Month: May 2024
The Lion City Sailors’ fixtures for the inaugural 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup have been confirmed by the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), with three out of the five group-stage matches to be played away from home.
Aleksandar Ranković’s men will start off with trips to Indonesia and Vietnam to face Borneo FC Samarinda on 22 August and 2023 V.League 1 champions Công An Hà Nội FC on 26 September respectively, before playing at home in their following two matches.
The Sailors will host 2023 Malaysia FA Cup runners-up Kuala Lumpur City on 9 January 2025, before welcoming Thai heavyweights Buriram United to Singapore a fortnight later on 23 January.
Hariss Harun and company will then conclude Group B with a visit to the Philippines to face Kaya FC–Iloilo on 6 February 2025, as they look to finish amongst the group’s top two teams to progress into the two-legged semi-finals scheduled for next April.
The exact timings and stadium venues will be announced at a later date. For now, lock those dates in, Sailors fans!
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In honour of Mother’s Day, we shine the spotlight on Madam Samsinah Hassan, who has taken on the dual roles of both mother and father to our Sailor, Nur Muhammad Asis, since her husband passed away earlier this year.
Madam Samsinah Hassan appeared visibly nervous in front of the cameras, but she immediately relaxed when her son, Sailors midfielder Nur Muhammad Asis, asked her about his childhood.
“You’re actually a ‘gembeng’ (Malay word for crybaby) boy, you know?” replied the 52-year-old, as Asis looked on wistfully at her.
“You used to cry over all the small things, so I was surprised to see how tough you are on the pitch… When the ball hits you or someone gives you a strong tackle, you just stand up and continue playing.”
Indeed, Asis has come a long way from being a ‘gembeng’ boy to becoming one of the most promising talents in Singapore football, as evidenced by his promising career trajectory thus far.
At the tender age of 19, Asis made his debut for the Sailors’ first team, showcasing his talent against Tanjong Pagar United in a Singapore Premier League (SPL) match in July 2023. Two months later, he was called up to represent Singapore at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Under-23 Asian Cup.
Following his completion of mandatory National Service at the end of last year, he became the first player from the Sailors Elite Academy to sign a professional contract with the club.
Now, Asis is set on establishing himself as a key member of Aleksander Ranković’s squad.
Elegant on the ball and boasting bags of technical ability, it is clear that Asis has the potential to achieve big things in the game in the future.
However, Asis’s talent in the game might not have been realised if it were not for the support of Mdm Samsinah, who initially took a while to come around to the idea but eventually backed his aspirations – both emotionally and financially – to become a professional footballer.
“Asis was really crazy about football since he was two years old, but I wasn’t sure about him pursuing it, as he was quite a small child, even when he went to Primary School. So, I thought I’ll just allow him to play football recreationally,” Mdm Samsinah recounted.
It was only after Sailors Academy Technical Director Luka Lalić – then a coach at Turf City Football Club – spoke to Mdm Samsinah to convince her of Asis’s talent that she relented, and allowed him to further his development in the game from seven years old onwards.
“Luka was really sincere, so I finally allowed him to go, even though it was far for us to send him from our house in Pasir Ris to Turf City a few times a week for training,” said Mdm Samsinah.
“He also went to Europe for overseas attachments a few times, which meant we had to fork out extra time and money for that. It was tough on us, but we happily did it because we wanted to support his dream.”
It proved to be the right decision, as Asis’s talent and potential became increasingly evident as he matured, garnering attention from European clubs such as Feyenoord and Galatasaray in 2016 when he was just 12. He then went on to join the Sailors Academy four years later, where he was reunited with Luka.
However, Asis’s life took a devastating turn earlier this year when his father, Mr Junaidi Karim, tragically passed away at the age of 55. This loss came just eight months after Mr Karim was diagnosed with Stage Four gastroesophageal junction (GOJ) cancer.
GOJ cancer is a relatively rare type of cancer that occurs where the oesophagus meets the stomach. It can significantly impact a person’s ability to eat and swallow solid and dry foods.
Mr Junaidi’s passing not only meant the loss of their family’s primary breadwinner, but also deprived Asis of his “biggest supporter and advisor” in life.
