Yah Lah But #752: Head Coach Gavin Lee on The One Moment He Cried in HK & What Football Means to S'poreans
Dec 12, 2025
Gavin Lee, head coach of Singapore's national men's football team, discusses his inspiring journey to leading the team to Asian Cup qualification. He shares the emotional moment of joy after a win against Hong Kong that brought him to tears. Gavin emphasizes the importance of storytelling for player development and creating a supportive environment. He addresses the challenges faced by the Football Association of Singapore and reflects on his commitment to building a legacy while aiming for realistic goals in the upcoming Asian Cup.
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From Interim To Full-Time
- Gavin recounted being told after India that he would continue into November and then preparing for Hong Kong without certainty of the job.
- He said the qualification then triggered formal discussions and family conversations about taking the role.
Storytelling Rekindles Fan Passion
- Gavin argues Singapore fans will return if given a reason and clear storytelling from the team.
- He used past successes like the 2014 AFF parade as proof that public passion can be reignited.
Choose Roles That Grow You
- Ask yourself why you coach to guide major career decisions rather than chasing CV moves.
- Use challenging roles that expand skills like media handling and stakeholder management for growth.