Month: May 2025
A gruelling season that kicked off 392 days ago will reach its conclusion this Saturday, 31 May, when the Lion City Sailors face off against BG Tampines Rovers in a mouthwatering Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
It was on this very pitch that the Sailors began their 2024/25 campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over then-Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions Albirex Niigata (S) to lift the Community Shield on 4 May 2024.
That win set the tone for a historic season, as the Sailors went on to dethrone Albirex to clinch their second SPL title, reached the final of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two — becoming the first local club to qualify for the final of a major Asian club competition — and are now contesting a second consecutive Singapore Cup final.
For Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, lifting the Singapore Cup once more would be a fitting finale to a relentless yet rewarding campaign.
“We’ve done amazing things this season, but there’s still one more step to go. We are the defending champions, and we want to keep this trophy,” said the Serb. “To win it will be the cherry on top, and we want to be remembered as one of the best teams in Singapore football history.”
This has been a campaign that tested the Sailors’ mental resolve and stretched their physical limits, with Saturday’s Singapore Cup final set to be their 58th match of the season.
Having competed on four fronts — including the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup — the Sailors were put through a relentless, demanding schedule. In February alone, they endured seven matches in 21 days, and are now set to close out the season with eight games in 28 days this May.
“This has been the most challenging yet most rewarding season for me, and I believe many of my teammates feel the same,” said forward Shawal Anuar, who also made seven international appearances for Singapore between December 2024 and March 2025.
“Sacrifices have to be made as professional footballers, and we were prepared for this from the start of the season. Representing Singapore well on the continental stage was important, and I think we made the nation proud with our performances. Full credit to the backroom staff too — they’ve kept us rested and ready for every match.”
Shawal has enjoyed a standout season, registering a career-best 18 goals and 12 assists in the league to earn him a Player of the Year nomination at the upcoming SPL Awards Night, alongside teammate Bailey Wright. He also finished as the second-highest scorer in the ACL Two with eight goals.
“I’m never one to chase individual awards because I’ve always believed that the team’s success comes first,” said the 34-year-old. “Nonetheless, it’s a great feeling to be recognised, and I have to thank my teammates for this nomination.”
“The team spirit has been immense this year. We’ve stuck together through the highs and the lows, and now, we just want to finish the season with one more piece of silverware.”
The Sailors vs BG Tampines fixture has become one of the league’s fiercest rivalries in recent times, with the Sailors unbeaten in their last three encounters — including a goalless draw in the final SPL match of the season just a week ago (24 May).
And Ranko is relishing another high-stakes clash in the Singapore Cup final.
“Our games against BG Tampines have been fiercely contested this season, and I expect nothing less in the Final,” said the 46-year-old, who remains unbeaten in 12 Singapore Cup matches. “We’re hungry to bring home another piece of silverware, and I hope our fans will pack the stadium to push us over the line.”
Echoing his coach’s sentiments, Shawal called on the Sailors faithful to be at their loudest yet as the team bids to complete a historic domestic treble.
“We’re very grateful to our fans who turn up week in, week out. Win, lose or draw, rain or shine, they’re always there supporting us,” said Shawal, who is set to feature in his third consecutive Singapore Cup final. “They do sweet things like bringing gifts or birthday cakes, and it really means a lot to us.
“It’s important that we fight to win this Cup for them, for the club, and for our families. We want to make this a season they’ll always remember.”
Lion City Sailors midfielder Song Uiyoung has been named in Tsutomu Ogura’s 23-strong Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming June international window, alongside six of his Sailors teammates: Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan, Christopher van Huizen, Akram Azman, and Izwan Mahbud.
The call-up is 31-year-old Song’s first since June 2024, when he started for the Lions against his birth country South Korea in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium.
“I’m always honoured to be part of the national team, and I’m looking forward to linking up with the players and the staff,” said Song, who has four goals in 25 caps since attaining Singapore citizenship in August 2021.
