to share our expertise and aim for the continued development of football in both countries together.”
Mr Zainudin also added that in line with the Strategic Plan, FAS are also in advanced discussions with a few countries to tap on their respective areas of expertise.
“This will benefit our players, coaches, referees and other personnel involved in the game, and ultimately translate into more success for Singapore football,” he said.
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