BY S GULAM
Nov 23, 1998

Roar: It's been a long time since we last heard the
Kallang Roar. But here, fans of the Jaguars
bring back the spirit. Pic/ JOYCE LIM

THE winner and the loser agreed on one thing last night: It's about time we paid more respect and money to local coaches.

Said Tohari Paijan: "It's a clean sweep by the local coaches. The S-League was won by a local coach (Vincent Subramaniam).

"The Singapore Cup and the FA Cup were also won by a Singaporean coach (Tohari himself). Don't you think more Singapore coaches should be given a chance?"

Added Tanjong Pagar's winning coach: "Do you know how much I'm paid? Just $2,500. But I'm not ashamed of it. Because the club has given me a great chance.

"Do you know how much my predecessor was paid? Four times my salary."

He named Fandi Ahmad and V Sundramoorthy as those with potential to become coaches.

"They have certificates, they are eager, famous and experienced," he added.

Defeated Sembawang Rangers' coach Jita Singh chipped in: "But will they be given salaries and perks like the foreigners'?

CHANCE

"I doubt it. Simply because they are locals. But are local coaches inferior? I don't think so.

"It's okay if the foreign coaches are someone like Arrigo Sacchi or Arsene Wenger. They cost a bomb - that's because you can learn a lot from them.

"But who do we have here? Very ordinary coaches. Here today, gone tomorrow. And I don't think they are far superior to the locals.

Celebration: Tanjong Pagar coach Tohari Paijan
(holding cup) is given a ceremonial lift by
the happy players after Jaguars won the FA
Cup last night. Pic/ JOYCE LIM

"I dare say we are on par and some of the local coaches are even better."

Jita may be the master but his former pupil, Tohari, had the final say:

RECOGNITION

"Over the years, I've picked up many tips from Jita. I consider him one of the best tacticians and motivators in Singapore. I hope I can be like him one day.

"But unless we are given more recognition, we may not want to become coaches. Then, there's no choice but to have a foreign coach for every team. You want that?

"I'm not against foreign coaches. But unless they are really good, let's stick to local coaches."

Are the clubs listening?

Tribute to Woon

IT was his greatest moment. He had just won his second trophy in a week. Yet, he didn't want all the credit for himself.

Instead, Tohari Paijan paid tribute to the one man he loves more than his wife and children.

"He's the man who made me. This Cup is for him," said the Tanjong Pagar coach pointing to his club manager Richard Woon.

"He (Woon) rescued me when I was in trouble years ago, he gave me a chance to play, he gave me a chance to work for the club, he gave me the chance to coach, he gave me the chance to regain my pride.

"I owe everything to him. And I guess I've not let him down for his trust and confidence in me."

Then Tohari added in jest: "I think Richard owes me now. After all, I've brought the club $90,000 in one week."