SINGAPORE — They are so far the only team to signal their intention to contest in the upcomimg Football Association of Singapore (FAS) elections.

But even before the elections are officially called, Team Majulah SG Football — which is fronted by campaign manager R Vengadasalam and counts lawyer Alfred Dodwell among their ranks — has lost one of its members in markerting consultant James Lim.

Lim said on Wednesday (Oct 19) he withdrew from the team because of a difference in opinions and increasing demands from his own work.

The 51-year-old, who last year teamed up with Venga to try and revive former S.League club Woodlands Wellington, announced he joined Team Majulah SG last month. The full line-up of Team Majulah SG has yet to be revealed.

However, Lim now said he will instead attempt to contest for a seat on the FAS Council during the elections as an individual candidate.

“The team and I share the same objective — to grow Singapore football — and I applaud their intentions and also believe that change is needed in the FAS. That is why I worked so closely with them in helping to draft out the 40 proposed changes to the draft FAS constitution previously,” the prominent Woodlands fan told TODAY.

“But we have different perspectives on certain issues. In addition, I expect to be busy with my marketing consultancy work in the future, which means I won’t be able to work with them much anymore.

“So moving forward, I’ll be trying to contest for an individual seat on the FAS council. I will continue to push for changes at FAS on my own pace and I want to be able to give my opinions freely and responsibly.”

Lim, who is currently a delegate for National Football League (NFL) club GFA Sporting Westlake, added that he will try to convince the 46 FAS affiliates to nominate and vote for him based on his 15 years of experience as a community football coach and strong links with the local grassroots organisations.

“I think the two areas I can contribute most in is towards improving grassroots football and the S.League,” said the former People’s Association (PA) deputy director.

“I believe I can come up with solutions to help our grassroots football clubs be better, as well as find ways to recreate a more vibrant S.League.  But these are things that are too early to say now. I’ll only put forth my ideas once the new FAS constitution is passed and the elections are called.”

The draft FAS constitution, which needs to be passed before the elections can be called, is set to be put to the vote at an upcoming FAS Extraordinary General Meeting (EOGM) on Nov 7.

Responding to Lim’s comments, Venga said: “I have no official word that he wants to quit. (But) he has said that he wants time to form the new executive committee (Exco) of Woodlands Wellington. I wish him the best of luck in his endeavours.”

While Lim may have struck out on his own for the FAS elections, Dodwell remains confident that Team Majulah SG is still on the right track, and revealed that they have already several potential candidates in the wings looking to take Lim’s place in the team.

“One man doesn’t make a team,” said Dodwell. “We’re definitely not worried that this will make the FAS affiliates lose their trust in us.

“In fact, there are already many others who have come forward and asked to join us.

“What’s most important is that everyone is on the same page, and that we work together as a team for the good of Singapore football.”