Fandi Ahmad

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Fandi Ahmad
Fandi playing in a charity friendly match with the Singapore Masters in 2017
Personal information
Full name Fandi bin Ahmad
Date of birth (1962-05-29) 29 May 1962 (age 61)
Place of birth State of Singapore
Height 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Position(s) Striker, midfielder
Team information
Current team
Sri Pahang (technical advisor & head coach)
Youth career
–1978 Kaki Bukit
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1978–1982 Singapore 113 (65)
1982–1983 Niac Mitra 16 (4)
1983–1985 Groningen 36 (11)
1986–1989 Kuala Lumpur 46 (30)
1990 OFI Crete 0 (0)
1991–1992 Pahang 12 (7)
1993–1994 Singapore 34 (17)
1996 Geylang United 17 (5)
1997–1999 Singapore Armed Forces 60 (32)
Total 332 (170)
International career
1979–1997 Singapore 92 (55)
Managerial career
2000–2003 Singapore Armed Forces
2005–2006 Young Lions
2006–2010 Pelita Jaya
2012–2013 Johor Darul Ta'zim
2014–2015 LionsXII
2017–2019 Young Lions
2018 Singapore (Interim)
2023– Sri Pahang
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Fandi bin Ahmad PBM (born 29 May 1962) is a Singaporean professional football manager and former player. He is the current technical advisor and head coach of Malaysia Super League club Sri Pahang.[2] During his professional career, he mainly played as a striker, but also played as a midfielder. Along with the Singapore FA, he had also played for Malaysia Cup state sides Kuala Lumpur FA and Pahang FA, and won titles with all three, including two doubles in 1992 and 1994, as well as the Golden Boot in 1988. Fandi also played for Indonesia's Niac Mitra, Netherlands' Groningen as well as local Singaporean clubs Geylang United and SAFFC.[foot 1]

Internationally with the Singapore national team, Fandi earned 101 caps and scored 55 goals, a record he holds today, as well as winning three Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) silver medals while being captain from 1993 to 1997.[3] After his retirement, he began his managerial career in 2000 by helming his former playing club SAFFC, before moving on to Indonesia's Pelita Raya and Malaysia's Johor Darul Takzim, while also serving as the assistant national coach on numerous occasions while and running his own Fandi Ahmad Academy.

Fandi has been described as a national legend for Singapore.[foot 2] In 1994, he was awarded the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Medal) for his achievements, which included being the first Singaporean footballer to play in Europe, the first Singaporean millionaire sportsperson and the first Singaporean sportsperson to have a published biography. He has five children with his wife, South African model Wendy Jacobs, and his father is Ahmad Wartam, a former national goalkeeper. Fandi was ranked sixth in a list of Singapore's 50 Greatest Athletes of the Century by The Straits Times in 1999.[12] His children, most notably Ikhsan, Ilhan and Irfan, are also professional footballers.

Early life[edit]

As a young child, Fandi was obsessed with football and spent much of his time kicking a ball. His family lived in a two-room public housing flat in Hougang.[8] His family was working class; Fandi had to sell nasi lemak to help support the family.[8][13] Fandi's father, Ahmad Wartam was then a goalkeeper for the national team in the 1960s.[14] Fandi started playing as a goalkeeper, but switched to a midfield position under the advice of his teacher when he studied at Yio Chu Kang Primary[15]

When he was 12, his parents divorced, after which he lived in a kampong at Jalan Eunos with his father and paternal grandparents. At Serangoon Gardens Secondary School,[16] Fandi played for the school football team, but neglected his studies and was held back a year. He then transferred to the Singapore Vocational Institute and obtained a National Trade Certificate 3. He played for Kaki Bukit SC in the amateur National Football League, where he was spotted by Singapore FA coach Sebastian Yap.[17]

By the time he was 15, Fandi had become a regular for the Singapore national youth football team. In 1977, Fandi was vice-captain of the Singapore Under-17 national team that won the Lion City Cup youth tournament. In 1978, he became captain of the team which retained the Lion City Cup. In August that year, Fandi was called up for a senior national team squad for a training tour in Russia, becoming the youngest footballer to represent Singapore.