Photo: Football Association of Singapore
“I’ve had urgent family matters to attend to and I’m relieved that I’ve managed to get across that challenge – and grateful that I’ve been afforded space to be present for my family,” he added.
“I’m now focused on fighting for the right to put on the Lions jersey again.”
Singapore Premier League Player of the Year nominee Shawal Anuar, however, misses out due to a medical procedure scheduled during the international window.
After a gruelling league season that has taken its physical toll, the Sailors and the Singapore National Team staff have mutually agreed on a plan to ensure the nippy forward is well-rested and ready to hit the ground running for the 2025/26 SPL season, as well as the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers later this year.
The Lions will face Maldives in an international friendly at Bishan Stadium next Thursday, 5 June, before travelling to Dhaka to face Bangladesh in an Asian Cup Group C qualifier five days later (10 June).
A title-winning campaign has translated into well-deserved recognition for the Lion City Sailors, with the club strongly represented among the Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) list of nominees for the upcoming Singapore Premier League (SPL) Awards Night 2024/25.
Vice-captain Bailey Wright has been a colossal figure at the heart of the league’s meanest defence, while also chipping in with four goals — contributions that have earned him a deserved nomination for the coveted AIA Player of the Year (POTY) award.
Joining Bailey on the shortlist is Shawal Anuar, whose evergreen brilliance saw him register a career-best 18 goals and 12 assists across 29 league appearances. The duo will be up against Geylang International’s record-breaking forward Tomoyuki Doi for the league’s top individual honour.
The Sailors’ strong showing extends to the dugout, where Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković has been recognised for masterminding the team’s return to the summit of Singapore football.
With 22 wins and just six draws in 32 matches, he is one of three nominees for the POLAR Mineral Water Coach of the Year, alongside Gavin Lee (BG Tampines Rovers) and Noor Ali (Geylang International).
Meanwhile, Shawal is also in the running for the SELECT Goal of the Year, with his stunning lob from the halfway line against BG Tampines — in a thrilling 2-2 draw on 29 September 2024 — among the eight nominees for the award.
Excellence off the pitch is being recognised as well, with the Sailors in contention for the media awards for a second consecutive season.
Kenneth Tan’s feature — Mother, father, supporter – meet the driving force behind Asis’s rise — which spotlights the influential role of Nur Muhammad Asis’s mother in his footballing journey, has been nominated for the Story of the Year award.
Kenneth was the winner of this category in the last edition of the awards in 2023.
The Sailors will also be honoured with two SPL Recognition Awards at this year’s ceremony.
Adam Swandi, who retired at the end of 2024 due to a heart condition, will receive a SPL Special Award in recognition of his contributions to Singapore football over the past decade. The club will also be acknowledged for their historic run in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, where they made history as the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition.
Reflecting on the Sailors’ full list of nominations and accolades, the club’s Sporting Director Badri Ghent said, “It’s a proud moment for everyone at Lion City Sailors and we’re humbled to be up for such awards. They reflect not just the performances on the pitch, but the countless hours of hard work behind the scenes — from the players and coaches to the support staff and entire backroom team.
“To bag these honours would be a fitting end to what has been a long and memorable season. We’d also like to thank FAS for recognising our efforts in the ACL Two. As a club, we constantly challenge ourselves to grow and evolve. We’ll continue to build on the momentum from this season and aim to represent Singapore football with pride and dignity on the continental stage in the years ahead.”
The SPL Awards Night 2024/25 will take place this Sunday, 1 June at the Orchard Hotel.
Lion City Sailors’ nominees for SPL Awards Night 2024/25
AIA Player of the Year: Bailey Wright, Shawal Anuar
POLAR Mineral Water Coach of The Year: Aleksandar Ranković
SELECT Goal of the Year: Shawal Anuar (vs BG Tampines Rovers, 29 September 2024)
Story of the Year: Mother, Father, Supporter – meet the driving force behind Asis’s rise by Kenneth Tan
SPL Recognition Awards: Adam Swandi – SPL Special Award, Sporting Excellence in Singapore Football (2015 – 2024)
Lion City Sailors FC – Outstanding Performance as Runners-up of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25
The Lion City Sailors have booked their place in consecutive Singapore Cup finals for the first time in club history, following a commanding 2-0 victory over Brunei DPMM in the second leg of the semi-finals at the Bishan Stadium on Tuesday (27 May). The result sealed a 5-2 aggregate triumph for the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions, who remain on course for a historic domestic treble.
