Month: December 2024
From being hailed as a precocious teenage prodigy and the next big thing in Singapore football, to donning the Lions jersey and becoming a two-time Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup winner, Adam Swandi has accomplished more in his footballing career than most in the country could dream of.
His talent was evident from a young age, as he dazzled crowds with his repertoire of skills and stepovers during the 2011 Lion City Cup (LCC) at just 15.
Accolades soon followed. In the same year, he won the Dollah Kassim Award — an annual honour recognising Singapore’s top football talents under 18 — and finished as the top scorer of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-16 Youth Championship. He went on to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the 2012 LCC and the Football Association of Singapore’s U18 COE League in the following year.
Adam’s youthful exuberance and unbridled joy on the pitch back then were reminiscent of a kid playing freely on a street soccer court — an attitude that stayed with him even as he transitioned into professional football.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I’m really into tricks and the things that make the game beautiful. I love how players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho bring entertainment to football and make it enjoyable to watch,” said Adam.
“Of course, the game has evolved and now has certain tactical aspects, but I firmly believe that the main thing that attracts people to football is its entertainment value. Skills are a crucial part of the game — they create hype and excitement for everyone watching.”
From rising talent to accomplished star
Adam’s sheer talent brought immense pressure from a young age. Touted as one of Singapore football’s brightest prospects, he faced the weight of expectations that only grew when he secured a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 side FC Metz to play for their Under-19 team. Balancing such high expectations at a young age was far from easy, but it shaped his journey as a footballer.
“Starting from the Lion City Cup, fans and those around me were really pinning their hopes on me to elevate Singapore football to a higher level,” he acknowledged. “I have to say it wasn’t easy, but I never wavered in the face of challenges and have always given my best.
“Everyone has their own opinions on whether I ‘made it’ or not, but I know I have no regrets about my football journey.”
Adam’s football journey has undoubtedly been a fruitful one. In 10 seasons, he played a total of 205 competitive matches, winning the Community Shield four times, the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title twice, and the Singapore Cup twice. He was also named the SPL’s Young Player of the Year in 2018.
Above all, however, what gives Adam the greatest sense of satisfaction is being able to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer.
“As a footballer — or anyone in life — you always feel like you could do better, but I wouldn’t go back and change anything. I’m happy to have made my family proud. It’s not easy to become a professional footballer; it’s not the kind of job you can simply apply for, and I’m one of the lucky few to have done this as a career,” he reflected.
“When I was around 10 or 11, I always looked up to players like Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan, so it felt surreal that just a few years later, they were my teammates, and I was sitting beside them in the dressing room. To learn from the best and build friendships with some of the biggest players in the country is something I’m truly grateful for.”
Adam earned 22 caps for the Singapore national team and still holds the distinction of being the Lions’ third-youngest debutant — behind Hariss Harun and Fandi Ahmad — at 17 years and 143 days, when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Myanmar on 4 June 2013.
Like any footballer, Adam faced challenges during his career — most notably in 2019, when he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him for 15 months. Critics doubted whether he could return to his previous form, but Adam remained resilient in the face of adversity.
He recounted, “There were many people saying things like, ‘Oh, once you’re back from your ACL injury, you won’t be able to dribble like you used to.’ But I was extremely motivated to get back on the pitch, so I worked really hard during the rehab period.
“In the end, it’s about your mental strength and whether you truly want it. I didn’t want one injury to define my career.”
A career cruelly cut short
Unfortunately, Adam has been forced to prematurely end his career at the age of 28 following the recent discovery of an underlying heart condition known as cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. In severe cases, it can lead to serious complications, including heart failure.
The news was understandably devastating for Adam, and coming to terms with this reality has been a significant mental challenge.
“Physically, I feel perfectly fine. Every day I wake up, I feel like I can push myself to play. But medically, I’ve been advised by the doctors and cardiologist that I shouldn’t play again. It’s definitely a tough pill to swallow, and I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that I’m no longer a professional player,” he shared.
“In those quiet moments when I’m alone, after my wife and son have gone to bed — when I’m supposed to be sleeping — I sometimes find myself thinking about what really happened. Why did this happen to me? I’ve been doing this for the past 15 years of my life, and now it has to stop just like that.”
