Month: July 2023
Marko Perović has joined Aleksandar Ranković’s backroom staff as Assistant Coach to the Lion City Sailors first team.
“Ranko comes from Dutch football, I come from Italian football, and I think it can be a good blend of two different styles for the team,” said the 51-year-old Marko. “Ranko and I are good friends and his presence is one of the big reasons I joined the club.”
At the Sailors, he will work closely with Ranko, providing support in managing the delicate balance between the immediate aim of achieving results in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title race and the overarching objective of establishing a professional and competitive presence in the region.
And Marko believes the Sailors are well-equipped to achieve the ambitious targets the club has set for itself.
“The organisation and set-up of the club is very good. I have been to various countries in Europe, even Saudi Arabia, and the Sailors organisation set-up and structure is very good, and maybe it’s even better,” said Marko.
“We have a very good team and I hope we can turn in good performances in the league, and then later in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) and Singapore Cup,” said Marko, who began his coaching journey as an assistant manager at Serbian Super League club FC Vojvodina Novi Sad and later held various roles in prominent clubs across various nations.
From FC Spartak Subotica and OFC Beograd in Serbia to US Cremonese in Italy, the Serbian plied his trade at both youth and senior levels, including working closely with Marco Giampaolo during his time at US Cremonese, before the latter joined Sampdoria in 2016 and became one of the most highly-rated coaches in Italy.
Marko held head coach positions at Serbian SuperLiga team Železničar Pančevo and First League (second-tier) side GFK Dubočica, before joining the Sailors.
“My objective at the Sailors is to help the team improve in terms of both performances and results,” said Marko. “And I’m very happy to be a part of a project that is both ambitious and has the right ingredients in place as a platform for all of us to try and build something.”
Christopher van Huizen believes there are two factors that can help the Lion City Sailors rediscover success on the pitch in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) after a gut-wrenching 3-1 defeat to Albirex Niigata (S) last Sunday (16 July): fun and fans.
And he is confident that if they are present against Tanjong Pagar United on Thursday (18 July) at the Bishan Stadium, the Sailors will get back on track.
“We can’t let this loss against Albirex affect us too much. We just have to keep winning games, sticking with Coach Ranko’s (Aleksandar Ranković) game plan and philosophy, and to do that, we need to go out there and just keep having fun.
“If we can manage that, I’m sure we’ll do well,” said the experienced full-back.
“We invested so much of our good energy and good vibes into the game against Albirex, but I don’t think this loss should affect the rest of our matches. So while we have to give our all and be consistent as a team in the games ahead, we must also enjoy our football on the pitch.”
While there still remains a mathematical chance to win the league, the Sailors are focusing on an important mission: to at least finish second to qualify for Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) regional competitions.
To do that, the Sailors will need to finish as the top Singapore club in the nine-team SPL standings. They are currently third on 39 points, five adrift of both Tampines Rovers and league leaders Albirex who have far superior goal difference over both teams, and a game in hand.
With just five games of the SPL season left to play, time is running out for the Sailors who will need help from other teams to secure second spot.
“It is frustrating for all of us at the club. We can’t go back in the past to change things, but right now we must stay focused on finishing second in the league to make sure we remain competing at the regional level,” said the 30-year-old, who has made 12 appearances for the Sailors in 2023.
Second-from-bottom Tanjong Pagar have endured a challenging season, mustering only 16 points over the course of 19 games and the Sailors came away with a resounding 7-1 victory the last time the two sides met, but Chris warned against complacency.
“We can’t afford to underestimate them. We lost to Brunei DPMM in our last home game – our first loss at home – and we don’t want any chance of repeating that ever again,” he said.
“Tanjong Pagar, despite enduring a tough season, will have their sights set on making a statement. They will be determined to avenge their earlier loss to us and this will make them dangerous opponents – they have nothing to lose.”
Chris, who missed three games in July due to reservist duties before returning to the bench against Albirex, believes that the sensational support from The Crew could well help make the difference in the Sailors’ remaining games.
“The crowd at the Albirex game was amazing. The energy and commitment the fans brought that day was amazing, and I could feel it even when I was warming up on the sidelines – it gave me goosebumps,” he said.
“That made me feel like I had to give everything I had to get our fans a result – this is exactly the kind of feeling that can help us win games and get us to where we want to be.”
Lion City Sailors Women’s pair, 16-year-old Chloe Koh and 15-year-old Natasha Naszri, could make their debuts for the Singapore Women’s National Team on Tuesday (18 July) night when the Lionesses take on Pakistan in an international friendly at Jalan Besar Stadium.