“His dad was always there for him… Whenever Asis came back from a game, his father would offer him advice on what he should or shouldn’t do, how he could improve, and so on. As for me, I may not understand the game as much, so I can only act as his cheerleader,” shared Mdm Samsinah.
Watching his once-rugged dad weaken day by day was a heart-wrenching experience for Asis, and it naturally took him some time to come to terms with the reality of his passing.
Asis, with two married sisters, has also had to step into the role of the proverbial ‘man of the family’, and assume the weighty responsibilities of caring for his mother.
“I’m the only son and guy in the family, so it’s only right that I’m the one taking care of my mum. I have to watch over her, make sure she’s well, and most importantly, make sure she’s not feeling too lonely. I want to ease her burdens as much as possible, and I’ve been trying to spend more time at home with her as well,” said Asis, who is now 20.
Similarly, Mdm Samsinah, a senior logistics coordinator at DHL, has taken on the dual responsibility of being both father and mother to her children following her husband’s passing. However, she acknowledges the near-impossible nature of this task.
“I’ve been trying to fill the void left by my husband, but I know there are certain things that I won’t be able to advise or help with,” she reflected. “So, sometimes I enlist the support of my son-in-law or brother-in-law to talk to Asis.
“I just want him to know that I’m always here to support him when he needs me, whether in football or in life.”
The Lion City Sailors set sail on their 2024/2025 Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign with a clinical 4-1 victory over Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday (10 May) night.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksander Ranković made two changes from the line-up that started last Saturday’s 2-0 victory over Albirex Niigata (S) in the Community Shield, with Adam Swandi and Chris van Huizen coming into the team in place of Song Uiyoung and the suspended Lionel Tan.
Maiden goals in blue for new signings Bart Ramselaar and Obren Kljajić, as well as strikes from Shawal Anuar and Adam, capped off a thrilling SPL opening night for the Sailors and set the pace for their title charge.
Shawal, in particular, was in fine form for the Sailors, as the ex-Cheetah came away from the game with a goal and an assist to continue his strong start to the season.
The 33-year-old struck the opening goal the last time out to set the tone for the Community Shield triumph.
Earlier this week, Ranko made it unequivocally clear that his team would not underestimate Hougang. This was evident from the first whistle, as the Sailors started the game with intent, maintaining possession and creating numerous promising opportunities within the opening minutes.
Bart shone as the Sailors’ primary attacking outlet, with his intelligent runs into the box causing all sorts of confusion among the Hougang defence.
Unsurprisingly, it was Bart who opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, with the former PSV Eindhoven man burying Maxime Lestienne’s cross to make it 1-0 to the Sailors.
The Sailors did not have to wait long to extend their lead. Three minutes later, Shawal controlled Hariss Harun’s lofted pass from midfield with a skillful flick, took it round Hougang defender Ensar Brunčević, and calmly finished past Hougang goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam.
Shawal, who now has two goals in as many games, said, “I’m always looking to give my best every game and trying to provide what the team needs. It’s not easy for me to play up front, but it’s a challenge I enjoy. Every goal I score is a bonus.”
Despite the strong start, the Sailors saw their lead halved in the 34th minute, after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled that Toni Datković had pushed Hougang forward Hazzuwan Halim in the box.
Hazzuwan brushed himself off to take the spot-kick, and though his initial effort was well saved by Sailors custodian Zharfan Rohaizad, he reacted quickest to tuck home the rebound from close range to give his side a lifeline heading into the break.
But the Sailors quickly thwarted any notion of Marko Kraljević’s side launching a comeback in the second-half, as they scored their all-important third goal in the 59th minute.
Once again, it was Shawal at the heart of the goal, as he threaded a pinpoint through pass for Adam, who coolly placed the ball into the bottom corner.
With a two-goal buffer, the Sailors sought to control the rest of the game and keep Hougang at arms’ length.
The Sailors ultimately put the game to bed in the 88th minute, when Zaiful parried Bart’s volley into the feet of Obren, who smashed the ball into an empty net before wheeling away in celebration of his first goal for the club.
When asked about Obren’s performance, Ranko praised the 20-year-old’s versatility and willingness to adapt.
“He’s such a multi-functional player for us,” Ranko mused. “As you can see, he can play in front, left-back, winger. So, I think he’s adjusted really well to what the team needs.”