In stark contrast to the tense 3-2 battle in the first leg, the Sailors delivered a composed and dominant performance, as they took control of the match from the first whistle. Once again, it was the defenders who made the difference, with both Diogo Costa and Toni Datković finding the net to power the Sailors through.
After the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed his side’s discipline and composure, which were key to nullifying DPMM’s threat for much of the evening.
“I think we fully deserved the win,” said Ranko. “We controlled the match from start to finish. Apart from one or two shots we gave up late on, the boys stayed relaxed and focused throughout – and that saw us through to the final.”
He also acknowledged the difference in preparation between the two legs, as he said, “The first leg came just two days after the AFC Champions League Two Final, so the team was still mentally and physically drained. Tonight, though, with a bit of rest and recovery, the players looked far more assured and comfortable.”
Having fielded a much-changed lineup in Saturday’s final SPL fixture against BG Tampines Rovers, Ranko reverted to his regular starters for this crucial clash, with cup custodian Zharfan Rohaizad the only player retained from the weekend’s XI.
Even so, this was the Sailors’ seventh match in a gruelling month, and it took some time for the side to find their rhythm.
They nearly struck early in the 15th minute when a slick counter-attack released Maxime Lestienne down the right. The Belgian cut inside and whipped a trademark curler that seemed destined for the top corner, only to see it crash off the upright.
Spurred on by that close call, the Sailors eventually found the breakthrough in the 33th minute.
After centre-backs Toni and Bailey Wright scored in the first leg, it was another defender who stepped up this time – fullback Diogo Costa. Arriving in the box in an uncharacteristic position, the Portuguese met Bart Ramselaar’s cross with a composed, striker-like header into the bottom corner to notch his first goal for the club.
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“I’m very happy to score my first goal for the Sailors,” said Diogo post-match. “But the most important thing is always to help the team on the pitch. Whether that’s through assists, goals, or just doing my job defensively – I don’t mind, as long as I can contribute in any way I can.”
Maxime would have another go at the same top corner he struck earlier, curling an effort just wide in the 41st minute.
The Sailors picked up where they left off after the break, immediately imposing themselves on the game. Midfield duo Song Uiyoung and Rui Pires each had early second-half chances, but neither could apply the finishing touch.
That missing bite in the final third eventually came in the 60th minute – and once again, it was the Sailors’ centre-backs who delivered. Maxime floated in a teasing cross that Bailey smartly headed back across goal, where Toni was perfectly placed to nod home from close range.
Now trailing by three goals on aggregate, DPMM briefly stirred into action. Dāvis Ikaunieks threatened with two quickfire efforts quickly after, but neither troubled Zharfan.
The Sailors soon regained control of the match, with Maxime continuing to probe and drawing a sharp save from Haimie Nyaring in the 68th minute with a curling free-kick. DPMM did find the net in the 73rd minute through Miguel Oliveira, but the flag was swiftly up for offside.
The midfielder would force another save from Zharfan moments later with a firm strike from distance.
Diogo nearly turned provider in the 81st minute when he slalomed past four players through the centre before slipping a neat ball through to Song, but Haimie was quick off his line to deny the Incheon-born midfielder.
Desperate for a consolation, DPMM threw numbers forward in stoppage time and carved out one final chance from close range, but Zharfan stood tall to preserve his clean sheet as the Sailors sealed their passage into the final.
Though the Sailors are now just one win away from completing a remarkable treble, Ranko remained calm and composed in the face of the final hurdle.
The Sailors will meet BG Tampines – who edged Thai side BG Pathum United 3-2 in a dramatic extra-time semi-final – in what promises to be a mouth-watering final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (31 May).