The two join seven other teammates – namely goalkeepers Noor Kusumawati Rosman and Beatrice Tan, defenders Umairah Hamdan and Syazwani Ruzi, midfielder Ho Hui Xin, Venetia Lim and Khairunnisa Khairol Anwar – in a nine-woman Sailors contingent.
They are part of a 20-strong national squad called up to face a Pakistan side 26 places below them in the FIFA rankings at 157th.
Sailors skipper Ernie Sulastri Sontaril, Nur Izzati Rosni and Lila Tan have been left out due to ‘various reasons’ as confirmed by the Football Association of Singapore on Monday (17 July).
Promoted from the Lion City Sailors Girls’ Academy to the Women’s Team this season, Chloe and Natasha – both born in 2007 – have impressed in their maiden Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign thus far.
Chloe came on to provide two assists on her Sailors Women’s debut in June’s 8-0 thumping of Balestier Khalsa, while Natasha has already made a number of appearances at the heart of midfield for Yeong Sheau Shyan’s side.
Both of them were part of the Singapore Under-19 side that played against Vietnam and Malaysia in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 championship earlier this month.
A bitter blow, but the fight goes on
The Lion City Sailors took the lead against Albirex Niigata (S) on Sunday (16 July) evening and looked set to add another twist to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title race, but ultimately fell 3-1 to the White Swans at the Jurong East Stadium.
While Sailors’ Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković paid tribute to the spirit and drive his team displayed on the pitch, the defeat was for him, a sobering body blow.
“We have to be realistic, this result means our fight is now for second spot in the SPL to ensure we qualify for the AFC Champions League (ACL) next year – and that is an important target to hit,” said the 44-year-old.
The result saw Albirex leapfrog Tampines Rovers into top spot in the nine-team SPL standings. Both teams are level on 44 points but the White Swans have a game in hand. The Sailors are in third, five points adrift.
“The league title is not in our hands anymore, but there is a lot left to play for, and we will continue fighting because even if there is a slight chance to go for the title we’ll give it all we’ve got.”
The Sailors started the match brightly, with new recruit Richairo Živković putting the ball in the back of the net in the 10th minute only to see the goal chalked off for offside following a VAR review.
The Curacao international looked to be gelling well with his new teammates as he got more game time under his belt, following up on his disallowed goal by turning provider instead.
He set up Maxime Lestienne for a golden opportunity in the 26th minute, easily brushing off a challenge from Asahi Yokokawa before laying off for Maxime to shoot. The Belgian’s initial shot was saved and his goal-bound rebound from the edge of the six-yard box was valiantly blocked on the goal line by Shunsaku Kishimoto.
But it was by no means one-way traffic at Jurong East.
In the 13th minute, Sailors’ custodian Zharfan Rohaizad needed a full-stretch dive to tip Seia Kunori’s strike behind for a corner and keep the scores level.
And moments after that Tadanari Lee – who set up Kunori’s chance on goal earlier – charged towards goal with only Zharfan standing between him and the Sailors’ goal. This time it was the goalkeeper’s outstretched foot that prevented the Sailors from going behind in the first half.
“I have to admit that the opponents are physically strong, and they are compact on the pitch, playing patterns,” said Ranko. “But we had several opportunities to score in the first half. Against an opponent like this, you are going to be in for a long game if you don’t take those chances.”
The game sprung to life when Yokokawa was deemed to have handled the ball in the Albirex penalty area, and it was Richi who took responsibility for the 73rd minute penalty spot kick. The former Ajax Amsterdam man sent substitute goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma’at – who came on for Hassan Sunny who suffered concussion in the first half – the wrong way to score his first goal in a Sailors’ shirt.
But the Sailors could not hang on to the lead.
Shodai Yokoyama stabbed the ball past Zharfan in the 79th minute to level scores on the night. And just three minutes later, Lee cleverly redirected Kunori’s strike into the back of the net, giving Albirex the crucial advantage.
It was full-on attack mode from then on, with Ranko throwing on Abdul Rasaq Akeem and Bill Mamadou to add physicality and height to the Sailors’ frontline as they went in search for the all important equaliser.
In the dying moments of the match, Rasaq found himself with a golden opportunity to equalise, but his effort thundered off the underside of the crossbar.