Now with an unassailable 4-1 lead, the Sailors handed a debut to 2023 FAS Centre of Excellence Under-21 league top scorer Kian Jared Ghadessy, who came on in the 91st minute alongside M Anumanthan and Nur Muhammad Asis in a triple substitution.
While the Sailors might have made the perfect start to the SPL season with this victory and performance, Ranko was keen to emphasise to his charges that it is crucial they do not rest on their laurels.
“Everybody says that we are favourites (for the SPL), and of course that’s the pressure we have to deal with,” he said. “But it’s a long season, and I want to see consistency (throughout a game), which is exactly what the team has shown today.”
The Sailors will look to maintain their winning momentum when they host Young Lions next Saturday (18 May) at Bishan Stadium in their first home match of the 2024/25 season.
While the common saying, ‘If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it’, may ring true for some situations, it is not a mantra the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team will be adhering to any time soon.
It may sound counter-intuitive, especially in the aftermath of a historic 18-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa in the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL), but the Sailors are working on reinventing themselves this season, according to Head Coach Daniel Ong.
After all, while the Sailors may be unbeaten in two years – securing back-to-back WPL trophies in the process – they have aspirations that extend beyond just domestic success.
In particular, Daniel’s charges are hoping to test themselves against the best in the region, with the Sailors bidding to feature in the inaugural AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Women’s Champions League, which commences in August this year.
“We’ve set our eyes beyond the WPL, and our ambition is to play in the AFC Women’s Champions League,” the 35-year-old declared.
“The girls have been doing well so far, but time and again, I want us to keep setting higher standards amongst ourselves. We don’t want to be a predictable team, so we’re always trying out new things to improve even further.”
The 18-goal demolition of Balestier last Saturday (4 May) night exemplified the relentless hunger of the Sailors, who currently lead the WPL standings with a perfect record of five wins in as many matches.
Their impressive run of form and performances is all the more remarkable considering the Sailors’ radical squad transformation in the off-season, as they transitioned to a predominantly youthful side.
Daniel, however, has backed his young squad to confidently overcome any challenges that they come across this season.
“Our team this season may be young, but they’re full of fighters. They’re all players who want to prove their qualities and be given a chance to be amongst the starting 11 every week,” Daniel asserted.
“Competition for places may be fierce, but I can see the girls always have each other’s back regardless of who starts and all of them are ready when called upon.”
Next up for the Sailors is a tricky fixture this Saturday (11 May) night against Still Aerion, who are the only other team in the league to be unbeaten this year with two wins and a draw.
With their talismanic captain Sunisa Srangthaisong available for this game after the lifting of a four-match suspension, and fellow Thai import Uraiporn Yongkul in good form with four goals so far in 2024, Aerion looks set to put up a tough test for the Sailors.
As such, Daniel underlined the need for his team to remain focused to notch up a sixth straight victory.
“Still Aerion coach Jeremy (Chiang) has introduced quite a systematic style of play, and they’ve performed well in the past couple of matches, so it won’t be easy for us. We’ll need to be ready in terms of dictating how the game should be played,” he stressed.
“We always emphasise on trying to apply what we’ve practiced in training, and it won’t be different for this match.”
From impeccably timed challenges to pinpoint passes pinged from defence, Toni Datković stood out as an assured presence in the heart of the Lion City Sailors backline in their 2-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S) in the 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) Community Shield last Saturday (4 May) night.
Given how comfortable and confident he looked throughout the game, it was hard to believe that Toni – who is affectionately known as El Sicario – was making his competitive debut for the Sailors.
Though it is still early in his Sailors career, it already looks clear that the 30-year-old will be integral to his new team’s bid for domestic supremacy – a responsibility that he clearly relishes.
“It was the perfect start for the team – we wanted a trophy to kick-off the season because we’re aiming to win all the trophies in Singapore this year, and we made sure we did it,” said Toni.
“I don’t like to talk about my own performance – I think we played well as a team and controlled the game, but of course we can’t be satisfied as we’re always aiming to play even better.”
Having quickly forged strong bonds with his new teammates since joining the Sailors in February, Toni – boasting a century of appearances in Spain’s LaLiga 2 – shared that he feels at home off the pitch, especially with his wife and two children having relocated from his native Croatia to join him in the Lion City.
