More than 60 coaches have expressed interest in the position left vacant by Tsutomu Ogura, who resigned on June 24 for personal reasons. The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) is actively seeking a high-profile foreign coach, and the shortlist has now been narrowed to 15 candidates following several rounds of interviews, The Straits Times reported.
Among the names is Fabio Cannavaro, widely regarded as one of the greatest defenders in football history. He is one of only three defenders to have won the Ballon d’Or, alongside Franz Beckenbauer and Matthias Sammer.
Despite his illustrious playing career, Cannavaro’s coaching journey has been more modest. He has managerial experience in Asia, having led the China national team in 2019, as well as clubs like Guangzhou Evergrande, Tianjin Quanjian (China), and Al Nassr (Saudi Arabia). He also had brief spells with Udinese in Italy and Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia.
Another candidate is former Liverpool and Australia star Harry Kewell, who previously worked as coach Ange Postecoglou’s assistant at Celtic. He later managed J1 League club Yokohama F. Marinos but was dismissed after just seven months.
Also under consideration is Nick Montgomery, another former assistant of Postecoglou, currently coaching in Asia.
Other shortlisted names include Luis Milla (former Indonesia U23 coach), Nestor El Maestro (former coach of Al-Taawoun, Saudi Arabia), Anthony Hudson (former New Zealand coach) and Jesus Casas (former Iraq coach).
Mano Polking, currently the head coach of Vietnamese club Cong An Ha Noi, is also on the shortlist. The Brazilian-born coach led Thailand to AFF Cup titles in 2020 and 2022, impressing fans with an attractive attacking style of play.
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Coach Mano Polking (C) celebrates after Cong An Ha Noi beat SLNA 5-0 in the final of the National Cup on June 29, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Xuan Hoang |
According to FAS, the ideal candidate should be communicative, familiar with Asian football, and capable of maximizing local resources. Considerations such as salary expectations and coaching staff preferences are also part of the selection process.
Currently ranked 159th in FIFA ranking, Singapore have struggled to regain form since ending their policy of using naturalized players without strong local ties. They are now focusing on youth development and identifying talent with Singapore descent, though small population remains a key challenge.
Until a new head coach is appointed, interim coach Gavin Lee will continue leading the team. Singapore are scheduled to face Malaysia in a friendly at Bukit Jalil Stadium on Sept. 4.
In the final round of 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, Singapore currently top Group C with four points, tied with Hong Kong but ahead on goal difference. Bangladesh and India trail with one point each.
Singapore have never qualified for the Asian Cup through regular qualification. Their only appearance came in 1984 when they hosted the tournament.