“The important thing now is to rest and recover well. We’re going to prepare for it just like any other game this season,” said Ranko. “In a one-off game like this, anything can happen – but what I do know is that we’ll give everything we’ve got to defend our trophy.”
For most Lion City Sailors players, the month of May has been nothing short of gruelling.
With six matches packed into just 21 days – a run that included the high-stakes Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Final – the month has tested both their physical endurance and mental grit.
So, when the Sailors took on BG Tampines Rovers in their final Singapore Premier League (SPL) fixture of the season on Saturday (24 May), head coach Aleksandar Ranković made wholesale changes to his starting lineup, resting most of his regulars ahead of their decisive Singapore Cup semi-final second leg against Brunei DPMM with only goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad keeping his place.
One of those brought into the team was fullback Chris van Huizen, who delivered an energetic shift, posing a consistent threat down the flanks and coming close to adding to his league tally for the season.
“I thought the draw was a great result, especially since most of our first-team players were being rested for the Singapore Cup,” said Chris. “We’ve got some important games coming up, so I’m glad we put in a solid performance and held our own against a strong BG Tampines side.”
The match also offered a valuable stage for the club’s rising stars to shine, as a handful of the Sailors’ promising youth players impressed with mature displays against experienced opposition.
“Some of the younger boys like Joshua Little and Henry Spence had outstanding games,” Chris added. “They didn’t look out of place at all going up against BG Tampines’ first-team regulars. In fact, they played a big part in breaking up the rhythm of top players like Kyoga Nakamura and Shah Shahiran. It’s exciting to see how bright the future looks for the club.”
Chris had two good opportunities in the first half to notch his first SPL goal since September 2024 – first being denied on the line by Tampines keeper Syazwan Buhari, before curling another effort narrowly wide moments later.
“I was frustrated not to put those chances away,” he admitted. “I’ve been trying to play a more attacking role this season, hoping to contribute with goals and assists, but it just hasn’t quite come off yet. Still, I’m happy to be fit again and out there helping the team.”
The 32-year-old had only recently returned from a hamstring injury sustained in a league clash against DPMM on 12 April – a setback that unfortunately ruled him out of the ACL Two Final.
“My hamstring gave me quite a bit of discomfort after that game,” recalled Chris. “It was tough to get going again because I had to start from scratch to rebuild my form and fitness. I played a few league games after that, but I just didn’t feel like myself. Thankfully, I’m now getting back to full fitness and finally showing what I’m capable of on the pitch again.”
Chris’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time, with the Sailors preparing to defend a slender one-goal advantage in the second leg of their Singapore Cup semi-final against an in-form DPMM side on Tuesday (27 May), who head into the tie riding the momentum of a six-game winning streak in the league.
“They’ve got nothing to lose – especially since this is their last time playing in the Singapore Cup – and that puts the pressure on us,” noted the Singapore international. “We know they’ll look to sit back, wait for us to slip up, and then catch us on the counter. That’s something we need to be really cautious about.
“Fortunately, we’ve been working on these scenarios over the past week. We know what to expect and how to deal with it. Now, it’s just about showing up and giving our all on Tuesday.”
Having racked up 52 appearances this season – including three caps for the Singapore national team – Chris now stands at the final hurdle. And while the toll of such a relentless campaign is undeniable, he remains fully focused on winning yet another trophy.
“As a professional footballer, this is what you live for. The physical and mental fatigue – it’s all part of the game,” said Chris. “I want this trophy badly, and I’ll give everything I have to win it.”
With the Sailors on the brink of a historic clean sweep of all three domestic trophies, Chris is also hoping to lead by example for the club’s next generation.
“Not many players get the chance to win all three in a single season, so I hope what we’ve done this year can inspire the younger boys,” he added. “It’s been a thrilling ride, but we’re not done yet.”
Now just a few steps away from completing a historic domestic treble, the Sailors are on the cusp of their most successful season to date. But the weight of what’s at stake isn’t lost on the squad – if anything, it’s fuelling their final push for silverware.