Club career[edit]

Fandi Ahmad in 2018

Singapore FA[edit]

Fandi joined Singapore FA in 1979 and became a regular midfield player, scoring four goals in his first Malaysia Cup season. The retirement of Arshad Khamis and Dollah Kassim prompted Jita Singh, the new Singapore FA coach, to play Fandi as a striker. During the 1980 Malaysia Cup season, Fandi scored eight goals, including the winning goal in the final against Selangor FA.[18] He enlisted for National Service in September 1980 and was given light duties, such as collecting the camp garbage, so he could continue playing for Singapore FA. In 1981, Fandi won the FAS Footballer of the Year award for helping Singapore FA reach the Malaysia Cup final.[14] The following year, Singapore FA did not play in the Malaysia Cup for political reasons, and Fandi underwent a shoulder operation; he could not play football for six weeks and was discharged early from National Service.[19]

Playing against Diego Maradona

Selangor FA invited Fandi to play for them against Argentine club Boca Juniors, which featured Diego Maradona, in a friendly game, in which Fandi scored the only goal for Selangor FA; the score was 2–1. Fandi was just 19 while serving national service at the time and after the match, Boca's chief coach Vladislao Cap said he was keen on signing the Singaporean, whom he described as "a superb striker who can fit into any team".

Offers from Europe and final decision

Fandi received offers from several Malaysia Cup teams, Indonesian side Niac Mitra, Swiss club Young Boys and Dutch side Ajax. It was Ajax he eventually chose, but after a three-week trial, Fandi rejected Ajax's three-year deal and with it, the opportunity to work with and be honed by the legendary Johan Cruyff and play up front with the likes of a young Marco van Basten and Jan Molby, whom he had been scouted along with but Fandi ended up signing a one-year contract with Niac Mitra instead earning S$75,000 annually, choosing to ply his trade nearer to home. Fandi is joined with compatriot, David Lee in Niac Mitra. Fandi helped them successfully defend their Galatama League title and was the third-highest scorer with 13 goals. In a friendly match between Niac Mitra and Arsenal, Fandi scored a goal in a 2–0 victory; however, he left Niac Mitra due to a sudden Galatama League ban on foreign players.[20]

FC Groningen[edit]

In 1983, Fandi moved to the Netherlands and signed a two-year contract with FC Groningen.[21] A thigh injury acquired in a friendly match kept him off the field for ten weeks, but in his first Eredivisie game he scored twice in a 2–0 victory over Go Ahead Eagles. On 19 October 1983, Fandi played in the first leg of a UEFA Cup second-round match against Italian side Internazionale, and scored the second goal in a 2–0 win with another goal came from Erwin Koeman, though in the second leg Groningen were defeated 1–5.[22] The Inter team boasted a couple of legendary names such as Giuseppe Baresi, Giuseppe Bergomi, Alessandro Altobelli, Evaristo Beccalossi, Riccardo Ferri, Fulvio Collovati and goalkeeper, Walter Zenga. The Groningen fans voted Fandi the most popular player and the most skilful player that season; he scored 10 goals in 29 games to help the Dutch club rise from ninth to fifth place in the Eredivisie. As an April Fools' Day joke, The Straits Times published a front-page story claiming that Manchester United had signed on Fandi.[23] His second season was marred by a recurrence of his thigh injury and a dispute with his coach. He played only two full games that season and Groningen did not offer him a new contract.[24] During his time in the Netherlands, Fandi scored 11 league goals in 36 league games for Groningen.[25] Fandi Ahmad teammate at Groningen who went on to become a global renowned player is Erwin Koeman, Ronald Koeman, Adri van Tiggelen, Jan van Dijk and Ron Jans.

