Unleashing Potential In Japan

Staff Feature: Miur Rafik Taha

Football coach Miur Rafik Taha is currently on a transformative journey through a six-month Coach Overseas Attachment (COA) programme under the Unleash The Roar! national project. Hosted at Tokyo Verdy, Japan, the attachment offers him invaluable exposure to high-performance coaching systems and football culture. He is part of the second batch of coaches to benefit from the programme, alongside notable figures such as Young Lions coach Nazri Nasir. Singapore Sports School’s Football Head Coach Isa Halim was part of the inaugural batch of coaches who went overseas to participate in the attachment programme.

Now midway through his stint, Coach Miur reflects on his experience so far as “an exciting three months” of deep learning and professional growth.

“I’ve had the opportunity to immerse myself in Japanese culture, observe the discipline of professional players and coaches, and understand the competitiveness of the Japanese league and the demands of the sport,” he shared. “There’s still so much more to learn and absorb during my time here.”

A Day in the Life of a Coach in Japan

His daily schedule is packed from morning until night. A typical day begins at 8.00am at the clubhouse and can stretch into the evening, especially when he stays back to observe youth training sessions. From coaches’ meetings and tactical discussions to assisting with drills and supporting players one-on-one, each day offers a deep dive into the inner workings of Japan’s football ecosystem.

“There’s a strong sense of professionalism here,” he notes. “Every coach knows their role, and the players are extremely focused during training. Even after official hours, the coaches bond over a casual kickabout. There’s a genuine love for the sport that runs through every level.”

Lessons from a High Performance Culture

One of the biggest differences Coach Miur has observed in the players’ mindset. Even at the highest levels, Japanese players are humble, respectful, and highly coachable. He shared, “Even the top players remain humble, respectful, and receptive to coaching. That strong learning attitude has been a real eye-opener for me.”

He’s also struck by how seemingly simple training sessions are incredibly effective because the players already have a solid foundation. This allows coaches to focus on refinement rather than going back to basics.

For Coach Miur, the most valuable lesson has been witnessing how humility and discipline are ingrained in the daily routines of both players and coaches.

“The attention to detail, even in the smallest habits, and the consistency they maintain have reshaped my understanding of professionalism in a high-performance setting.”

Overcoming Challenges

Like any cross-cultural experience, challenges are part of the journey. The biggest hurdle so far has been the language barrier.

“English isn’t widely spoken, so I’ve had to pick up Japanese to better communicate with the players, especially during training. It’s a steep learning curve, but an essential one.”

Another challenge lies in the high expectations placed on coaches. With players who are already highly skilled, there is constant pressure to meet or exceed their standards through precise demonstrations and quality feedback.

Bringing it Back Home

His goal at the end of the six-month attachment is clear: bring back insights, methodologies, and a renewed coaching perspective to Singapore.

He said, “I hope to absorb as much as I can — the setup, the coaching culture, and the expectations — and share it with fellow coaches back home. I’m already passing on what I’m learning, in the hope that it can spark a mindset shift. One that focuses on developing technical ability from a young age, instead of just chasing results.”

A Passion for Youth Development

Coach Miur is no stranger to nurturing young talent. He began his journey with Singapore Sports School as a part-time coach in 2019 and became a full-time staff member in 2021. Before that, he was actively involved in youth development within the Singapore Premier League and national age-group teams.

“I’ve always been passionate about working with youth players. When an opportunity opened up at Sports School, I applied with the hope of contributing to the development of young talent and working alongside other passionate coaches.”