The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has announced that Assistant Coach Gavin Lee will take over coaching duties in place of Head Coach Tsutomu Ogura who is unwell after testing positive for COVID-19 for the team’s final match against Thailand..
“Lee will undertake all relevant responsibilities beginning from this evening as Singapore prepares for its final World Cup Qualifier against Thailand at the Rajamangala National Stadium tomorrow,” said the statement which was issued on its website.
Lee, also the head coach for Singapore Premier League’s BG Tampines Rovers, has been appointed by Ogura to step in for final match of the group stage, which is inconsequential for the Lions.
The FAS said that as at 4pm (Bangkok time) on 10 June, Ogura along with one other member of the backroom staff have tested positive for COVID-19 and have since isolated themselves from the rest of the squad.
“The National Team doctor is currently monitoring the rest of the backroom staff as well as the players as a precaution,” said the statement.
National custodian Hassan Sunny said in a video posted on the FAS socials that the match will not be an easy one, and the team is well aware of the quality in the Thai side.
“It is not going to be easy again, but it a good preparation as we are facing them in the Mitsubishi Electric Cup,”
“Playing in Thailand is always difficult,” he said.
“We know the quality they have, but we do have quality as well.”
Thailand still have a chance of making the next round, and is currently level on points with China, separated by goal difference.
A huge win against the Lions, and provided Korea Republic beats China, would mean that the Thais qualify for the next stage.
“We are looking forward to this one,” said 40-year-old Hassan.
MAIN PHOTO: FAS