“From the moment I joined, the team has accepted me, and we’ve become incredibly close-knit. Of course, my centre-back partner Bailey (Wright) and I have developed a strong bond – we regularly share our footballing experiences with each other, and you can see our synergy is evident on the pitch,” Toni shared.
“The rest of the team are also great guys. Our captain Hariss (Harun) has helped me a lot to be comfortable here…we also have young guys like Nathan (Mao) who always gives the team a good vibe with his hunger and mentality to succeed, despite being only 16.”
Under the leadership of Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, the Sailors have set ambitious goals for the 2024/25 season. This includes a breakthrough on the continental stage in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, as well as the revamped Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2 (ACL2), both of which commence later this year.
However, the primary focus for the Sailors this season is clear: to reclaim the SPL trophy and bring it back home for the first time since 2021.
Their quest to overthrow Albirex as league champions begins this Friday (10 May) night, as they face a new-look Hougang United side in the SPL season-opener at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
With a blend of Balkan signings like Petar Banović, Stjepan Plazonja, Faris Hasić, and Ensar Brunčević, alongside a core Singaporean roster featuring Nazrul Nazari, Gabriel Quak, and Shahdan Sulaiman, the Cheetahs have strengthened their squad significantly.
As such, Toni has urged his teammates to maintain their full focus when they take on Hougang, as they look to start the Sailors’ SPL campaign on a strong note.
“We have to give our 100 percent in every game and showcase the brand of football that Coach Ranko wants us to display,” Toni declared. “That’s the key to a strong league season. We shouldn’t be underestimating any team.
“Coach Ranko pushes everyone hard, because he trusts us and wants the team to reach the levels that we’re capable of. We’re all working very hard because ultimately, we want to deliver the league trophy for our beloved fans.”
The Lion City Sailors are set to go up against Thai heavyweights Buriram United after being drawn in Group B of the inaugural 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
The other teams to be drawn with the Sailors in the group include 2023 V.League 1 champions Công An Hà Nội FC, 2023 Malaysia FA Cup runners-up Kuala Lumpur City, Philippines champions Kaya FC–Iloilo and Indonesia Liga 1 side Borneo FC Samarinda.
The draw for the brand new ACC Shopee Cup took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on Thursday (9 May) morning.
The competition features a total of 12 clubs from around the region – including the league champions and cup winners or runners-up of Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam – battling to be the top club in Southeast Asia.
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The Sailors will proudly fly the flag for Singapore as the nation’s only representative in the competition.
Following the qualifying playoff rounds in mid-July, the group-stage matches for the 2024/25 ACC Shopee Cup will be played between 21 Aug 2024 to 6 Feb 2025, with home-and-away matches in a single round-robin format.
The top two teams of each group will then progress into the two-legged semi-finals scheduled in April 2025, with the final – also a two-legged affair – due to take place on 14 and 21 May 2025.
The Sailors’ participation in the ACC Shopee Cup means the club will be fighting on two regional fronts in the 2024/25 season, including the newly-revamped Asian Football Confederation Champions League 2 (ACL2).
The rigors of competing on multiple fronts will no doubt be demanding, but Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković has urged his side to rise to the challenge.
“It’s a chance for us to benchmark ourselves against the best of Southeast Asia, and it’s a good opportunity for our players to show their qualities against top sides in the region,” said the Serb.
“Playing against these teams will also help us prepare for the ACL2, so I want us to take this competition seriously and try to qualify for the semi-finals.”
Having witnessed firsthand the fanaticism and rivalry in Southeast Asian football at the international level, Sailors and Singapore captain Hariss Harun is raring to face this new challenge head-on.
“From what we’ve seen from previous ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cups, it is clear how much football means to fans in this region. This tournament will bring out that competitiveness, especially with the element of national pride, so there’s lots at stake,” said the 33-year-old.
“We can definitely expect to play among huge crowds and hostile atmospheres in some of the away matches. It won’t be easy, but it serves as a great opportunity for the younger boys in the team to step up and develop into better players.”
The Sailors’ full fixtures list for the 2024/25 AFF Shopee Cup will be confirmed in due course.
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team etched their names in history with a resounding 18-0 victory against Balestier Khalsa on Saturday (4 May) night, securing the largest winning margin ever recorded in the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL).
