Syamsul Saad

Syamsul Mohd Saad (born 3 March 1975) is a former Malaysian footballer who was a defender with Perak FA and Terengganu FA. He had a successful career with Perak. Syamsul is currently the coach of Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League club Perak FA.

Playing career In his first season with Perak, he won the Malaysia Cup. He clinched two Malaysian League title with Perak in 2002 and 2003. On 2004 he won the Malaysia FA Cup. His career was cut short after receiving a serious injury.

After retiring, he has worked as head coach at Kiddo Kickers Academy, before re-joining Perak as youth coach. He was promoted to head coach role for the senior team in 2016.

International career Syamsul appeared once for the Malaysia national team, in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Hong Kong in 2004.

Managerial career On 8 March 2017, he was appointed as a Perlis FA head coach.

Perak FA (2025–present) On 26 July 2025, Syamsul was appointed as the head coach of the revived Perak FA state football team for their campaign in the 2025–26 Malaysia A1 Semi-Pro League and the 2026 Sukma Games.

In January 2026, Syamsul guided his youthful squad (primarily composed of U-23 and Sukma players) to a historic upset in the 2025–26 Malaysia Cup. In the Round of 16, Perak FA defeated Super League giants Kuala Lumpur City 2–0 in the first leg at Manjung Stadium. Despite a narrow 3–2 aggregate loss after extra time in the second leg, Syamsul was widely praised by the national media for his tactical discipline and faith in young local talent. Following the Malaysia Cup exit, he led the team into the MFL Challenge Cup quarter-finals.

Syamsul's 2025–26 campaign was highlighted by a significant "giant-killing" run in the 2025–26 Malaysia Cup. On 18 January 2026, his youthful squad defeated Malaysia Super League side Kuala Lumpur City 2–0 in the Round of 16 first leg, a result widely described as the upset of the season.

Personal life Syamsul has two younger brother who is also a former footballers themselves; Shahrizal Saad who has played for Perak and Johor FC, and Shahrul Saad who is currently playing for Johor Darul Ta'zim.