KUALA LUMPUR – “An opportunity like this will only knock on my door once in a lifetime,” said former national head coach Tan Cheng Hoe, who caused shockwaves by his sudden move from Selangor FC to Police Tero FC, which competes in the top division of the Thailand football league.
Previously, Scoop reported that Cheng Hoe, despite having an existing contract with the Red Giants, agreed to a mutual termination with the club, with the club also receiving a compensation fee based on his contract.
Under Cheng Hoe’s guidance, Selangor FC finished second in the Malaysia Super League with 61 points and qualified for next season’s AFC Asian Champions League 2 group stage.
Speaking to Scoop from Bangkok, Cheng Hoe said that in his 21 years of coaching, he has always had the desire to coach a foreign club and he did not want to miss the opportunity that had fallen into his lap.
Cheng Hoe also believes his new career will elevate his status as a well-established international coach and will boost his opportunities to coach other foreign clubs and teams in the years to come.
“It has been a dream for me to coach a foreign club. An opportunity like this will only knock on my door once in a lifetime. When it arrives, I need to grab it because I don’t know when it will come again.
“The speculations out there are not true, and I didn’t leave Selangor on bad terms. I just wanted to spread my wings and solidify my status as an international-level club coach.
“I’m happy that people know me in Thailand and they have a huge admiration for my work. Some may doubt my choice of destination, but for me, it doesn’t matter.
“I was always ready to work with any foreign club that wants my expertise, and that has always been my stance since the day I started coaching.”
“I’m aware that Police Tero FC has not been in their best form, and I’m okay with it. I love challenges, and I will use my experience to bring the club to where it belongs.
“I’m not a magician to change everything instantly; it will take time. Everything is fine in Thailand so far, and I’m enjoying the reception over here. It’s a good feeling from the staff and players, as we are all excited to begin our work,” said Cheng Hoe.
The 55-year-old didn’t reveal the length of his contract with Police Tero FC but emphasised that he’s at the club for a short-term project.
The Bangkok-based club, who won the Thai League in the 2000-2001 and 2001–02 season, is currently battling in the relegation zone, being ranked 14th in the league.
The club also has a history of being the runners-up in the 2002–03 AFC Asian Champions League. – March 2, 2024