Kuala Lumpur FA[edit]

The next club that Fandi played for was Malaysia Cup side Kuala Lumpur FA, which in 1987 won its first Malaysia Cup title. It was Malaysia Cup champions again the following season; Fandi won the Golden Boot, having scored 21 goals.[26] After a third season at Kuala Lumpur FA, in which it won a third consecutive Malaysia Cup,

OFI Crete[edit]

Fandi signed a two-year contract with Greek club OFI Crete in 1990. However, problems with his International Transfer Certificate prevented him from playing for Crete, so he left Greece after two months.[27]

Pahang FA[edit]

Fandi then joined Pahang FA, where he reverted to playing mainly in midfield due to his advancing age.[28] Fandi missed several months of games because of heel and thigh injuries, and scored three goals to help Pahang FA win the Malaysia Cup and Malaysian League Double in 1992.[29] That year, he became the first Singaporean sportsperson to have career earnings exceeding a million Singapore dollars (not adjusted for inflation).[8]

Return home to Singapore[edit]

Fandi rejoined Singapore FA after it was relegated to the second tier of the Malaysian League. Singapore FA was promoted and reached the Malaysia Cup final in 1993, and finished the 1994 season as Malaysia Cup and Malaysian League champions. Captain Fandi played in 39 of Singapore FA's 41 games in the double-winning season, was the top scorer with 26 goals and was voted Player of the Season;[30][31] he was also awarded a state medal, the Pingat Bakti Masyarakat (Public Service Medal).[14] The following season, Singapore FA withdrew from the Malaysia Cup and a fully professional Singaporean league, the S.League, was formed.

Geylang United[edit]

In its inaugural S.League season in 1996, Fandi joins and captained Geylang United where he was the joint top scorer with 11 goals, including the equaliser that confirmed Geylang as league champions. The Asian Football Confederation declared him the Player of the Month of June 1996.[32][33] Geylang was given special dispensation to pay Fandi thrice the S.League salary cap.[13]

Singapore Armed Forces[edit]

Fandi playing career concluded with three seasons at SAFFC, during which they won two S.League titles and two Singapore Cups. Because of injuries, Fandi was limited to mainly short substitute appearances, but he continued to score crucial goals, notably two against Cambodian side Royal Dolphins in the Asian Club Championship, until his retirement in 1999.[34][35]

International career[edit]

From 1979 to 1997, Fandi made 101 appearances for the Singapore national football team,[foot 3] scored 55 goals and earned a place in the Asian Football Confederation Hall of Fame.[9] He started as captain of the national youth team that won the Lion City Cup in 1976 and 1977,[8] then joined the senior national team on a tour of Russia, where he played in two friendly games and scored two goals in the second.[18] His first senior cap came at 17 years, 3 months and 23 days, making him Singapore's youngest-ever full international, until his record was broken by Hariss Harun in 2007.[36] However, in his first international competition, the 1979 SEA Games, Fandi did not score in four matches. He scored against India and North Korea in the Olympic Games qualifiers, but did not score in three FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. In the 1981 Ovaltine Cup, Fandi scored all Singapore goals in the 3–2 aggregate victory over Malaysia.[37] Fandi scored a goal in a 1–2 loss to Thailand in the 1981 King's Cup and a hat-trick against the Philippines at the 1981 SEA Games. In 1992, Fandi scored twice against Nepal and once against Thailand in the King's Cup, then scored when Singapore beat Malaysia 3–1 in the Ovaltine Cup.[38]

The following year, Fandi helped Singapore win the first of three SEA Games silver medals, with two goals in a 3–0 group stage win over Brunei and two against Malaysia in the semi-final. Despite suffering an ankle injury in the 1–2 final defeat by Thailand,[39] he played in the 1983 Merlion Cup, and scored in a 1–0 semi-final win against of China.[23] The second SEA Games silver medal came in 1985, when Fandi scored against Malaysia and the Philippines in the group stage, then two goals against Brunei in the semi-final. At the 1989 SEA Games, Fandi scored in the 4–0 victory over Myanmar that took Singapore past the group stages, the last-minute winner in the semi-final against defending champions Indonesia and Singapore's single goal in the 1–3 final defeat by Malaysia. This completed the hat-trick of silver medals, though in 2007, he said that "not winning the SEA Games gold medal" was among "his biggest regrets".[8] Fandi also played at the 1990 Asian Games and scored in the 6–1 win against Pakistan.[38]