With the Sailors throwing men forward in search of the equaliser as the clock ticked down at Jurong East, Albirex capitalised on the gaps that opened up in the away side’s backline. It was Riku Fukashiro who scored off a swift counter-attack to cement the White Swans’ victory in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
“I am not disappointed with the way we played, just disappointed with the result. It was a really good game for the fans to see – a good advertisement for the league too – but for us, it was disappointing especially after leading 1-0,” said a gutted Ranko who found a sliver of a silver lining.
“I am happy that Richi played the full 90 minutes, and for a striker, it is always important to score. The first goal will be good for his confidence, and we will expect more from him in the months ahead.”
The Sailors will only have three days to recover before hosting Tanjong Pagar United on Thursday (20 July) at the Bishan Stadium.
Aleksandar Ranković’s Lion City Sailors will lock horns with Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jurong East Stadium on Sunday (16 July) in a match that could shape the destiny of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
And the brief is simple: win.
Albirex currently lead the nine-team SPL table with 41 points, ahead of second-placed Tampines Rovers on goal difference, with the Sailors two points adrift of the pair, on 39 points. The White Swans have a game in hand over both teams.
Both sides come into this after disappointing outings against the resilient Brunei DPMM: Albirex were held to a 1-1 draw last Saturday, while the Sailors suffered a 3-1 midweek loss that set Aleksandar Ranković’s men back in what is setting up to be an enthralling title race.
Despite the DPMM setback, Sailors midfielder Hami Syahin believes the Sailors can still win the league.
“It is important that we stay together as a team, and what I mean is that we cannot give up because the title race is not over until the season ends,” said the 24-year-old.
“Coach Ranko has already told us to focus on the next game against Albirex, and that’s what we are going to do. We will not dwell on the past, but instead focus on the task ahead.”
And there is already a fiery motivation in the Sailors’ dressing room ahead of this important clash.
“It was hard for us after the DPMM game because we firmly believed that we should have got those three points. And now, we need to go again and perform like we have in previous games and make sure we get the win this Sunday,” said a determined Hami, who has played 17 out of the Sailors 18 SPL games thus far.
“For me, I always want to give my best for the team, to make sure to help them in one way or another, and ultimately get the three points. Honestly, that’s all that matters for me.
“But of course, if I can score or assist, it would be a bonus,” said Hami, chuckling.
Beyond securing three points, this clash carries psychological weight in the title race. A victory for the Sailors over the league leaders would not only close the gap to the top, but also inject renewed confidence into the Sailors.
It is a fact not lost on captain Hariss Harun.
“It is a crucial game, we know just how important it is,” said the 32-year-old. “We will give our best, and our target is simple: to take the three points on Sunday.
“The result against DPMM was not ideal, totally the opposite of what we wanted to achieve. But it is what it is, and we cannot change anything now; we are looking forward to the Albirex game, and it is important that we stay focused.”
“We should not overcomplicate and overthink. Coach Ranko has prepared our ideal approach for the Albirex game, and it is crucial that we stick to the plan and make sure that we are up for the game,” said a serious Hariss.
With only six matches left of the SPL season, Hariss called for his team to take a different mental approach.
“League positions don’t really matter for now. We know that every single game ahead of us is critical, and each point is very important,” he said.
“All we need to concentrate on is winning every match in front of us.”
Three Sailors’ SPL fixtures rescheduled
Three of Lion City Sailors’ remaining Singapore Premier League (SPL) home games at Bishan Stadium have been rescheduled.
Originally penciled in for 23 and 30 July, the Bishan fixtures against Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa will be played on Thursday, 20 July and Monday, 31 July instead. This is because the stadium will be utilised as a training venue for the upcoming Singapore Festival of Football.
As part of the Festival, Aleksandar Ranković’s charges will face Tottenham Hotspur in the Tiger Cup. The match will take place on Wednesday, 26 July at the National Stadium.
The season-ending clash against Geylang International has also been moved from 27 August to Saturday, 16 September. This is due to preparation time needed for the Singapore Under-22 team for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Asian Cup qualifiers between 6 to 12 September, according to the recommendation from the recent Southeast Asian Games review conducted by the Football Association of Singapore.
The Sailors are currently two points off the top of the SPL, in third position behind Tampines Rovers and leaders Albirex Niigata (S), with six matches left to play.
Francesinha.
That was the solitary word from the Portuguese lexicon that was uttered by Lion City Sailors’ new signing Rui Pires during the entire recording of his First Interview with the club.
This from a man who had on several occasions prior to sitting down in front of cameras at Mattar Road, warned that because his spoken English is not great, a switch to Portuguese may be necessary from time to time, perhaps especially with the more difficult questions.