Nonetheless, Adam understands that he has to make the sensible decision for his family and future.
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“I’m also a husband and a father. I know I have to set aside my desire to play football and prioritise my family,” Adam explained. “I shouldn’t risk my life just to play football, especially when it doesn’t matter to them whether I’m on the pitch or pursuing another profession — they just want me to stay healthy.
“I’ve now found peace with this situation. I’ve realised that this is life — it’s unpredictable, and I have to begin a new journey.”
This was certainly not the way Adam had envisioned ending his career; after all, he had hoped to retire around the age of 35. However, he now sees the bigger picture, and feels fortunate simply to be alive.
“I was watching on TV when Christian Eriksen collapsed during the European Championship in 2021, and it’s surreal to think that something similar could happen to me as well. I feel blessed to have discovered this condition before something truly bad happened. I thank God for still being here and being able to live my life,” he said.
It was perhaps poetic that Adam scored in his final professional appearance — a precise and powerful header in the Sailors’ 6-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United in September 2024 — bringing a fitting end to his football career.
A part of the Sailors family, always
Adam spent the bulk of his career with the Sailors, making close to 100 appearances, winning multiple trophies, and featuring in a couple of Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) campaigns.
Looking back, Adam is filled with gratitude for being part of the Sailors’ exciting journey since its inception in 2020 and for the unwavering support the club’s management has shown him since his heart condition diagnosis.
“I didn’t expect to become one of the longest-serving players at this club, but it’s a huge blessing and honour to have represented one of the biggest and most ambitious clubs in Singapore. I truly felt like I belonged here, and I believe the club feels the same way about me,” Adam said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the entire club for standing by me through this chaotic time, especially our chairman Forrest Li and executive director Bruce Liang for their unwavering support. The Sailors have been with me throughout my playing career, and now, even in retirement, they’re still here for me.
“It’s been a smooth transition out of football, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”
Having spent so many years in the football environment and forged genuine friendships, Adam believes it is the time with his teammates that he will miss the most.
“As a footballer, you probably spend more time with your teammates than with your own family. You’re always together — training, traveling to matches, showering, even sleeping in the same rooms. Sometimes my wife jokes that I sleep more with my teammates than with her!” he said with a laugh.
“I’ll definitely miss walking into the dressing room, talking about anything and everything under the sun, and just enjoying each other’s company before things get serious. They’re not just teammates — they’re brothers. They’ve always been there for me during tough times. People like Maxime (Lestienne), Hariss, and Hami (Syahin) are constantly checking up on me, and without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
“Football has given me much more than just trophies, medals, or caps with the national team. I’m truly grateful for the lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories it has brought me.”
A new journey awaits
As the saying goes, when one door closes, another — or several — opens. Adam admits he is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with his family and is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter as he explores both technical and non-technical roles within the Sailors.
“I’m excited yet nervous at the same time. All my life, I’ve been a footballer, and now I have to step into something different. But I feel like the world is my oyster now — I’m free to explore what I want to do, and I’m always open to trying something new,” he elaborated.
“Coaching is definitely something I want to pursue, as it’s the best way for me to pass down the knowledge I’ve gained to younger kids aspiring to be footballers or simply those who want to play the game. At the same time, I’d love to contribute to the club in areas like marketing. As a club, we’re just getting started, and there’s so much more to achieve.
“While I’m sad that I can’t contribute to the club on the pitch anymore, I’m excited to help steer the ship in other areas.”
As Adam hangs up his boots, he hopes to be remembered as someone who never backed down on the pitch — a trait he sees in many of his Sailors teammates. This is why he is confident they can lift the 2024/25 SPL title at the end of the season.
“Everyone has different opinions, but I hope I’m remembered as someone who always gave everything on the pitch and never stopped working hard, even when times were tough,” he said.
“The team is on the right track, both in the league and in regional competitions. I know the boys have been working really hard since last season, and they definitely deserve success at the end of this one. As long as everyone continues to play their part, it’s not impossible for us to achieve everything that’s up for grabs.”