“We’ve set high expectations for ourselves this season, and we’re not going to let fatigue lower those standards,” said Chris. “Everyone is determined to keep pushing until we lift the Singapore Cup. We’ll give everything we’ve got on Tuesday.”
As he reflected on a gruelling but fulfilling campaign, Chris expressed pride in his personal journey, having overcome injuries and played a more prominent role in the team.
“I’ve been playing a lot more games this year, which I’m really happy about,” he shared. “Each season, I challenge myself to be consistent and maintain the standards I’ve set. So being able to contribute regularly on the pitch means a lot to me. Moving forward, I just want to keep improving and learning as a player.”
After losing to title rivals Albirex Niigata (S) last weekend, the Lion City Sailors Women knew they had to make a strong statement in their next outing against Balestier Khalsa — and they delivered emphatically.
On Saturday (24 May) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, the Sailors produced a ruthless display to overwhelm the Tigers 14-0 to keep their WPL title hopes very much alive, while boosting their goal difference in style.
Madison Telmer led the charge with four goals, while Seri Nurinsyirah – deployed in an unfamiliar central midfield role – shone with a hat-trick of her own. Mattar Sailors graduates Putri Alyiah Seow and Nor Adriana Lim came off the bench to net a brace each, with Syazwani Ruzi, Sarah Zu’risqha, and Yuvika Suresh also getting in on the act.
“It felt great when I scored the first. It was my first time playing as a central midfielder in the WPL, so getting a hat-trick was a real bonus,” said Seri, who is usually deployed as a left-back.
“We utilised more combination plays today, especially through the wingers, and that really made a difference in the result.”
Seri wasted no time setting the tone for the evening, opening the floodgates in just the third minute with a well-taken finish. Barely three minutes later, Madison doubled the lead, sliding in at full stretch to meet Yuvika’s driven cross with a clinical touch.
Seri then struck again in the 15th minute to make it 3-0. The 16-year-old’s low effort took a slight deflection and, despite Balestier goalkeeper Talia Sachet getting a hand to it, the shot had enough power to find the back of the net. To her credit, Sachet made a string of saves throughout the match to prevent an even larger margin.
Syazwani got in on the act in the 31st minute, before Seri completed her remarkable first-half hat-trick in the 40th minute, as she reacted quickest to a rebound after Madison’s initial shot was parried.
Yuvika added her second soon after, before Madison capped off the first half with her second goal to give the Sailors a commanding 7-0 lead at the break.
While the Sailors dominated possession, they were occasionally tested at the back. Goalkeeper Izairida Shakira had to stay alert, producing a couple of smart stops as Balestier launched several quick counter-attacks in a spirited attempt to reduce the deficit.
The Sailors emerged from the break with renewed energy and fresh legs, as Head Coach Daniel Ong introduced Sarah, Liyana Rickit and Adriana to maintain their attacking impetus.
And it did not take long for the changes to bear fruit.
Just a minute after the restart, Madison danced past a sea of defenders before firing home to complete her hat-trick in style. Barely two minutes later, Adriana made an instant impact, arriving at the right place at the right time to tuck away a neat cutback for the Sailors’ ninth goal.
The floodgates remained firmly open as Madison notched her fourth of the night in the 51st minute with a composed strike from Raeka Ee’s incisive cutback. The 21-year-old then turned provider, teeing up Sarah to get in on the act.
Adriana soon followed with her second of the evening, calmly finishing in the 60th minute to bring the Sailors’ tally to 12.
“It felt great to score twice after coming on, and I got to play more minutes than usual, which was a bonus,” said Adriana.
“I’m proud of the improvements I’ve made, and it was really down to the excellent service from our wingers. The trust we’ve built as a team really shows in moments like these – we know where to be, and we believe in each other to deliver.”
Coming on for Yuvika in the 64th minute, Alyiah wasted no time making her mark, as she pounced on a loose ball in the 74th minute to tap home the Sailors’ penultimate goal, before rounding off the scoring with their 14th just before the final whistle.