During the 1991 SEA Games, Fandi scored both Singapore goals against Myanmar in the group stage, but was substituted in the semi-final match, after Indonesian fullback Herry Setyawan elbowed him in the eye. That match ended goalless and the Lions lost on penalties.[40] Fandi also missed Singapore's failed attempt to qualify for the 1992 Asian Cup, having sustained a heel injury.[41] At the 1993 SEA Games, captain Fandi scored a hat-trick in the 7–0 defeat of the Philippines, followed by the second Singapore goal in the 3–3 semi-final draw with Myanmar and scored once in the 3–1 win over Indonesia that secured a bronze medal for Singapore. Fandi also played in the inaugural Tiger Cup, and scored an equaliser against Malaysia, a goal against Brunei and two against the Philippines. 1997 was a disappointing year for Fandi, who failed to score in the Dunhill Cup and the World Cup qualifiers. After the 1997 SEA Games, where his goal in the semi-final could not prevent a 1–2 defeat to Indonesia, Fandi retired from international football.[38]

Coaching career[edit]

Fandi in 2014 as head coach of LionsXII

After his retirement from playing, Fandi worked as a coach. He started as the assistant to Singapore's national coach, Vincent Subramaniam, for the 1999 SEA Games, where Singapore finished fourth.[11] In 2011, he founded the Fandi Ahmad Academy, which organises training programmes and overseas opportunities for talented young Singaporean footballers.[4] Fandi is one of seven Singaporean coaches with a professional AFC coaching diploma and is widely considered a future coach of the Singapore national football team;[42]

Singapore Armed Forces[edit]

In 2000, Fandi became coach of SAFFC and guided them to the 2000 S.League title, and he won the S.League Coach of the Year Award.[43] Under Fandi, SAFFC ended the 2001 season without winning a trophy and the following year, were the 2002 S.League champions by a 20-point margin.[44] Fandi then simultaneously served as assistant national coach,[11] helping Singapore win the Tiger Cup in 2005.[5]

Young Lions[edit]

In 2005, Fandi become the coach of Young Lions, which rose from the bottom of the S.League in 2003 to two third-place finishes in 2004 and 2006 which up to this date remains as their highest league placing in the club history.[45]

Pelita Raya[edit]

From November 2006 to March 2010, Fandi managed Indonesian side Pelita Raya,[7] where he adopted a youth policy that helped them win promotion from the second division,[42] then guided the club to two mid-table finishes in the Indonesia Super League.[46]

Scout for Vicenza Calcio[edit]

Since then, he has been a scout for Italian club Vicenza Calcio, a regional project manager for the Genova International Soccer School.

Johor Darul Ta'zim[edit]

On 3 February 2012, Malaysian Super League side Johor Darul Ta'zim owner, the Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Ismail Idris approached Fandi after the club first year of rebranding the whole organisation structure and its footballing activities which he accept and being the first manager during the club first era after being revamp.[6] Fandi reportedly earned $S30,000 a month. In his first season, he guide JDT all the way to the 2013 Malaysia FA Cup Final but lost 1-0 to Kelantan FA. Johor finished third in the 2013 Malaysia Super League behind LionsXII and Selangor FA. The side also paraded ex-Spanish international striker, Dani Güiza who won the Euro 2008, former SS Lazio player, Simone del Nero and as well as a host of Malaysian internationals, including Malaysia captain, Safiq Rahim and star player, Safee Sali, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and the both twins, Aidil Zafuan and Zaquan Adha. On 30 July 2013, he was relieved off his duties.