No less than eight different Sailors found the back of the net at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, with four of them – Nur Syazwani Ruzi, Nur Sarah Zu’risqha, Raeka Ee and Josephine Ang – bagging themselves a hat-trick.
It took only four minutes for the Sailors to open the scoring through Syazwani, whose flick off the outside of her boot from close range found the back of the net.
Sarah then doubled the Sailors’ lead in the eight minute, before Syazwani scored twice in quick succession – both of which were assisted by Qarissa Putri – to complete her hat-trick.
Syazwani was keen to acknowledge the team’s tight-knit bond and understanding as instrumental to her success in scoring goals. “The foundation of our connection on the pitch begins in training,” she elaborated. “We have a strong bond off the pitch, which helps us work well together during games. This unity helps us predict each other’s movements and preferences, making our passes and assists more accurate.”
Echoing Syazwani’s sentiments, Sailors Head Coach Daniel Ong remarked, “We’ve been focusing heavily on passing and player movement in our training sessions. The team is improving and becoming more cohesive with each session.”
Sailors’ prolific forward Raeka opened the scoring in the 28th minute, capitalising on a backheel pass by Dorcas Chu, who later secured a brace for herself in the match.
The three points were practically secured for the Sailors by half-time, as they entered the break with an 8-0 lead. However, Daniel’s charges did not ease up in the second half; instead, they switched to a back-three formation to further enhance their control and attacking threat in the game.
Explaining the switch to a 3-1-4-2 formation, Syazwani shared, “We weren’t very secure in terms of covering for each other in the first half. We picked it up as the game went on. We communicated a lot more in the second half and knew who was pushing forward and who needed to stay.”
The change in formation appeared to pay off, as the Sailors increased the intensity of their relentless assault on Balestier in the second-half. Raeka, who now leads the WPL scoring charts with eight goals, completed her hat-trick in the 55th minute, with Sarah following suit seven minutes later.
Josephine, who was introduced in the 71st minute alongside Liyana Rickit and Tia Foong, then seized the spotlight, with the 17-year-old scoring a hat-trick in the span of just five minutes.
Liyana also grabbed the opportunity to make her mark, as the 14-year-old – one of seven teenagers promoted to the senior squad from the Sailors Girls Academy this year – scored her first-ever goal for the Sailors.
“I didn’t even score in the Women’s National League (WNL) last season with Mattar Sailors, but now I’ve found the net in the WPL. I feel incredibly happy and proud of myself,” the young forward exclaimed.
“With our team already leading by a considerable margin, when Coach Daniel gave me the opportunity to play, I was determined to make an impact. I was hungry for that goal.”
Daniel added, “I’m not surprised (that Liyana scored) because she has excellent technique. Her teammates guide her so well, and it’s evident that she improves after each training session. I’m delighted that she got on the scoresheet.”
With the victory, the Sailors currently lead the WPL standings with 15 points, boasting a flawless start to the season with five wins out of five.
The Sailors now turn their attention to next Saturday (11 May), when they will face off against title challengers Still Aerion at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
The Lion City Sailors clinched their first piece of silverware of the 2024/25 season on Saturday (4 May) night, as they lifted the Community Shield at the Jalan Besar Stadium following a 2-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S).
Boasting a revamped squad with a few notable signings, the Sailors barely gave the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions a sniff, with goals from Shawal Anuar and Maxime Lestienne doing the damage on the night for Aleksandar Ranković’s side.
But even as the Sailors celebrated the win amid golden confetti, with captain Hariss Harun hoisting the Community Shield in front of a 4,148-strong crowd, what pleased Ranko the most was the commanding display of dominance exhibited by his side over Albirex throughout the match.
He said, “I think it was a good performance overall. We only allowed one shot on goal and we didn’t concede any corners. I think that says enough. I’m happy that we won, and this will give us a boost going into the upcoming games. That was what we were aiming for.”
In line with his pre-match assertion that he would take the Community Shield seriously, Ranko named a strong starting lineup that saw competitive debuts for new signings Toni Datković, Obren Kljajić and Bart Ramselaar.
And it was the Sailors who started the game the brighter out of the two sides, as they controlled possession and fashioned a few good chances in the opening period of the game.