Lion City Sailors midfielder Adam Swandi is retiring from professional football at the age of 28 due to a medical condition affecting his heart.
Adam was substituted at half-time during the Sailors’ Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash with Tanjong Pagar United in September 2024 after feeling unwell. His condition stabilised following immediate medical attention, but subsequent tests revealed an underlying heart condition in the form of cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can lead to serious heart conditions and, in more severe cases, symptoms of heart failure.
The condition puts Adam at an extremely high risk of a potentially fatal cardiac event if he continues playing competitive football. As a result, the ex-Singapore international has regretfully decided to end his decade-long professional football career.
It brings the curtain down on the career of one of Singapore’s most precocious footballing talents in recent years. Adam first shot to fame in the 2011 Lion City Cup, where he captained the Singapore Under-15s to victories over Newcastle United and Juventus, leading the team to a third-place finish.
He continued to dazzle with his skill and flair in the following edition, which saw him go up against top teams like Ajax Amsterdam and FC Porto. In 2013, his performances earned him a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 side FC Metz, where he represented their Under-19 team.
Adam returned to Singapore in 2015 and played for the Young Lions for two seasons before making history as the first Singaporean to sign for Albirex Niigata (S). During his time with Albirex – which was sandwiched between two separate spells with Home United – he won the league title and was named the league’s Young Player of the Year in 2018.
Adam was part of the inaugural batch of players when the Lion City Sailors were formed in 2020. He is one of only three current Sailors, alongside Hafiz Nor and Haiqal Pashia, to have been with the privatised club since its inception.
Adam made 93 appearances for the Sailors, securing the 2021 SPL title, the 2023 Singapore Cup, and two Community Shield trophies. Following his premature retirement, the Sailors have pledged their support to help him transition smoothly into life after football, as he explores opportunities in technical and non-technical areas within the club.
“Adam has been a valuable member of the club since 2020. His warm personality and consistently upbeat spirit have had a positive impact on everyone here. Given his immense talent, we’re all deeply saddened that he has to end his career in this way,” said Sailors chairman Forrest Li.
“As a club, we’re committed to giving him all the love and support he needs as he transitions into his post-football journey, and we hope he will continue contributing to the club in other capacities.”
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković added, “While we’re saddened to see Adam step away from the game as a player, his health and family must always come first. Adam is not just a footballer; he’s also a father and a husband.
“I’d like to thank him for being an ever-reliable player and the kind of character everyone loves having in the dressing room. We look forward to supporting him as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey.”
Having fulfilled his childhood dream of playing professional football and representing the Singapore national team, Adam steps away from the game with no regrets, and is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
“I’ve had big ambitions and dreams in football, and I think I’ve achieved most of them. I’m very thankful for the career I’ve had and deeply grateful to the Sailors for supporting me every step of the way,” said Adam, who has earned 22 caps for the Lions.
“Having seen what happened to players like Christian Eriksen, it’s surreal to think that something like this could happen to me. I’m acutely aware of how lucky I am to still be alive. The management has given me their fullest support, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the club in areas beyond the field.”
The Lion City Sailors will take on Thai League 1 side Muangthong United in the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two’s Round of 16.
This was confirmed earlier this afternoon (12 December) following the tournament’s Knockout Stage draw which took place in the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Having defeated Port FC twice en route to a historical qualification for the ACL Two’s last 16, the Sailors will take on another Thai opponent in the form of Muangthong.
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The Twin Qilins were on the brink of elimination after collecting only two points from three group matches, but remarkably recovered to win their next three to finish second behind South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Group H.
Having finished top of a group featuring Thailand’s Port FC, China’s Zhejiang Professional, and Indonesia’s Persib Bandung, the Sailors have developed a strong sense of belief within their ranks.
“I think my boys showed incredible mental and physical strength to secure a fantastic ending to our ACL Two group stage,” said the Serb.
“Considering the quality of the teams we played against, finishing at the top of the group is a truly special achievement. I hope everyone is proud of this team — not just Sailors fans, but all of Singapore. We’ve put Singapore on the Asian football map. Now, we’ll recharge, prepare for the next challenges, and stay motivated to compete against the best.”
