Now, in recognition of how much Singapore football has progressed since then, that honour has been bestowed on Raddy Avramovic at this year's Sports Awards.

But, never one to rest on his laurels, the national coach is already plotting to take his charges to the next level - to be among the best in Asia.

'We should never be satisfied with what we have,' said the Serb at yesterday's gala awards ceremony at Marina Mandarin Hotel.

The 58-year-old was accompanied by Bratislava, his wife of 33 years.

Said Avramovic, who picked up a $6,000 cheque and trophy: 'If you ask me, I would exchange this award any time for qualification to the fourth round of the World Cup qualifiers.'

The Lions recently ended their World Cup third-round adventure, losing out to Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan for a place in the fourth stage.

Avramovic said: 'Our focus now is on retaining the Asean Championship in December. But, more importantly, we want to qualify for the 2011 Asian Cup Finals.'

Since taking over in 2003, Avramovic has turned the Lions into regional kingpins, clinching the Asean Championship consecutively in 2005 and 2007.

The Lions were also awarded the Team of the Year title yesterday in an impressive double triumph.

A key reason for the success has been their transformation from individuals into a team that work together and are tough to break down.

Jita was delighted that Avramovic won the award after being nominated in 2005 but losing out to badminton's Zheng Qingjin.

Now the Football Association of Singapore's head of grassroots development, Jita said: 'The team have more tactical discipline, and the level of play has improved over the years.

'In my generation, football's emphasis was on the individual, but this has moved towards the team.

'Raddy has built the Lions into an effective unit, in line with the current trend of football.'

Players, too, have the utmost respect for their coach, with national striker Aleksandar Duric calling him a fatherly figure.

'All he ever talks about is football, and he's so passionate,' Duric said.

'Sometimes he gets angry and shouts at us, but we know he has the team's interests at heart.

'He's turned Singapore football around. Before him, we were going down, but now many countries talk about how much we've improved.'

'He's turned Singapore football around. Before him, we were going down but, now, many countries talk about how much we've improved.'

ALEKSANDAR DURIC, Singapore striker