German aims to create a footballing legacy
The New Singapore Coach has a wealth of experience, gleaned from all over the world.
Having coached in Iraq, Cyprus, Belarus and Ukraine, Bernd Strange’s footballing pedigree is beyond doubt.
Rebuilding Singaporean footballing hopes is his next challenge and despite being rank outsiders, the 65-year-old has set his sights on qualification for the 2015 AFC Cup.
His first competitive game will be a qualifier against Oman, a team ranked 60 places above them, the straight talking German feels his side have a chance right up until the last ball is kicked.
In an Interview with FIFA he said: “If you don’t believe, then we may as well call AFC and withdraw from the competition.Until the very last moment we will believe in our chances. We want to qualify for the next Asian Cup.”
The Lions haven’t qualified for the AFC in over 30 years and their hopes for 2015 took a tumble before Strange even arrived, with a 4-0 defeat to Jordan.
As wells as AFC success the coach is focusing on trying to build foundations for the next generation of footballers,
“The challenge is not so different to others in my life, It is a young federation and is in a similar position to Belarus, a country in which we were able to achieve sensational results and also qualify for the Olympics.
“Singapore is a young country [in football terms] and this is a challenge I have experienced before”
Strange has ambitions to stoke up real footballing passions in the country, enough to fill the new 55,000 seater stadium.
“It is a new challenge for Singapore football. We want it to be full of life and enthusiasm. My dream is that people will be sleeping in front of the ticket counter for a ticket.”