Ex-Arsenal player Mihoko Ishida appointed as new head coach of S'pore women's football team

The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has brought in a new head coach for the women's national team, after Karim Bencherifa concluded his three-year tenure in the role on Apr. 2.

Mihoko Ishida, 43, has a distinguished background in women’s football, both as a player and as a coach, FAS said in a press release on Apr. 5.

She has signed a two-year contract with FAS.

Who is Ishida?

In 2003, Ishida was signed as a forward for Arsenal Women (then known as Arsenal Ladies).

On a tour of England with her junior college's football team, Ishida impressed the Arsenal club so much that they made her an offer on the spot, according to the New York Times.

She joined a team that would go on to win the league and FA Cup (Football Association Challenge Cup).

She later left the club and returned to Japan, where she played for the JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies.

After retiring, she began her coaching career as the head coach of Sfida Setagaya, a women's team in Tokyo.

Under her leadership, they went from finishing in the bottom half of their league division, to second place in the table.

On the sidelines, Ishida has also made her name as a rock star.

She has released an album, and held concerts even while coaching football full-time.

Wants to grow women's football in Singapore

To Ishida, becoming the Lionesses' head coach was an opportunity to build something from the ground up.

The chance to be involved in the long-term development of women's football in Singapore was a defining factor in her decision to take on the role.

She expressed an ambition to leave a lasting foundation for the women’s game in Singapore, planting the seeds for the landscape to change possibly in five or 10 years.

Her coaching philosophy

Ishida shared that her coaching style is to encourage the players to take initiative, think for themselves on the pitch, and keep trying without fear of making mistakes.

"Players are not being forced — but there is structure and discipline," she said. "And all players are equal. Every player in Singapore has a chance."

She had a positive first impression of the Lionesses after observing them during training in February.

"The first thing I felt was the players’ dedication. They choose football while balancing their work lives. I saw strength, resilience, and a refusal to make excuses," she said.

"I want to fully support them so that their love for football becomes confidence, and their individuality can shine on the pitch."

Top images from the Football Association of Singapore