Aide named new Young Lions coach

By Gabriel Tan

Aide, one of Singapore's most-decorated players with 121 caps and three regional titles to his name, most recently assisted ex-Lions coach Radojko Avramovic in last year's AFF Suzuki Cup triumph.

Since then, there has been plenty of speculation over his future but all that ended on Wednesday when it was confirmed he will be taking over Robin Chitrakar as Young Lions boss.

"The shortlisted candidates underwent a rigorous interview process and all performed well in the various tests," FAS president Zainudin Nordin said in a press release.

"While they are all highly qualified individuals who possess established competence, relevant qualifications and experience at the top level, the panel reached a unanimous decision that Aide Iskandar will best fulfil our long-term objectives.

"Aide had an illustrious playing career during which he clinched honours at both international and club levels. As a coach, Aide has demonstrated leadership and maturity and we believe he will have a positive influence on the Courts Young Lions players, many of whom have the potential to be called up to the national team within the next few years."

Zainudin also mentioned how the Young Lions played a key role in the national team setup as the designated development side and Aide reveals he is relishing the chance to be involved in grooming the next generation of Singapore internationals.

"The Courts Young Lions' participation in the S.League since 2003 has significantly enhanced youth development in Singapore," the 37-year-old said. "And I am deeply honoured to be appointed to one of the key coaching positions in Singapore football today.

"The likes of national captain Shahril Ishak and Irwan Shah and, more recently, Hariss Harun, Izwan Mahbud and Hafiz Abu Sujad are among the many who were developed through the Young Lions structure during the past decade.

"I had the invaluable opportunity to work with many of the Courts Young Lions players at the recent NexLions Cup and I am confident that I can play a role in enhancing their development, which will in turn boost the national team in the next few years.

"I look forward to the challenge of preparing our Under-21 players to compete against professional teams and players in the 2013 S.League season, and also towards playing a key role in boosting youth development in Singapore."

Aide has previous experience in charge of an S.League side having taken charge of Hougang United from 2009 to 2011.