SINGAPORE – Japanese football icon Keisuke Honda has arrived with a pledge to take FC Jurong to the top of the Singapore Premier League.

But if first impression is anything to go by, the 40-year-old’s impact could be felt both off the pitch and on it, after Jurong’s dominant 4-0 win over Young Lions on Sept 13 at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Honda had been widely expected to make his SPL debut in Jurong’s season opener. Instead, the veteran midfielder swopped his shorts and boots for track pants and trainers, taking his place on the touchline as he coached the team during the match.

In June, Jurong had announced the appointment of Jaswinder Singh as head coach for the 2026-27 season but in their first match, it was Honda who looked more like the man in charge.

During a hydration break in the first half, he whipped out a tactics board and was seen briefing the players. He was also vocal from the touchline during the match.

To the disappointment of the more than 700 fans at the stadium, Honda was not in the match-day squad when team news was released an hour before the 7.30pm kick-off. Instead, he was listed as one of the team staff on the official team sheet.

Jaswinder said after the win that Honda was still not match fit and therefore did not feature.

The 38-year-old added: “He only joined us late in pre-season because of his prior commitments. So it’s just about getting him ramped up in terms of fitness.”

According to the SPL regulations, all head coaches must possess an Asian Football Confederation professional coaching diploma or equivalent. Jaswinder meets the criteria but not Honda.

When quizzed further about Honda’s involvement from the sidelines, Jaswinder said: “Keisuke has vast experience, a vast resume. He’s played in the biggest leagues, so he is here to share his experiences with us and with the team.

“So, if he’s ready to, if he wants to give information (to...