JOHOR BARU, Aug 20  — The Malaysia Cup campaign will only kick off tonight, but the drama of the competition has already begun with former Singapore international striker Fandi Ahmad having resigned as team manager of Johor Darul Takzim.

The 51-year-old Fandi confirmed with Mailsport that he had tendered his resignation to Johor FA on Saturday.

Fandi said he would not be travelling with the team for their match against PKNS FC tonight.

The Johor FA who met yesterday issued a statement that they have accepted Fandi’s resignation and parted ways amicably.

Azmi Mohamed, 42, who was recently promoted as coach from the Premier League Johor team to JDT will take charge of the team.

Fandi in a statement he issued said: “After careful consideration and much thought about my future as a football coach, I have decided to resign from the position as manager of Johor Darul Takzim Football Club. It is a painful but important decision for my future as a football coach. My family has played a very important role, in arriving at this decision.

“Football is my life and I can’t live without it. The game has given me a life to live for, and I plan to give back something to football by following my heart, which is coaching. Life is all about being happy and coaching keeps me happy and I intend to pursue my happiness. As a player, I have always given my best and as coach, I’ll continue to give my best, when the opportunity arrives.” 

Fandi also sought the understanding and support of the media not to speculate or presume anything that would be unfair to JDT or himself.

“It is a decision that has been agreed to amicably.

“I wish to thank Tengku Mahkota of Johor who is the heart and soul of Johor football, for his unstinting support for me and the team. He has taken good care of me and supported me during my trying moments. I will always be thankful for this.

“I am surely going to miss the opportunity of being part of this wonderful football initiative that has captured the interest and imagination of thousands of Johor fans.

“Most importantly, I must acknowledge the Johor fans who have been very supportive and united throughout the season. It is my regret that we could not win a trophy to match their support. At this point, let me share with all of you that we tried hard and I’m sure with the guidance and excellent support of Tengku Mahkota of Johor, trophies will decorate Johor DT in no time. His passion and commitment towards football is second to none.”

Fandi, in speaking to Mailsport, said he had no regrets leaving JDT and would now concentrate on his football academy in Singapore.

“I have my own academy with 400 students. I will focus on that first before making any further decisions about my future,” he said.

Fandi did not rule out coaching another Malaysian team in the future.

Fandi, regarded as a talented footballer in his playing days with Singapore, had also played for Kuala Lumpur and Pahang in the M-League.

As a national player he earned 101 caps, scored 52 goals, won three Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) silver medals and was captain from 1993 to 1997.

He also played for Indonesia’s Niac Mitra and Holland’s Groningen FC. In Singapore, he used to play for Geylang United and Singapore Armed Forces.

He also managed Singapore Armed Forces and Pelita Raya (Indonesia) and served as assistant national coach.

The son of former Singapore national goalkeeper Ahmad Wartam, Fandi has a reputation of being known as the “Mr Nice Guy” in the soccer world because of his pleasant disposition.