Gavin Lee has been appointed head coach for the Singapore men’s national team after the nation successfully qualified for the AFC Asian Cup on merit for the first time following a 2-1 win over Hong Kong, China last week.

The 35-year-old stood in as interim coach following the resignation of Tsutomu Ogura in June and masterminded the team’s run to a place in the 2027 Asian Cup which will be played in Saudi Arabia. Singapore featured in the 1984 edition by virtue of being the host nation.

“I first started coaching Under-4s (boys and girls) and now to be entrusted with the National Team is a true honour. It’s a privilege I don’t take lightly, and I hope it shows others that with commitment and hard work, opportunities like this are achievable,” said Lee.

While the AFC Asian Cup will be Lee’s long-term goal, he will have a first opportunity to lead Singapore’s hunt for more accolades, with the ASEAN Hyundai Cup™ 2026 scheduled to be played next July and August. 

Singapore are four-time champions of the Hyundai Cup™, winning the title in 1998, 2004, 2007 and 2012.

FA of Singapore President Forrest Li said: “The team’s recent displays of cohesion and resilience was built on Gavin’s familiarity with the players and staff, and the trust and confidence he has inspired in the dressing room.” 

Lee, a former coach at Tampines Rovers FC who are competing in the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup™, paid tribute to his predecessor Ogura, who had included him in the backroom team. 

“After the full-time whistle (in Hong Kong), the first phone call I made was to my wife; the second was to him — to thank him for being part of this journey. I don’t think we’d be here today without the early work that set us on our path,” he said of the Japanese tactician.

Photo: Football Association of Singapore

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