There was one English word that clearly came easy to Rui, and was peppered across his responses – win.
Rui dropped the word “win” more than a dozen times across the interview – evidently a word that underlines his key objective in signing up as a Sailor.
“No, of course it’s not,” rebutted the 25-year-old when quizzed about whether it is a step down from the top European leagues in France and Portugal where he used to play in. “This is the best team in Singapore and I can see this team trains to win every game.
“In Europe, the teams I played in – a few of them are in the middle of the table. Over here, the expectations are very high and that’s something I like. My mentality is the same – to win and keep doing the things to help us win titles,” added Rui, who was signed with the aim of helping the Sailors become more competitive at Asia’s top table when they commence their second Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) campaign this September.
“Of course, I know it’ll be very difficult in the ACL, but I think we have the capability and the players to compete and win games,” he said of his key assignment.
Rui comes with real pedigree, having progressed through the youth system of famed Portuguese side FC Porto and regularly captained their reserve side Porto B as well the Portuguese age-group teams till the Under-20 level.
He skippered the Portugal side – filled with talents like Manchester United-linked goalkeeper Diogo Costa, current United star Diogo Dalot and AC Milan forward Rafael Leão – at the 2017 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, with the team finishing as runners-up. Rui’s individual performances earned him a spot in the official Team of the Tournament.
The midfielder also won the French second-tier Ligue 2 with Troyes in 2020/21 and played in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifiers against Tottenham Hotspur in August 2021 with Portuguese top-flight side FC Paços de Ferreira.
It was the audacious ambition of the Sailors project that piqued his interest and ultimately pulled him to Singapore.
“I know of Singapore because the Formula One race here is very famous, and in fact, my wife and I were thinking of coming this way for a holiday, but now we’re actually living here!” said Rui, chuckling.
“When the club spoke to me and presented this project, I was really impressed, especially with the conditions here with a very established Academy – something like we see in Europe,” said Rui who also trained on plenty of occasions with Porto’s first team alongside the likes of Rúben Neves, Éder Militão and Pepe.
“That’s why I really want to be part of this club and I believe I can still continue to play at a very high level like before.”
Describing himself as a deep-lying defensive midfielder who likes to help teammates “recover the ball faster and play the key passes to make the team go forward”, Rui is a deep thinker on the pitch and an avid reader off it.
“I like to read – a lot. My last book was Rich Dad Poor Dad. (By Robert T Kiyosaki). I also like the book of the Tesla guy, Elon Musk, and Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike by Phil Knight.
“I really like to read books about business, finance and investments so that I can have more knowledge,” he revealed.
Rui is now acclimatising well and has already struck up a good chemistry with fellow foreign players in the team like Maxime Lestienne and Diego Lopes in training.
“Since Day One, the club has helped me a lot and I was warmly welcomed by everyone. The Brazilian guys Diego and Pedro (Henrique) speak in Portuguese as well so it’s much easier for me. I’ve also watched some matches and I’m really impressed by the quality of our team.
“Weather-wise, it’s nice because it’s summertime all year. The only thing is that I have to bring a (foldable) umbrella every day because you never know when it might rain!”
Having chosen no 46, his first jersey number at Porto, Rui is targeting a long stay at the Sailors.
“I really want to stay here for a few years. I believe I can win games here and I really want to help the club get to where we want to be.”
For those who do not know, francesinha is a type of Portuguese sandwich made with layers of toasted bread and assorted hot meats – and it is Rui’s favourite cheat meal. But perhaps the more important aspect of Rui Pires that Sailors’ fans need to know is that he is here to win.
And he can definitely tell you that in English.
Lion City Sailors have unveiled midfielder Rui Pires as their third signing in the past week, adding quality to the club’s midfield engine room and strengthening the squad for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League campaign.
With Rui signing a two-year contract and joining the Sailors’ two mid-season signings in defender Bailey Wright and forward Richairo Živković, the Sailors have moved to ensure quality across the spine of the team as the club prepares to embark on its second ACL campaign in September.
Prior to signing up as a Sailor, the 25-year-old Rui plied his trade as a defensive midfielder for FC Paços de Ferreira in the Primeira Liga, the top tier of Portuguese football. Known for his astute positional sense and defensive abilities, the right-footed midfielder has been key in protecting backlines in every team he has played for.
Rui began his journey in the acclaimed youth system of FC Porto, where he progressed through the ranks, featuring prominently in its Under-15, U17, and U19 sides. He was subsequently promoted to Porto’s B side, competing in Liga Portugal 2, the second tier of Portuguese football.