LionsXII[edit]

On 7 December 2013, he became head coach of the Singapore LionsXII, with Nazri Nasir as his assistant.[47] On 23 May 2015, he led LionsXII to clinch the 2015 Malaysia FA Cup, their first trophy of the season.[48][49]

2nd stint at Young Lions and interim coach of Singapore[edit]

Fandi was appointed as the head coach of Young Lions for the newly revamp 2018 Singapore Premier League season, replacing Richard Tardy.[50] In May 2018, he was appointed as the interim head coach of the Singapore national football team until the end of the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup.[51][52] Fandi's contract with FAS was extended in November 2019, with the new role as head of elite youth. He aims, together with technical director Joseph Palatsides, to enhance the pathways and structure for the development of youth players for the national teams. After leading the Singapore under-22 at the 2019 SEA Games, Fandi's Young Lions and the under-22s will be taken over by Nazri Nasir in 2020.[53] Fandi will also be part of national team's coach Tatsuma Yoshida's backroom staff.[54]

Sri Pahang[edit]

On 21 July 2022, Fandi returned to Sri Pahang as a technical adviser. The appointment comes three weeks after he left the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) following a seven-year stint. His contract as head of elite youth ended on 30 June 2022. It was reported in May that Fandi had several options from club sides in the region which he had turned down offers from sides in Indonesia, and was also linked to Malaysian teams due to his vast connections across the Causeway, such as his good relationship with Sri Pahang president, Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah.

In January 2023, Fandi takes over as Sri Pahang coach from Malaysian legend Dollah Salleh who had taken temporary charge after the resignation of Frenchman Christophe Gamel last season. This will be Fandi's second stint as head coach of a Malaysia Super League team. His team started off into season well after 11 games with 7 wins, 4 draws and 0 lost before losing the undefeated streak to Johor Darul Takzim 2-0. On 9 June 2023, when all hopes seems lost with the score favouring to Negeri Sembilan 1-3 into the last 10 mins into the match, Fandi team bounce back unexpectedly to win the match with the score being 4-3 at full time.

Personal life[edit]

Fandi is a devout humble Muslim,[13] avoids scandals, does not smoke or drink,[55] and is often described as humble,[10] filial and compassionate.[7] He married South African model Wendy Jacobs in 1996 and the couple have five children, namingly sons Irfan, Ikhsan, Ilhan, Iryan and a daughter Iman;[56] the four sons are footballers (Irfan, Ikhsan, Ilhan and Iryan). Irfan and Ikhsan who impressed at trials at Arsenal, Chelsea and Milan[57] plays for Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United, Ilhan plays for Challenger Pro League club Deinze while Iryan plays for Singapore Premier League club Hougang United. The eldest three (Irfan, Ikhsan and Ilhan) plays for the Singapore national team.[58][59] On 26 March 2022 against Malaysia, the three brothers played together in the same match for the first time at the Singapore National Stadium.

Fandi is also cousins with Hafiz Abu Sujad and the national team's physiotherapist Nurhafizah.[60]

In 2023 after the match between Selangor & Sri Pahang, during the interview on Astro Arena, Malaysian legend, Azman Adnan is confirmed to be his cousin.

He is the first Singaporean sportsperson to be the subject of a biography, which was released in 1993 and called The Fandi Ahmad Story. It sold 17,000 copies in two months and was also translated into Malay.[61]

Endorsement

Products Fandi has endorsed include Lotto sportswear,[62] Royal Sporting House sportswear,[13] Uncle Tobys cereal, Carnation milk and energy drink Isomax.[55] In 1996, he released an album of English and Malay songs and produced Meniti Pelangi, a television programme about disadvantaged Malay Singaporeans.[13] Three years later, he opened a restaurant and a car dealership, but both closed down within two years.[7] He has also served as an ambassador for national anti-smoking and anti-drug campaigns,[10][23] raised funds for victims of the 2004 Indonesian tsunami and participated in a Northeast Community Development Council initiative to organise community service programmes.[63]

Career statistics[edit]