Obren, in particular, stood out as the Sailors’ main threat down the left flank, causing problems for the Albirex defence with his marauding runs and crosses into the box.
Despite a dominant first half, it wasn’t until the 42nd minute that the Sailors found the breakthrough. It was a familiar combination that led to the goal, as Shawal latched onto Maxime’s beautifully lofted through pass before calmly slotting it past Albirex custodian Hassan Sunny to make it 1-0.
Reflecting on his goal, Shawal emphasised that it was a result of the strong connection and understanding he and Maxime had developed throughout the course of last season.
The 33-year-old had an impressive debut season with the Sailors in 2023, during which he scored 16 goals in 33 matches across all competitions.
“Me and Maxime have that chemistry.” Shawal mused. “I’m always running in behind to give him an option for that pass. And as a striker, I’m always looking to do what the coach needs me to do, which is to finish.”
With a one-goal lead in the bag, the Sailors only grew in confidence after the break. However, Albirex were determined not to roll over for Ranko’s charges and kept things tight for the majority of the second half.
Nonetheless, the Sailors remained focused on securing their second goal, and Bart came close to scoring on his debut with a fierce shot from outside the box in the 69th minute, but ex-Sailor Hassan proved to be equal to it.
The Sailors continued to probe in search of the all-important second goal, which finally arrived in the 80th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Albirex’s Amy Recha was deemed to have clipped Maxime in the box.
Maxime, last season’s AIA SPL Player of the Year, made no mistake from the spot to give the Sailors a two-goal lead – a margin that ultimately proved too difficult for Albirex to overcome.
While the Sailors’ debutants captured the attention of supporters, Ranko highlighted that it was the experience and leadership of the team’s seasoned players that played a crucial role in securing the victory.
“I’ve always said that players like Shawal are one of the MVPs of last season, and I’m really happy to have them in the team,” Ranko said with a grin. “For the newcomers, they just have to adapt and follow their lead. It’s only been one game and we’ve already secured a trophy, but the season has just started.”
The Sailors will look to build on their Community Shield win when they kick off their SPL campaign against Hougang United at Jalan Besar next Friday (10 May).
With four wins out of four, a refreshed Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have enjoyed a dream start to the 2024 Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign.
Despite their perfect start, the Sailors’ last match — a 3-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United on April 20 — highlighted that they still have room for improvement, particularly in the final third of the pitch.
After all, they initially struggled to break down a resolute Jaguars defence, and failed to score in the first half for the first time this season.
Sailors attacking midfielder Madison Telmer, however, revealed that the team has spent the last two weeks honing strategies to break down defensively-minded opponents.
“Our training since the Tanjong Pagar match has been focused on our approach against teams that adopt a low block,” shared the 19-year-old.
“We’ve been emphasising patience and ball circulation to draw our opponents in and create attacking opportunities. Our midfielders and strikers have also been coordinating their runs to exploit spaces effectively.”
Madison returned to the squad this season after departing Singapore in July last year to join Canada’s University of the Fraser Valley Women’s Soccer Team. Since rejoining the Sailors for the 2024 WPL season, the Canadian midfielder has scored twice and played a pivotal role in the team’s attacking efforts.
Having experienced a more physical playing environment in Canada, Madison attributes her improved fitness and strength to that experience, which she hopes will positively impact the team this season.
However, with experience comes added responsibility, and for Madison, this means focusing on her role in the team’s buildup play.
“I’m responsible for receiving the ball, turning and breaking lines. With feedback from coach Daniel Ong, I have been working on becoming more dangerous on the turn in training,” Madison explained.
“However, I have been fairly closely man-marked during a few games this season, which has changed my role a little. During games like this, my main role is to continue moving and creating space for my other teammates in the middle of the pitch.”
Madison will be heavily relied upon, particularly in the final third, as the Sailors take on bottom side Balestier Khalsa on Saturday (May 4) night at Choa Chu Kang Stadium. However, she will not be alone; fellow midfielder Qarissa Putri Ramadhani, who joined from Tanjong Pagar United during the off-season, has also been tasked with bolstering the Sailors’ attack.
And Qarissa underscored the importance of maintaining composure and making the right decisions in the final third, believing it to be pivotal in enhancing the team’s attacking efficiency.