After a successful stint, Rui made a permanent move to French second-tier side Troyes in July 2019. Following two seasons in France and winning the 2020/21 Ligue 2 title, he returned to Portugal on loan with FC Paços de Ferreira before securing a permanent deal.
“Rui could well be the final piece of the jigsaw for us. More than just experience from his time in Europe, Rui’s sharp positioning, anticipation and tackling can be the defensive shield that gives our frontline to attack in the way that we want,” said Aleksandar Ranković, who was appointed Sailors Head Coach in June.
“The ACL is where we will test ourselves against the best in Asia, and to have Rui fit into the spine of our team will give us a good platform to go out there and compete for the results that will put the Sailors on the map of Asian football.”
During his time with Paços Ferreira, Rui demonstrated his capabilities on the European stage, making two appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League Qualifiers. Notably, he played the full 90 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur in the Qualifying Round 2nd leg, showcasing his composure and skill at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Rui has also captained various age-group teams for Portugal, earning call-ups – and the armband – at the U18, U19, and U20 levels. His standout performances in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2017 led to his inclusion in the prestigious Team of the Tournament.
“I joined the Sailors because I want to be part of a project that has big ambitions and all the right pieces in place: the conditions I see here are like what I see in Europe, with the Training Centre and the system in the Academy. But perhaps more important is that the club has high expectations and clearly wants to win trophies,” said Rui.
“I know the ACL is a tough competition, but from what I have seen in our team, I believe we can do something there, compete and win matches too.”
The Sailors finished with seven points in the club’s maiden journey into the top-tier regional competition last season.
“The Sailors are the best club in Singapore, and the club’s mentality exactly matches my own: I want to keep playing at the highest level, win matches for the Sailors, and I promise you I will keep doing the right things that can help us win titles.”
The Lion City Sailors fell to a 3-1 defeat to Brunei DPMM in an exhilarating clash at the Bishan Stadium on Tuesday (11 July) night, with the defeat knocking Aleksandar Ranković and his charges off course in the hunt for the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
But the Sailors head coach was stoic after watching his team put in a battling performance following Bailey Wright’s VAR-enforced 32nd minute sending off on his Sailors debut.
“Nothing changes,” said Ranko, unflinching. “We still have to win all the games and honestly, we are not in a position to look at our opponents.”
The defeat meant the Sailors dropped to third in the nine-team SPL table with 39 points, trailing both Albirex Niigata(S) and Tampines Rovers by two points. Albirex, the Sailors’ next opponents on Sunday (16 July), have a game in hand.
“We started very poorly in the first half and we conceded very easy goals but I have to give compliments to my team after we got the red card for the way they fought,” said the 44-year-old.
DPMM took an early lead through skipper Azwan Ali Rahman finding the back of the net in the 9th minute, and continued to cause problems to a Sailors side who asked several questions of their own.
Just seven minutes later, Shawal Anuar regained possession at the top of the DPMM box with a crafty tackle and sent Maxime striding towards goal and pulling DPMM custodian Kristijan Naumovski off his line. The Belgian’s cutback to Diego Lopes at the top of the six yard box was somehow blocked then cleared.
The Sailors carved out several other opportunities in an opening half that could have been made more comfortable than it was, with Hafiz Nor, Shawal and Maxime presented with glorious opportunities to score. But a combination of profligacy and an inspired Naumovski saw the Bruneians hang on to the lead.
Then came what was perhaps the game-defining moment at Bishan.
Bailey initially received a yellow card after getting tangled with Hanif Farhan who was running through on goal, then appeared to wrestle him to the ground. But after being called for an on-field review, referee Jansen Foo jogged up to the former Sunderland defender and flashed a straight red instead.
“In that moment, I didn’t feel it was a red card. The referees had their decision to make and they looked at VAR and I’ve got to live with that,” said a crestfallen Bailey.
“This is a psychological test for me, and I will overcome it.”
And before the Sailors could settle into their new shape, DPMM capitalised.
Hakeme Yazid doubled their lead just two minutes later, as he broke free down the left before lashing a crisp grounder past Zharfan Rohaizad at his near post.
The Sailors had a golden opportunity to change the complexion of the game just before half-time after captain on the night, Hafiz, was adjudged to have been impeded in the DPMM box. But Sailors’ Belgian wizard Maxime uncharacteristically blazed his spot-kick over the bar.
The home side walked out of the Bishan dressing room and back onto the pitch with a fire in their eyes, and matched that with a battling spirit that delighted the crowd – and half the deficit.
