The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has announced that new national coach Tsutomu Ogura will have a Japanese as his assistant national coach.
The announcement was made through a media release issued on 7 March, as the Lions prepare for the Lions’ upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ Round 2 qualifying matches against China.
The FAS referred to the appointment of former Kashima Antlers assistant coach, Kosei Nakamura, as a “strategic move”, without saying why it was so.
The FAS also announced that BG Tampines Rovers FC Head Coach, Gavin Lee, has also been “invited to be part of the National Team’s backroom staff” for the March international window.
Nakamura possesses the JFA A License 2016, AFC Fitness Coaching Certificate Course Level 2 2022, Scottish Talent ID Level 2 2022, UEFA C License 2022, and the J-League Head of Coaching Diploma.
The 42-year-old Japanese began his coaching journey at Kashima Antlers in 2007 as a football academy coach, the same club where he played during his teen years from 2000 to 2002.
Rising through the ranks in various coaching roles, Nakamura eventually settled in as the assistant manager of the club’s professional side since April 2023, with his face still being up on the club’s website.
He was also part of Albirex Niigata’s Japanese and Singaporean sides, respectively.
On loan from Albirex Niigata’s Japanese team, he played on 15 occasions during the 2005/06 S-League season before retiring as a footballer in 2006, said the FAS.
Said Ogura, ”I am very encouraged that everyone has come together to work towards a common goal of improving our national team.
“I have met all the SPL coaches and look forward to working with all of them. I am also very grateful to Tampines that they have agreed to allow their head coach Gavin to join the national team for the China games.”
The FAS begins centralised training on 11 March.
MAIN PHOTO: KASHIMA ANTLERS