“We not only need to find the confidence to shoot when we have the chance, but also must time our shots better. To avoid another goalless half, it’s crucial that we pass the ball with purpose and minimise turnovers,” the 15-year-old explained.
“In training, we’ve been emphasising our buildup play… It’s important for us to understand each other’s strengths and preferences to determine the best plays for the team.
“In our next game against Balestier, we want to execute whatever we did in our training in order to get the win. We had a week off but we made sure to maintain fitness so that we can compete in the best shape possible.”
With his gaze firmly fixed on his charges as they underwent a rigorous training session, Lion City Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković cut a serious figure on the hybrid pitch at Mattar Road.
It was two days away from the Sailors’ 2024/25 season-opening game against reigning league champions Albirex Niigata (S) on May 4, and the Serbian was determined not to leave any stone unturned.
After all, the Sailors’ goal for the upcoming season is clear: to challenge and try to win everything domestically – the Community Shield, the Singapore Cup, and importantly, the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
The first step to achieving that dream will come on Saturday night at the Jalan Besar Stadium, with the Sailors hoping to pip the White Swans to the Community Shield.
Despite being the reigning SPL champions, Albirex’s transition during the off-season from a squad predominantly composed of Japanese players to one featuring a majority of local talent has led many to question whether they remain as formidable as before.
But Ranko was quick to dismiss the notion that Albirex are a weakened side, and insisted that his players will have to bring their A-game to beat them.
“They’ve adopted a new setup, but I believe their philosophy and desire for success remain unchanged,” the 45-year-old remarked. “With two consecutive league titles under their belt, we must give them the utmost respect. It’s crucial that we play at our best to overcome them, and we’re determined to deliver a stellar performance for our fans.
“Our aim is to kickstart the new season positively, and to achieve that, we must defeat the defending champions.”
With the benefit of a full pre-season for the first time since taking over the helm at the Sailors last July, Ranko has drilled his players hard for the past couple of months to get them prepared for the long campaign which takes place from May 2024 all the way to May 2025.
Besides two competitive friendlies against Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta’zim, the Sailors also went on an 11-day training camp in Thailand. There, the team underwent double training sessions on most days, and played a couple of friendly matches against tough Thai opposition.
Having seen up-close the commitment and hard work that his players put in during pre-season, Ranko asserts that his side are ready for the campaign ahead.
“It was a tough pre-season. We demanded a lot from the players, in terms of the load and intensity of training. But no one was complaining; the group was very bonded, and I have to say, I’ve never had a better group of players as a Head Coach,” Ranko declared.
“This spirit and attitude is what will carry us through this season. We worked a lot on things like the way we attack, how we shape up in transition and how we press together as a team. Ultimately, we want to deliver a good attacking style to entertain our fans.”
Apart from the domestic competitions, the Sailors will also be fighting for honours in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (also known as the Shopee Cup), as well as the revamped Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2 competition.
As such, the Sailors have put together a refreshed roster with increased depth to cope with the demands of the season. Players with European pedigree such as Bart Ramselaar, Toni Datković, and club icon Song Uiyoung have been brought in to complement a sturdy stable of local stars that include Lions skipper Hariss Harun and national team regulars like Shawal Anuar and Hami Syahin.
Reflecting on the roster of players he has available at his disposal, Ranko believes that they have the quality and character to achieve the goals that they have set out for themselves in what will undoubtedly be a gruelling season.
“What we emphasise strongly when we make new signings is their character and personality,” Ranko revealed. “We want guys who can be leaders on and off the pitch, who can pull everyone together.
“Toni, for example, is someone who will go through a brick wall for the team; Bart is a top player who can inspire the young players with his professionalism. And I need not to talk so much about Song – everyone knows what he can offer.
“The players we kept from last season are not just playing at a high level, but are also striving to improve. So overall, I’m very pleased with the squad we have.”
With the Sailors set to fight on four fronts this season, they could potentially play 50 games in all competitions between now and May next year.
Ranko, however, simply wants his side to take it one game at a time – starting, of course, with the game against Albirex.
He said, “We have big ambitions for the season. But right now, our minds are on the Community Shield. We want to win and set the right tone for what we’re out to achieve. The team is going to give 100 percent and leave everything out there to win the first silverware of the season.”