The Sailors will play the first leg in at the Thunder Dome Stadium in Thailand on 13 February 2025, before returning home to host the second leg at the Jalan Besar Stadium exactly a week later on 20 February.
Should the Sailors progress, they will face either Japan’s Sanfreece Hiroshima or Vietnam’s Nam Định FC in the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2025.
A total of seven Lion City Sailors players have been named in Tsutomu Ogura’s 26-man Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup 2024.
Lions and Sailors captain Hariss Harun is set to feature in the biennial regional competition for the seventh time, having previously played in the 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 editions.
At the other end of the spectrum, Lionel Tan and Abdul Rasaq Akeem will be aiming to make their tournament debuts.
The Sailors’ contingent also includes Christopher van Huizen, Hami Syahin, Shawal Anuar, and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, forming a strong group ready to represent Singapore with pride in their quest for Southeast Asian glory.
Song Uiyoung, however, misses out on the tournament due to family commitments.
The Lions will kick off their 2024 ME Cup campaign against Cambodia next Wednesday, 11 December, at the National Stadium. They will then travel to Vietnam to face Timor-Leste three days later, before hosting Thailand on Tuesday, 17 December.
The group stage concludes with a thrilling Causeway Derby away against Malaysia on Friday, 20 December.
All photos courtesy of Football Association of Singapore
The Lion City Sailors made history by becoming the first Singaporean team to qualify for the last 16 of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, following a thrilling and hardfought 5-2 victory over Thailand’s Port FC on Thursday (5 December) night at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Song Uiyoung stole the show with a spectacular hat-trick, while attackers Shawal Anuar and Lennart Thy also found the net as the Sailors topped ACL Two Group F with 10 points, leapfrogging Port in the process based on a superior head-to-head record.
This also marks the first time in over six years that a Singaporean club has reached the knockout stage of an AFC club competition, with the last being Home United — the previous iteration of the Sailors — when they emerged ASEAN Zonal champions in 2018.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group of players for making history — and not just that, but also for finishing top of the table with the most goals (15) scored. I think Singaporean football fans should recognise this achievement and give these guys the respect they deserve,” remarked a beaming Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković after the game.
Knowing that a victory would secure their spot in the knockout rounds, the Sailors — who made one change to the starting lineup with Bart Ramselaar replacing Lennart Thy — flew out of the blocks and made a dream start by opening the scoring after just 42 seconds.
Lionel Tan’s long throw-in caused chaos in the Port penalty box, allowing Song to pounce and stab the ball home to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The Thai side had a good opportunity to equalise in the 17th minute, when Felipe Amorim played in Bordin Phala, but his shot failed to hit the target.
That was as good as it got for the visitors in the first half, as the Sailors dictated the tempo of the game and confidently controlled possession.
Their dominance eventually paid off in the 36th minute when Maxime Lestienne delivered a perfectly floated ball from the left, finding Song’s late run into the box. The Incheon native made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the net with the instep of his foot.
Port Head Coach Rangsan Viwachatchok brought on young Thai forward Teerasak Poeiphimai at half-time in a bid to change his side’s fortunes, and it paid dividends almost immediately.
In just three minutes, Teerasak turned the game around with two crucial assists, setting up Felipe Amorim in the 50th minute and Iraqi international Frans Putros in the 52nd to level the score for Port.
Ranko admitted it was difficult to believe that his side had let a two-goal advantage slip for the third consecutive game. In their previous two matches, the Sailors had also held two-goal leads but went on to lose 3-2 to Persib Bandung and 4-2 to Zhejiang Professional.
“When Port scored their second goal, I thought to myself, I’m not really a religious person, but I was looking up and wondering, did we do something to deserve this?” Ranko revealed.
“We played a perfect match until then. They had two shots on goal and scored both times. We played very offensively, created a lot of chances, and scored two amazing goals.
“So when Port scored, I couldn’t help but think about the last match we lost (against Zhejiang). But this time, finally, karma seemed to be a little bit on our side.”
Putros’ equalising goal also brought an unsettling sense of déjà vu around the stadium, as the 2,357-strong partisan crowd wondered — could this really become the Sailors’ third consecutive defeat after squandering a two-goal lead?