International goals[a]
No Date Venue Opponent Result Competition
1 26 February 1980 Singapore  India 1–0 1980 Olympic Games qualification
2 4 March 1980 Singapore  North Korea 3–1 1980 Olympic Games qualification
3 5 April 1981 Singapore  Malaysia 1–1 1981 Ovaltine Cup
4 19 April 1981 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia 2–1 1981 Ovaltine Cup replay
5 19 April 1981 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Malaysia Malaysia 2–1 1981 Ovaltine Cup replay
6 9 November 1981 Bangkok, Thailand  Thailand 1–2 1981 King's Cup
7 9 December 1981 Manila, Philippines  Philippines 4–0 1981 Southeast Asian Games
8 9 December 1981 Manila, Philippines Philippines Philippines 4–0 1981 Southeast Asian Games
9 9 December 1981 Manila, Philippines Philippines Philippines 4–0 1981 Southeast Asian Games
10 7 January 1982 Singapore  Bahrain 2–0 Friendly
11 5 May 1982 Bangkok, Thailand    Nepal 2–0 1982 King's Cup
12 5 May 1982 Bangkok, Thailand Nepal Nepal 2–0 1982 King's Cup
13 15 May 1982 Bangkok, Thailand Thailand Thailand 2–2 1982 King's Cup
14 15 May 1982 Bangkok, Thailand Thailand Thailand 2–2 1982 King's Cup
15 8 August 1982 Penang, Malaysia India India 3–0 1982 Merdeka Tournament
16 10 November 1982 Singapore Malaysia Malaysia 3–1 1982 Ovaltine Cup
17 28 May 1983 Singapore Malaysia Malaysia 2–1 1983 Southeast Asian Games
18 1 June 1983 Singapore Philippines Philippines 5–0 1983 Southeast Asian Games
19 4 June 1983 Singapore  Brunei 4–0 1983 Southeast Asian Games
20 4 June 1983 Singapore Brunei Brunei 4–0 1983 Southeast Asian Games
21 14 December 1983 Singapore  China 1–0 1983 Merlion Cup
22 13 December 1985 Bangkok, Thailand Brunei Brunei 3–0 1985 Southeast Asian Games
23 13 December 1985 Bangkok, Thailand Brunei Brunei 3–0 1985 Southeast Asian Games
24 14 December 1985 Bangkok, Thailand Malaysia Malaysia 2–2 1985 Southeast Asian Games
25 14 December 1985 Bangkok, Thailand Malaysia Malaysia 2–2 1985 Southeast Asian Games
26 4 April 1987 Singapore  Indonesia 2–0 1988 Olympic Games qualification
27 26 April 1987 Jakarta, Indonesia Indonesia Indonesia 1–2 1988 Olympic Games qualification
28 26 August 1989 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia  Myanmar 4–0 1989 Southeast Asian Games
29 28 August 1989 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Indonesia Indonesia 1–0 1989 Southeast Asian Games
30 31 August 1989 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Myanmar Myanmar 1–3 1989 Southeast Asian Games
31 27 September 1990 Beijing, China  Pakistan 6–1 1990 Asian Games
32 29 November 1991 Manila, Philippines Myanmar Myanmar 2–1 1991 Southeast Asian Games
33 29 November 1991 Manila, Philippines Myanmar Myanmar 2–1 1991 Southeast Asian Games
34 25 November 1992 Yangon, Myanmar Myanmar Myanmar 1–0 Friendly
35 8 December 1992 Singapore Malaysia Malaysia 3–0 1992 Merlion Cup
36 13 April 1993 Doha, Qatar  Vietnam 3–2 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
37 16 April 1993 Doha, Qatar  Qatar 1–4 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
38 30 April 1993 Singapore Qatar Qatar 1–0 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
39 2 May 1993 Singapore Indonesia Indonesia 2–1 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
40 9 June 1993 Singapore Philippines Philippines 7–0 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
41 9 June 1993 Singapore Philippines Philippines 7–0 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
42 9 June 1993 Singapore Philippines Philippines 7–0 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
43 17 June 1993 Singapore Myanmar Myanmar 3–3 1993 Southeast Asian Games
44 19 June 1993 Singapore Indonesia Indonesia 3–1 1993 Southeast Asian Games
45 17 July 1995 Singapore Myanmar Myanmar 3–3 1995 Tiger Beer Quadrangular
46 4 December 1995 Lamphun, Thailand Brunei Brunei 2–2 1995 Southeast Asian Games
47 6 December 1995 Lamphun, Thailand Myanmar Myanmar 4–2 1995 Southeast Asian Games
48 6 December 1995 Lamphun, Thailand Myanmar Myanmar 4–2 1995 Southeast Asian Games
49 8 December 1995 Chiang Mai, Thailand Philippines Philippines 4–0 1995 Southeast Asian Games
50 16 December 1995 Singapore Myanmar Myanmar 1–0 1995 Southeast Asian Games
51 1 September 1996 Singapore Malaysia Malaysia 1–1 1996 AFF Championship
52 4 September 1996 Singapore Brunei Brunei 3–0 1996 AFF Championship
53 6 September 1996 Singapore Philippines Philippines 3–0 1996 AFF Championship
54 6 September 1996 Singapore Philippines Philippines 3–0 1996 AFF Championship
55 16 October 1997 Jakarta, Indonesia Indonesia Indonesia 1–2 1997 Southeast Asian Games
  1. ^ International goals recognised by the Football Association of Singapore and the Asian Football Confederation.[64]

