Tanjong Pagar wants national captain to assist coach Tohari

By BEN NADARAJAN

SINGAPORE skipper Lim Tong Hai has been appointed assistant coach of S-League club Tanjong Pagar United.

Lim confirmed yesterday that the club had approached him with the offer and he had agreed to take up the post.

However, the stopper, who has a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, will continue playing for the club.

He said: "I am trying to put myself to good use -- not just by playing. I got my B-Grade coaching licence early this year and want to start learning first-hand about being a coach."

His decision to stay faithful with soccer despite the tough economic year is a much needed boost to the S-League, whose clubs have been plagued by financial problems.

"Though we've had to take a 20 per cent pay cut, I believe that the S-League will survive, and when the economy recovers, local soccer will thrive," he said.

"The S-League's turning professional has made me see a long-term career in soccer. If not, I probably would have had to look for a job as an engineer or start some business."

The defender is keen on going for an A-Grade coaching course next month. However, the Dunhill Cup tournament in Vietnam may force him to postpone it.

"If I miss this course, I don't know when the next one will be. But my priority is the national team," he said.

With the Jaguars, the player-coach will be involved mainly in the training of the defenders.

"My forte is in defending and not midfield or upfront," he said.

But Lim feels that he has much more to learn from Jaguars coach Tohari Paijan.

"Tohari understands the players because he was one himself. I hope I can be as good a motivator as he is.

"Everything that Tohari can teach, I want to learn."

The defender admited that he was a little apprehensive when he was first offered the appointment.

"This will be my first time as a coach. I will need a lot of support from the players and officials," he said.

Lim said that he hopes to do his part in helping Singapore achieve GOAL 2010 -- the Football Association of Singapore's vision of reaching the World Cup finals by the year 2010.

"Since the FAS has come up with the target, I will try my best to help us reach it. Hopefully, the youngsters that we coach can help us achieve that too."

Ex-national captain Fandi Ahmad has also expressed interest in becoming assistant coach at SAFFC.

And Lim feels that it is good for Singapore soccer that established players are taking the decision to step up.

"It is good for players to take up coaching. We can pass on our knowledge and experience to the younger players."

Said Tohari: "It is only for the better of Singapore soccer and the S-League. People like Fandi and Tong Hai are household names. Their names will carry weight among the youngsters as they will respect and admire them."

He emphasised the successes of ex-national coaches like P.N Sivaji and Robert Lim, who have produced some good national players.

"When Sivaji and Robert retire, who is going to take over?

"We need to give more local players a chance to gain experience and exposure in coaching.

"Having good quality local coaches will produce good quality local players."