The brace took Alyiah’s season tally to seven goals, drawing her level with both Sarah and Raeka as the Sailors’ joint top scorers in the league.
With the WPL title race potentially coming down to goal difference, the emphatic scoreline could prove pivotal in the weeks ahead as the league takes a break for the international window.
“It was so important for us to score as many as we did today,” reflected Seri. “Goal difference could really make the difference in our title chase against Albirex, especially after the loss to them last week.
“It’s going to be crucial for us to keep being brave and aggressive in our attacking play.”
The Sailors will return to WPL action on 16 August when they take on Tanjong Pagar United at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
The Lion City Sailors brought the curtain down on their 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against BG Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (24 May).
Already crowned league champions, the Sailors ended the season on 72 points to finish a commanding eight clear of the second-placed Stags.
Zharfan Rohaizad proved the standout performer on the night, pulling off a string of superb saves to earn Man of the Match honours in what was his first league start since July. The 28-year-old custodian was quick to share the credit with his teammates, as he said, “The boys showed character, especially my backline, and that’s something we can all be proud of today.”
With one eye on next Tuesday’s crucial Singapore Cup semi-final second leg against Brunei DPMM, Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković rang the changes, as he handed opportunities to several squad players.
Among the starters was 17-year-old Joshua Little, who made his senior professional debut at just 17 years and 206 days – the latest in a growing line of Sailors Academy talents stepping onto the big stage.
In contrast, BG Tampines fielded a near full-strength side and had the ball in the back of the net early on, but Itsuki Enomoto’s finish was chalked off after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
The Sailors had their first real sight of goal in the eighth minute through debutant Joshua, whose low drive was kept out by BG Tampines custodian Syazwan Buhari. The loose ball fell to Christopher van Huizen, but the full-back’s follow-up was blocked on the line.
At the other end of the pitch, Zharfan showcased sharp reflexes in the 23rd minute, as he dove low to his left to deny a goal-bound effort from Enomoto.
Enomoto continued to threaten, delivering a dangerous ball across the face of goal in the 29th minute that fell kindly for Arya Igami, who could only blaze over with the goal at his mercy.
The Stags kept up the pressure and nearly capitalised on a rare Sailors error in the 35th minute, as Igami intercepted Joshua’s pass deep in Sailors territory – but once again, he failed to make it count.
Despite that nervy moment, Joshua remained undeterred. Full of running and energy, the teenager nearly found the net a minute later with another low shot that forced Syazwan into action.
It was a spirited first-half showing from the Sailors’ young guns – one that drew praise from Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
“It’s very difficult to perform in a line-up you’ve never played with before,” Ranko reflected after the game. “This was a valuable experience for our young players. We were up against a full-strength side and, considering the circumstances, I’m proud of the effort.
“With a bit more luck, maybe we could even have nicked the win. But honestly, this was a game I didn’t put any pressure on my side to win.”
The second half began much like the first, with BG Tampines pressing forward in search of a breakthrough. The Sailors, however, stood resolute, and continued to defend with discipline and composure.
Just after the hour mark, Ranko made a double switch, as he introduced Henry Spence and Lionel Tan in a bid to inject fresh energy into the side.
That move soon paid dividends as the Sailors began to attack with greater intent, led by the direct and incisive running of Henry. The former Leeds United and Hull City youth prospect was quick to make his presence felt, threading a precise pass to Abdul Rasaq Akeem in the 70th minute, whose low effort was denied by Syazwan.
The final quarter of the match saw a moment of significance for the opposition, as Yasir Hanapi came on for his final professional appearance. The former Singapore international received a standing ovation from the BG Tampines faithful as he entered the fray.
Henry continued to trouble the Stags’ defence, and in the 78th minute, embarked on a mazy solo run into the box that was halted only by a last-ditch challenge from Miloš Zlatković. The 19-year-old also fired a shot just over the bar minutes later.