Honours[edit]

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ A club representing the Singapore Armed Forces. Formerly known as SAFFC, they were renamed to Warriors F.C. in 2013.
  2. ^ Reliable sources have described Fandi as a "Singapore football legend",[4] "Singapore's favourite footballing son",[5] a "national football icon",[6] "Singapore's most celebrated footballer",[7] "the country's golden boy of football",[8] "the most well known face of Singapore sport",[9] "the best of his generation",[10] "one of Singapore's greatest footballers ever" and "one of Asia's best players".[11]
  3. ^ Football Association of Singapore records from this period were not accepted by FIFA, so Fandi is not listed in the FIFA Century Club.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ S Gulam (18 May 1996). "Old? Who says?". The New Paper. p. 53.
  2. ^ "A new beginning for our Young Lions". The Straits Times. 3 January 2018.
  3. ^ "FAS launches FAS Captains' Advisory Panel". FAS. Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 21 March 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Fandi Ahmad Academy hopes to send youth abroad to turn professional", Channel NewsAsia, 18 May 2011.
  5. ^ a b Wang Meng Meng, "Singapore soccer through Fandi's eyes", The New Paper, 24 January 2005.
  6. ^ a b Sanjay Nair, "Fandi unlikely to coach Singapore Lions", The Straits Times, 5 August 2011.
  7. ^ a b c d "Fandi is too nice for his own good", The Sunday Times, 12 November 2006.
  8. ^ a b c d e f Jose Raymond, "A superstar's sacred ground", TODAY, 27 June 2007.
  9. ^ a b Santokh Singh, "Ball starts rolling to honour 4 players", The Straits Times, 29 April 1999.
  10. ^ a b c Nick Edwards, "Top Singapore soccer star espouses humility", Reuters, 17 May 1998.
  11. ^ a b c G Sivakkumaran, "Fandi named as Sivaji's assistant", The Straits Times, 7 January 2003.
  12. ^ "Here's the full list". The Straits Times. 19 December 1999.
  13. ^ a b c d e Murray Hiebert, "Singapore's soccer star takes a shine to business", Far Eastern Economic Review, 17 April 1997.
  14. ^ a b c "Fandi Ahmad's milestones", The Sunday Times, 12 November 2006.
  15. ^ Yeo, pp. 9–16
  16. ^ "Fandi Ahmad".
  17. ^ Yeo, pp. 17–22
  18. ^ a b Yeo, pp. 23–27
  19. ^ Yeo, pp. 31–34
  20. ^ Yeo, pp. 46–49
  21. ^ "Fandi goes Dutch". Retrieved 18 July 2019.
  22. ^ Yeo, pp. 54–57
  23. ^ a b c Yeo, pp. 58–61
  24. ^ Yeo, pp. 64–67
  25. ^ "Player profile" (in Dutch). Voetbal International. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  26. ^ Yeo, pp. 82–86
  27. ^ Yeo, pp. 106–108
  28. ^ Peter Khoo, "Fandi hits full throttle in striker's role", The Straits Times, 16 December 1992.
  29. ^ "Fading star Fandi up against rising star Farid", The Straits Times, 12 November 1992.
  30. ^ Peter Khoo, "The perfect end to Singapore's 14-year drought", The Sunday Times, 18 December 1994.
  31. ^ Dan Guen Chin, "Fandi helps Geylang to inaugural title", The New Straits Times, 15 June 1996.
  32. ^ "Singapore's Fandi Ahmad is AFC's player of the month", Agence France-Presse, 3 July 1996.
  33. ^ "No medal, but Fandi will still keep on kicking", The Straits Times, 12 October 1999.
  34. ^ Godfrey Robert, "I want to play", The Straits Times, 3 December 1999.
