April 15, 2004

Tanjong Pagar United have appointed Brunei national coach Karim Bencherifa to take over the reins from caretaker coach Swandi Ahmad.

He is expected to arrive in Singapore at the end of the week.

The Moroccan's first task would be to revive the flagging spirit of the players as the Jaguars have yet to pick a single point in the 6 matches so far. His first match is expected to be the Singapore Cup clash against SAFFC this Sunday.

He know a new coach at the helm is very important for them as they are on a bad run & will need an experienced coach to revive the season.

At the same time, Kang wanted to his appreciation to Swandi for picking up the pieces after Moey's shock departure as other than the first team Swandi also took charge of the Prime League side. He felt Swandi has done a great job considering that he was thrust into the position & has done his best.

Jaguars new coach Bencherifa have a Uefa coaching diploma attained from the German Football Association as well as a vast experience in both club & international football.

He was a former staff coach at the Moroccan Football Association & was head coach of the Moroccan national women's team. He has also worked with clubs & youth academies in countries like France and Malta, before taking up the national coach position with Brunei this year.