Joining Henry and Joshua from the Sailors’ SPL U21 title-winning side were Enrico Silveira and Andy Reefqy, as Ranko handed more young prospects valuable minutes against a quality Stags side.
In the 86th minute, the Sailors launched a rapid counterattack sparked by Anumanthan Kumar’s ball recovery deep in his own half. The move culminated in Haiqal Pashia finding space at the edge of the area, but his effort was deflected and blocked before it could trouble the goal.
Then, just as the match looked to be winding down, drama unfolded in the 89th minute.
Yasir thought he had capped off his professional football career with a fairytale assist, threading a pass through to Enomoto who swivelled and finished from close range. But for the second time on the night, celebrations were cut short, as the goal was correctly ruled out after yet another VAR intervention.
The Stags had one last opportunity to snatch all three points in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Joel Chew found himself in prime position for a close-range finish, only to be denied by a sensational point-blank save from Zharfan, who flung himself to his left to keep the ball out.
So convinced were BG Tampines that Chew’s effort was destined for the back of the net, Shah Shahiran had already begun to celebrate – but they hadn’t reckoned with a goalkeeper playing with a point to prove.
“Considering the fact that I didn’t have a good game in the previous match against DPMM, I told myself this was the one to bounce back – to show people that I’m better than that,” said Zharfan, who was in a reflective mood after full-time. “So yes, I’m proud of myself for today’s performance.”
After the final whistle, there was a touching moment of mutual respect as Hariss Harun and Izwan Mahbud made their way over to congratulate Yasir on a stellar career, with the trio posing for photos to mark the occasion – a fitting tribute for one of Singapore football’s most familiar faces.
For the Sailors, attention now shifts swiftly back to the Singapore Cup, with the second leg of their semi-final against Brunei DPMM set for Tuesday, 27 May. A win would not only seal their place in the final, but could also tee up a tantalising rematch against BG Tampines.
And Ranko made no bones about where his team’s focus lies for the remainder of the season.
“We want to win and progress to the Singapore Cup Final. That’s the main objective we’re focused on in the next couple of days,” he asserted.
She may have left for Virginia last August to pursue her academic and footballing ambitions at Old Dominion University, but every return to Singapore brings Madison Telmer back to where she feels most at home — the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team.
Last weekend, Madison made a surprise appearance for the Sailors in a top-of-the-table Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash against Albirex Niigata (S). While the result did not fall in their favour, the joy of rejoining her teammates outweighed any disappointment.
Now, the 20-year-old midfielder is fully focused on helping the team bounce back this Saturday (24 May), as the Sailors take on Balestier Khalsa at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
“This team has a really special bond, and I always feel welcomed whenever I come back into training,” said Madison. “Having been with the team since 2022, it’s been incredibly rewarding to see how far we’ve come, and I’m honoured to be part of that journey.”
Having now dropped four points in six games, the Sailors find themselves in a tightly contested battle at the top of the WPL table. With just one point separating them from title rivals Albirex Niigata (S) — who still have a game in hand — the race is likely to go down to the wire, and possibly even goal difference.
That makes every goal and every minute on the pitch count, starting with their next clash against Balestier.
“We know how crucial it is to score as many goals as possible and maintain a strong goal difference,” said Madison. “We’ll continue to give everything in each game, and hopefully other teams can take points off Albirex.
“With the loss to Albirex, the title is no longer in our hands. It now depends on how they perform for the rest of the season. What we can do is stay focused on our matches and control what we can.”
Teammate Dorcas Chu echoed Madison’s perspective, but also underlined the importance of mental resilience and growth through adversity.
“I believe this is the moment that will truly reveal what we’re made of,” said Dorcas. “In the end, what matters most is the character we build as a team, because that’s what will stay with us long after the final whistle.”
Reflecting on their recent defeat, Dorcas added, “The game against Albirex exposed areas we need to improve — being more clinical and taking more shots. That’s what we’ll look to put right against Balestier.”
Like Madison, Dorcas also recently returned to action after spending time on the sidelines recovering from a knee injury.