  35. ^ Leonard Lim, "Lions off to winning start in Invitational opener", The Straits Times, 25 June 2007.
  36. ^ Yeo, pp. 35–41
  37. ^ a b c Neil Morrison, "Fandi Ahmad – Century of International Appearances", Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation, 3 January 2012.
  38. ^ Yeo, pp. 50–53
  39. ^ Peter Khoo, "Penalty shoot-out agony for Lions", The Straits Times, 3 December 1991.
  40. ^ Joe Dorai, "Lions let down by strikers, lack of fitness", The Straits Times, 28 April 1992.
  41. ^ a b David Lee, "Fandi's ready to help", The New Paper, 23 January 2011.
  42. ^ "Fandi wins Coach of the Year Award", Channel NewsAsia, 7 October 2000.
  43. ^ Jeffrey Low, "You C, this is how the Warriors did it this year", The Sunday Times, 3 November 2002.
  44. ^ Sharani Khamis, "This one's for you, Fandi", TODAY, 8 November 2006.
  45. ^ Wang Meng Meng, "Fandi back in Singapore to take care of wife", The Straits Times, 19 March 2010.
  46. ^ Fabius Chen, "Nazri Nasir gets nod as assistant to Fandi Ahmad", The Straits Times, 16 December 2013.
  47. ^ "LionsXII clinch Malaysia FA Cup with stunning 3-1 win". Channel NewsAsia. 23 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  48. ^ "SUPERSUB SAHIL PROPELS LIONSXII TO HISTORIC FA CUP GLORY". LionsXII. 23 May 2015. Archived from the original on 25 May 2015. Retrieved 25 May 2015.
  49. ^ "Football: Fandi Ahmad takes charge of Young Lions as FAS releases SEA Games coach Richard Tardy". The Straits Times. 14 December 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  50. ^ "Fandi Ahmad appointed Singapore coach for 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup". Fox Sports Asia. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 22 November 2019.
  51. ^ "Football: Fandi Ahmad named interim national coach, will lead Lions at AFF Suzuki Cup". The Straits Times. 15 May 2018. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  52. ^ "Fandi to stay with FAS in developmental role, Nazri to take over Young Lions". The New Paper. 23 November 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  53. ^ "Football: FAS extends Fandi Ahmad's contract, with new role as head of elite youth". The Straits Times. 23 November 2019. Retrieved 22 May 2018.
  54. ^ a b Yeo, pp. 146–149.
  55. ^ Jamie Ee, "Wendy Jacobs may leave hospital this week", The Sunday Times, 1 March 2009.
  56. ^ S Murali, "I am going to Europe", The New Paper, 14 October 2010.
  57. ^ Lee, David (11 November 2018). "Football: Irfan Fandi joins Bangkok Glass for next season but still keen on moving to Europe". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  58. ^ Ganesan, Deepanraj (23 March 2021). "Football: Ilhan Fandi, 18, follows in his father and brothers' footsteps with Lions call-up". The Straits Times. ISSN 0585-3923. Retrieved 5 October 2021.
  59. ^ "Nerves no longer freeze rising son". AsiaOne. 6 December 2013. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
  60. ^ Tuminah Sapawi, "Fandi's story translated into Malay", The Straits Times, 28 October 1993.
  61. ^ Peter Khoo, "Fandi strikes record deal", The Straits Times, 3 January 1995.
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Bibliography[edit]

Sporting positions
Preceded by Singapore national team captain
1993–1997
Succeeded by