Badri humbled but primed for huge task

The general secretary role may be the top position of the Football Association of Singapore's (FAS) secretariat, but when Badri Ghent was first sounded out for the job, he admitted that there were some initial doubts before he eventually accepted it.

- Deepanraj Ganesan

At 36, he felt that he was too young for a role that has often been taken on by experienced administrators. He also had "unfinished business" at Singapore Premier League club Lion City Sailors, where he was their sporting director.

But ultimately Badri decided to take on the challenge, with his appointment announced by FAS on Sept 1.

This is seen as the first major hire by the new council led by FAS president and tech billionaire Forrest Li, who assumed office in April.

"Obviously, when FAS came calling, I was humbled that I would even be considered for the role," Badri told The Straits Times.

"But the first feeling I felt was one of surprise given my age. Usually a general secretary is someone who's a bit more senior. And I still feel that I have unfinished business at the Sailors, given the success we've had last season, both domestically and continentally."

In the 2024-25 season, the Sailors won the domestic double, emerging triumphant in both the Singapore Premier League and the Singapore Cup. The privatised side also made a dent in Asian football after an unprecedented journey to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two final.

Just last week, the Sailors women's team etched their name in the history books by becoming the first Singapore side to qualify for the AFC Women's Champions League group stage.