That question was answered emphatically 15 minutes later by none other than Song, who executed a stunning bicycle kick from Maxime’s cross, sending the ball into the top corner to give his team the lead again.
It was not only a goal of the highest quality but also a symbolic moment, signalling that the Sailors had learned from their past two games how to respond to setbacks.
Instead of panicking or letting their heads drop, Ranko’s charges pressed on relentlessly and were duly rewarded for their bravery and determination.
Reflecting on his wonder goal — his 23rd in AFC club competitions in just 34 appearances — Song said, “Maxime gave me the perfect invitation to score that hat-trick goal, and it felt like a miracle. I’ve never scored a goal like that before. I didn’t want to miss this big opportunity to make history for the club and the country.”
Four minutes later, in the 71st minute, full-back Sergio Carmona Pérez won the ball in midfield and delivered a pinpoint through pass to Shawal, who calmly rounded Chanin Sae-Ear in the Port goal and slotted the ball into an empty net to restore the Sailors’ two-goal advantage.
From there, it was a matter of the Sailors seeing out the game professionally — a task they managed with relative ease, as Port failed to seriously test Izwan Mahbud.
There was even time for substitute Lennart to add the icing on the cake in the ninth minute of added time with a clinical finish from a tight angle to seal the Sailors’ fifth goal of the night.
While Song deservedly received the plaudits for his match-winning performance, Ranko credited the substitutes for their equally crucial contributions to the victory.
“We made excellent changes tonight,” Ranko said. “We brought on Carmona, who set up the goal for Shawal. We were also debating whether to keep Shawal on the pitch, and then he scored. Later, we introduced Lennart at just the right moment, and he went on to score as well.
“When you win, every decision looks good; when you lose, every decision looks bad. But tonight, everyone who participated gave their best. Considering the calibre of the teams we’ve played against, we should be very happy with what we’ve achieved.”
The result means that Port, who had already secured their place in the last 16, will finish as group runners-up, while Zhejiang narrowly missed out despite their thrilling 4-3 victory over Persib in the other Group F match of the night.
The Round-of-16 is set to take place in February 2025, and will be played over two legs on a home-and-away basis.
The Sailors could face one of three potential opponents: Australia’s Sydney FC, Vietnam’s Nam Định FC, or Thailand’s Muangthong United. The knockout stage draw will be conducted on Thursday, 12 December.
Until then, however, Ranko shared that he plans to take some time to savour the Sailors’ historic achievement.
“I need a few days to really process an accomplishment of this magnitude. First, we’ll see who we’re going to draw, and when the time comes to play these matches, we’ll obviously give it our all,” remarked Ranko.
“Right now, it’s time for everyone to celebrate. After that, we have the (ASEAN Club Championship) Shopee Cup and league matches to focus on. So, there are many exciting games ahead.”
Group F of the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two is set for an exciting finale, as second-placed Lion City Sailors host already-qualified Port FC in a crucial clash at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday night (5 December).
An interesting Head Coach U-turn at Port
Much has happened at Port since their last meeting with the Sailors in Pathum Thani, Thailand, where the Sailors earned a commendable 3-1 victory on 30 October.
One major change was the departure of Willem Mota, the 2023/24 Thai League 1’s second-highest scorer, who parted ways with the club last week.
The biggest development, however, was when Head Coach Rangsan Viwachatchok abruptly resigned following a 2-0 defeat to Bangkok United on 2 November. Remarkably, just 10 days later, Rangsan reversed his decision and returned to take the helm at the club.
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Since Rangsan’s return, results have been mixed. They suffered a 2-1 loss to BG Pathum United in the Thai FA Cup Round of 64, recorded league and ACL Two draws against Uthai Thani (1-1) and Persib Bandung (2-2), and finally returned to winning ways on 1 December with a 2-1 victory over Nongbua Pitchaya, thanks to Teerasak Poeiphimai’s 89th-minute goal.
The draw against Persib, however, secured Port’s spot in the ACL Two last 16, and they now need just a draw to finish as Group F winners.
However, Rangsan insists that his side will aim for all three points when they face the Sailors.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the 45-year-old said: “We want to win this game because we lost to the Sailors at our home in the last match, so this is our chance to make amends and get the three points to finish top of the group.