Adam Swandi headed in a Hafiz cross within six minutes of the restart, and it looked like a spirited comeback was well on the cards.
But that momentum was halted in the 65th minute as DPMM restored their two-goal cushion courtesy of Angel Martinez. The Sailors pushed till the end with mid-season signing Richairo Živković coming off the bench for his club debut, but the visitors remained resilient and held on till the final whistle.
A visibly distraught Bailey apologised to his team and the fans, then called for a determination to set things right in the remaining six matches.
“Obviously I am extremely disappointed, when you think of a debut, that’s certainly not something I had in mind. It was extremely frustrating for me, but I will learn from today and make sure this never happens again,” said the Australian international.
“We had chances and moments where we had real fight in the second half and we exhibited grit and determination. We gave it a go and it might have been a different result if we had eleven men out there,” added Bailey.
“We have to quickly pick ourselves up and recover and move on because we have another big game coming up soon.”
That big game is Sunday’s clash against Albirex that will be treated like a cup final, and Ranko will have his charges primed and ready to go.
“We have to prepare well for the next game and of course, we are going to take some things from this game and learn from it,” he said, his brows narrowing.
“It is going to be totally different against Albirex – and I am looking forward to it.”
He sauntered into the Lion City Sailors Training Centre, bag slung over relaxed shoulders, and a gait that can only be described as a floaty swagger. Richairo Živković was clearly already at ease with his new surroundings – a somewhat breezy approach that could well be a sturdy launchpad for what has already been an eventful career.
The 26-year-old has reached the dizzying heights of the English Premier League, the UEFA Champions League (UCL) and Europa League (UEL), but he is convinced that joining the Sailors is the right step for his career.
“When my contract was expiring in Holland, I was thinking of going on a new adventure so I was really happy when the Sailors contacted me,” said Richairo, who scored five goals in the 2022/23 season with Dutch side FC Emmen.
“This is a project with a clear vision all the way from the Academy to the First Team, and that’s one aspect that I really like, and feel that I can get behind – it was easy for me to come to a decision once I found out what the Sailors are about.”
Wearing a languid smile throughout his first video interview with the Sailors, it quickly became clear that Richairo is at ease with his past.
A simple Google search with the keywords “Richairo Živković wonderkid” tells the story of 17-year-old Richairo who was a transfer target for English giants Liverpool and Manchester City, but opted to sign for his dream boyhood club Ajax Amsterdam.
He played in Ajax’s 4-0 group stage win over APOEL in the 2014/15 UCL, coming on as a late substitute and was prolific for the club’s Under-21s, but being unable to become a first-team regular led to him leaving from greener pastures in the summer of 2017.
Since then, the former Dutch youth player had spells in Belgium, China and Serbia, as well as a loan stint at Sheffield United where he made five appearances in the English top tier – including a 26-minute substitute appearance at Old Trafford against Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s Manchester United.
But Richairo is not one to cry over spilt milk, not any more.
“At the beginning, I felt a lot of pressure because of the expectations people had of me. Everything I did was in the media and everybody had an opinion – sometimes it went well for me, but sometimes it was also against me. I was very young and I probably didn’t appreciate it as much when I was there (at Ajax),” he said.
“I’ve learnt over the years not to care about what people say and to deal with the pressure better. And I don’t have any regrets right now,” said Richairo.
Now acclimatising well in Singapore, Richairo has been getting up to speed by watching his new teammates.
Choosing to don the number 34 jersey in tribute to former Ajax teammate Abdelhak Nouri – who suffered cardiac arrhythmia in 2017 and is still recovering – the 1.87m Richairo is looking to impart his experience and plunder goals in the blue and white of the Sailors.
“Why am I coming here? Simple – to play football, to score goals,” he answered with a sniff of nonchalance. “I want to bring my experience and help my teammates here. I’ve many ambitions here – I think we definitely have what it takes to win the league and we can do well in the AFC Champions League.
“Everything starts with full commitment. For myself, I have to make sure I adapt well to the team and the league to make sure I’m successful here.”
Looking at this rocket of a strike that Richairo scored just a month ago for FC Emmen in the Eredivisie play-offs, the ingredients for success seem to be well in place.
Richairo now begins life under Aleksandar Ranković, a man he faced in the Eredivisie in May this year when Ranko was still FC Utrecht assistant manager, and he, an FC Emmen forward.
“Funny how football works, eh?” said Richairo.
Indeed it will be, if both of them now work in tandem – away from Europe – to deliver success in the Lion City.
