Get behind Singapore, urges ex-coach Raddy

Radojko "Raddy" Avramovic is Singapore's longest-serving and most successful football coach, having led the Lions in over 100 matches and to three Asean titles.

- David Lee

But, for the 75-year-old, there is no greater fulfilment than seeing his former charges grow and develop into people with good character.

He told The Straits Times: "I used to see them as players, and now I see them as grown men with family and kids.

"I have full satisfaction when I see that they are right people in a good way."

Avramovic and former national football fitness coach Aleksandar Bozenko are in town from Dec 10-19 at the invitation of Football Association of Singapore (FAS) and former Lion Aleksandar Duric.

On Dec 11, they and other former Lions received a warm welcome in front of 12,391 fans before Singapore's 2-1 Asean Championship win over Cambodia at the National Stadium.

Avramovic said: "That's a really nice gesture, it feels good to be back and see all those boys.

"I still keep in touch with many of them through WhatsApp and I will follow Singapore football and watch their highlights on YouTube."

After that, he met FAS vice-president Teo Hock Seng for lunch with former players like Khairul Amri, Noh Alam Shah, Ridhuan Muhammad, Baihakki Khaizan, Nazri Nasir, Rafi Ali and Hasrin Jailani.

"It was really nice, we talked about the past. But when you start to talk like this, it means you're f****** old," said a laughing Avramovic.