“The Sailors have many good players, both locals and foreigners, so it won’t be easy if we try to play for a draw. We’ve analysed the video of the game we lost to the Sailors to study their shape, and I don’t think we need to change much. We just need to prepare ourselves, and I want to see my players perform well tomorrow.”
Return of key personnel for the visitors
Port will be without first-choice goalkeeper Worawut Srisupha, who is sidelined with a torn Achilles. However, they will be able to call on the services of three key players who missed the previous encounter with the Sailors.
Southeast Asian stars Irfan Fandi and Asnawi Mangkualam look set to feature, having started together in defence in Port’s last two matches across all competitions.
Rangsan believes that Singapore international Irfan, in particular, will be eager to impress as he returns to the Lion City.
“Over the last few months, he (Irfan) was injured and not fit to play,” he said. “But now, he’s returning to full fitness, and you can see that in every game — he’s back in the first team and performing very well. I’m confident he’ll be at his best tomorrow and will play well.”
Meanwhile, club captain Bordin Phala has returned to action, starting the last three games after missing eight matches due to a torn muscle fibre.
The Sailors will also need to keep a close eye on in-form striker Lonsana Doumbouya. The former Shanghai Shenhua forward has scored eight goals this season, six of which have come in his last five outings — including both goals in the 2-2 draw against Persib.
With their strengthened squad and firepower up front, Port are determined to avenge the defeat inflicted by the Sailors in their last meeting.
Playing on the unfamiliar artificial pitch at Jalan Besar Stadium could pose a challenge to the Thai team’s quest for three points, but Port midfielder Worachit Kanitsribumphen remains confident in his side’s ability to adapt.
“We need to adjust to the artificial pitch because in Thailand, we don’t train on such surfaces. But if we are able to adapt to the conditions tomorrow, we shouldn’t have any problems at all,” said the 27-year-old, who has earned 21 caps for the Thai national team.
Sailors remain in control of destiny
Meanwhile, the Sailors still have their fate in their own hands despite back-to-back defeats to Persib and Zhejiang Professional in November — both of which came after holding two-goal leads.
Strong performances in the first three matches have ensured that the Singaporean side remains in second place with seven points, one ahead of third-placed Zhejiang, and two clear of Persib.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed the mental strength and resilience of his players and believes they can deliver on Thursday night.
“The past two games were definitely disappointing, but if someone told me at the start of this campaign that we’d be fighting for the knockout stages — and even the top spot in the group — in the final game, I would have been very happy,” Ranko said.
“As much as those games were disappointing, they also gave us confidence that we can compete against these teams. That’s something I’m very proud of, and I’m proud of my players for bringing that fighting spirit into every game against tough opponents.
“The mentality of the team is great. We’re motivated, we’re ready and we’re ready to put on a good show.”
While the Sailors’ preparations for the game have been hampered by heavy rainfall in Singapore, Ranko has backed his team to deliver in this ‘must-win’ match.
“It’s the first time we’ve experienced so much rain since I’ve been here, but as frustrating as it’s been, it’s no excuse,” declared the Serb.
“This is a must-win game, so we have to improvise. When it rains here, it pours, and the pitch wasn’t ready for training.
“We’ll adapt and do alternative things, but what gives me confidence is that my team is both tactically and physically prepared. Missing one or two training sessions won’t make much of a difference.”
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to Group F, with the Sailors among three teams vying for progression to the next round.
While certain permutations could allow the Sailors to qualify with a draw or even a loss, they are not entertaining such scenarios. Their focus is clear: defeat Port FC and claim the top spot in Group F.
As this marks their final game of 2024, Hami Syahin is hopeful of a strong home crowd to spur them on and help create history.
“We need every supporter for our game tomorrow. It’s a big game for us, and we need their support to push us toward securing all three points,” said Hami, who has started in all seven of the Sailors’ regional matches across the ACL Two and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup this season.
“As a team, we’re looking forward to this game. We want to create history — for ourselves, for the club, and for Singapore football. The mindset is clear — we’ll go out there and give everything to get the three points.”
