Singapore, February 1, 2024 – The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) today announced the appointment of Tsutomu Ogura as its new director (A team and U-22 national team). Mr. Ogura, a 57-year-old Japanese coaching veteran, brings a wealth of experience to the role, with extensive coaching experience at various clubs and notable achievements as a member of the Japan Football Association.
In a strategic move in line with the recommendations of the Post SEA Games Football Review 2023, Ogura will lead the senior men’s team while also overseeing the performance of the U-23/22 team and their coach. This organizational change underlines FAS’s commitment to the holistic development of football in Singapore, ensuring seamless collaboration and synergy between the senior men’s team and the U-23/22 teams.
In February 2024, FAS President Bernard Tan presented Coach Ogura with a customized jersey.
“I am delighted that we were able to have someone of Coach Ogura’s caliber take on the difficult role of head coach of the Singapore national team.” Ogura has had a very varied career in football. However, it will definitely help not only the improvement of the senior national team, but also the entire football ecosystem. While he may not be as well-known to local fans as some of the other candidates we spoke to, I think he will quickly win the hearts of both players and fans, as well as the greater football fraternity. I’m confident,” he said. Bernard Tan, FAS President.
Ogura’s coaching career began in 1996 at JEF United Ichihara, where he first honed his coaching skills. His coaching acumen was further demonstrated during his time with the Japanese national team at various levels from 2006 until 2012, playing a key role in the formation of the team during this period. In 2010, Ogura was part of the coaching staff at the Guangzhou Asian Games Championships and the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where Japan reached the last 16.
Director Ogura at a press conference, February 2024.
In particular, Ogura served as the second head coach of the Japanese Olympic team from 2010 to 2012, contributing to a commendable fourth-place finish at the 2012 London Olympics. He then continued his football career with Omiya Ardija, Ventforet Kofu, JEF United Chiba and Yokohama F. Marinos.
It was during his time in Yokohama in 2019 that Ogura achieved one of the greatest accomplishments in the club’s history, overseeing the club’s first J1 League victory in 15 years as the club’s sporting director. He enjoyed similar success as Tokyo Verdy’s second manager from 2022 to 2024, leading the team to promotion to the J1 League for the first time in 15 years. His impressive achievements at national and international level reflect his commitment to excellence and player development.
Coach Ogura is scheduled to begin preparations for Singapore’s next two matches in March, against China in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2027 AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia second qualifying round. The Lions, placed in Group C, had played the first two games of the qualifying round against South Korea in Seoul and Thailand at the Singapore National Stadium.
Corporate Communication Department
Singapore Football Association
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