When we talk about Singapore football in the past decades, the name V.Sundramoorthy is one of those who gets mentioned by fans for his dazzling dribbles and creative mind on the pitch.
He was one of the most feared attackers in ASEAN football in his prime, but these days, at the age of 45, Sundram has put aside the dribbles and fancy footwork in exchange for a role on the sideline, as a coach.
Brought in by the Football Association of Singapore as a Senior Staff Coach(Specialist), Sundram sees it as a wonderful opportunity to contribute and pass on his vast experience to the younger guns like the boys in the Singapore U-21 squad who will be participating in the Vietnam Youth Newspaper Cup in Gia Lai from 23 September to 5 October 2011.
With a green screen of tactics up on his computer screen in front of him, he sat back and explained the process of selecting players and also his view on why he decided to take on a coaching role with the Association.
He said: “My aim here at FAS is to contribute back to the game. It is every coach’s dream to be involved with the national team but also, having the opportunity to prepare a team of my own like the U-21s for this tournament in Vietnam and also the coaching course next month, it keeps me busy and I am happy to be able to give back to this game that has given me so much in the past.”
As a coach, Sundram prefers the limelight to be on his team as he went on to single out a player he reckons has what it takes to be a good footballer if he continues developing well.
“I see Fareez Farhan as a player with a lot of potential as a striker. He is playing for Gombak United now and what I see in him is that he has the quality to move up to the next level. There are also other players in this squad who are getting playing time in the S.League which will help them grow as footballers.” added Sundram.
As for his team’s chances at the tournament in Vietnam which will see our U-21s take on the likes of Thailand, Iran and the Aspire Academy, Coach Sundram was adamant that exposure is the focal point.
He added: “Firstly, it is to expose the boys to play against strong opposition and to get a feel of what international football is all about. However, it is also to cultivate that winning mentality and how to go out there on the international stage and perform to the best of their abilities.”
Speaking on his squad of 20, which features the likes of Hougang United FC’s Eddie Affendy Chang and Woodlands Wellington’s Madhu Mohana, the 45-year-old explained his selection process was to include experienced players along with youngsters whom he feel will benefit from the exposure.
“We had to select a squad of 20 and I picked out these group of players whom I feel will benefit from this international exposure of playing against the likes of Vietnam and Iran.
“I called up players like Eddie Affendy Chang and Madhu Mohana as we needed some experience to guide the younger boys who are playing in the Prime League. Eddie and Madhu have been involved in the S.League and they can help their team-mates focus and play to their strengths on the pitch.”
The boys will leave for Vietnam on 23 September and are scheduled to play the Thai U-21 team on Sunday.
Squad List
| S.No | Preferred Name | Jersey No. | Pos | Date of Birth |
| 1 | Al- Faiz | 1 | GK | 25 November 1991 |
| 2 | Zul Nor Farahin | 2 | DF | 28 August 1990 |
| 3 | Helmi Mazlan | 3 | DF | 10 June 1990 |
| 4 | Kenneth Chang | 5 | DF | 7 July 1992 |
| 5 | Eddie Chang | 6 | DF | 10 May 1990 |
| 6 | Stanely Ng | 7 | FW | 27 May 1992 |
| 7 | Aqhari Abdullah | 8 | MF | 9 July 1991 |
| 8 | Muhaymin Salim | 9 | MF | 5 May 1992 |
| 9 | Fareez Farhan | 10 | FW | 29 July 1994 |
| 10 | Afiq Yahya | 11 | MF | 31 May 1991 |
| 11 | Madhu Mohana | 12 | DF | 6 March 1991 |
| 12 | Fazli Hisham | 13 | DF | 3 January 1990 |
| 13 | Faris Khaeri | 14 | DF | 24 March 1994 |
| 14 | Fadli Kamis | 15 | DF | 7 November 1992 |
| 15 | Haniff Sadique | 16 | FW | 6 September 1990 |
| 16 | Amy Recha | 17 | FW | 13 May 1992 |
| 17 | Syed Sufiyan | 18 | GK | 22 April 1992 |
| 18 | Raden Ishmadi | 19 | FW | 20 March 1992 |
| 19 | Wai Loon | 20 | MF | 20 August 1993 |
| 20 | Sahil Salim | 23 | MF | 8 July 1992 |
Team Officials
| S.No | Name | Position |
| 1 | V Sundramoorthy | Head Coach |
| 2 | K Balagumaran | Assistant Coach |
| 3 | Foo Tze Chiang | Team Manager |
| 4 | Glenn Alan Fayers | Physiotherapist |
| 5 | Zainol Abidin Bin Omar | Kit Administrator |
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