Kadir Yahaya joins Unleash The Roar! as Director of football

Former international Kadir Yahaya has joined the Unleash The Roar! (UTR!) national football project as Director of Football.

Photo by Unleash The Roar!, Chrong Meng

As Director of Football, he will provide technical oversight over youth development initiatives under UTR!, including the Junior National Development Centre (JNDC) and the National Development Centre (NDC). He will also work closely with youth academies and clubs to put in place player development strategies, for both boys and girls, that will enable Singapore to be competitive internationally.

Kadir, 57, brings with him over 20 years of experience as a coach in both youth and senior football, having been part of the National Football Academy (2004 to 2006) to being the head coach of Tampines Rovers (2018). Kadir was most recently the Head of Youth at Thai League 1 club BG Pathum United (2022-2024).

Said Kadir, who was also part of the 1998 Tiger Cup winning team: “It is an honour to be back involved in Singapore football and part of the Unleash The Roar! project. We have the opportunity to create a sustainable youth development model for future generations to build on and I am excited to be part of this journey.

“I look forward to working with academies, clubs, and all our stakeholders to usher in a new dawn for Singapore football.”

Sport Singapore’s Chief of Sport Development Group, Marcus Tan, who oversees UTR!, said: “Kadir's passion for the game and his proven track record in developing young players make him a valuable asset to UTR!. We believe his leadership will be instrumental in shaping the future of Singapore football.”

There will also be a newly-formed Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) – made up of experienced football administrators and technical experts.  As a start, the TAC will comprise:

• Desmond Ong (BG Tampines Rovers Chairman and Football Association of Singapore Council member, UTR! Executive Committee member), who will serve as Chairman of the TAC

• Tsutomu Ogura (National men's head coach)

• Gavin Lee (Assistant national men's coach)

• Aide Iskandar (Former national captain and former coach of the national U-23 team)

  
  

The TAC will provide technical expertise advice on matters pertaining to the footballing aspects of the UTR! project. TAC includes members of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) such as the Council Member and National Coach to ensure coherence and alignment with the FAS on technical matters, especially the development of players for the senior national teams.

Added FAS General Secretary Chew Chun-Liang: “Kadir brings with him a rich pedigree, both as a decorated player and a well-respected coach.

“We look forward to working with him to build a bright new future for our sport.”