For the 22-year-old forward, it was the grit and fight shown by her teammates that reaffirmed why there’s no other team she would rather go through the highs and lows with.
“My fitness and endurance still aren’t where they used to be, and there’s definitely room for improvement,” said Dorcas. “But stepping back onto the pitch and seeing how hard everyone fought made me want to give everything I had.
“By the time I was subbed out, I was completely spent. My jersey was soaked from constantly throwing myself into challenges — every step felt heavier, but I left it all out there. Though we gave it everything, the result just wasn’t in our favour that day. Still, it’s a loss we’ll learn from to come back stronger.”
The Sailors are no strangers to high-scoring affairs — having already netted 28 goals this season — but with goal difference now potentially deciding the title, there’s a renewed focus on sharpening their attacking edge.
“As a team, we want to be more clinical in front of goal,” declared Madison. “We had good opportunities in the first half against Albirex that we didn’t convert, and that ultimately cost us the game. We’re also looking to improve our attacking movement and runs to create more chances as we head into the final stretch of the season.”
With limited games left in her stint before returning to the U.S., Madi is determined to make every appearance count.
“I know I won’t be around for many matches, so I want to leave a positive impact in each one,” she added. “Of course, a big part of that was trying to get a better result against Albirex, but now, my focus shifts to helping the team be more effective in front of goal and contributing in training by raising the intensity.”
It all happened in a blur.
Lining up for the Singapore National Team in Round 2 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027™ qualifiers in March 2024, Sailors full-back Zulqarnaen Suzliman – better known as Mamat – found himself chasing down China PR’s Li Yuanyi in the 40th minute.
Then, disaster struck.
“As I was running, I felt something click in my left knee,” he recounted. “I immediately knew something was wrong, but with adrenaline rushing through my body, I decided to finish the half. When we got back to the changing room, it felt like my knee was stuck – I couldn’t bend or straighten it.”
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While the Lions eventually fell 4-1 in Tianjin that night, the pain lingered long after the final whistle for Mamat, who would later learn the full extent of his injury upon returning to Singapore.
“I tried not to think too much about it while I was still in China. But once I went for a scan back home, reality hit me hard,” said the 27-year-old. “I had torn my anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
“I had enjoyed a very good 2023 season up to that point, so when I got the news, I broke down and cried. It was difficult to accept that I’d be missing almost an entire season with the Sailors — and big competitions like the (ASEAN Club Championship) Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League Two, which I was really looking forward to.”
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This was Mamat’s second major injury setback in three years, having spent six months on the sidelines with a torn hamstring in July 2022. Knowing just how grueling the road to recovery could be, the thought of enduring it all over again was tough to swallow.
And so, for the next eight months, Mamat lived in the gym — turning up six days a week, often adding pitch work after his strength sessions.
But his biggest battle wasn’t physical.
“Those few months were mentally challenging,” he admitted. “Physically, I could handle the gym. But doing the same rehab exercises day in, day out… that really tested me. Some days, I felt so drained and just didn’t want to go in. But I had no choice. I had to find a way to keep going.”
Staying motivated, however, proved easier said than done. As much as he tried to focus on his recovery, the emotional toll of being away from the pitch began to weigh on him.
“Honestly, I chose not to watch the team’s matches during the first few months,” said Mamat. “Whenever I did, it felt like I was out there with them, and that just made me even more frustrated and stressed.”
Still, the longing to return never faded.
“I missed everything about matchday — the warm-ups, the travelling, the adrenaline. The team was doing well, and that gave me motivation. I just wanted to get back to fitness and be with them again, both on and off the pitch.”
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To cope with the tough days, Mamat leaned on the unwavering support of his family. He also made it a point to spend more time with his children, bringing them to the pool and playground every weekend — brief but cherished escapes from the rigours of rehabilitation.
“My mum and wife have been with me every step of the way,” he shared. “They saw how mentally exhausted I was on so many days, and kept encouraging me to keep going. They just wanted to see me back doing what I love — playing football.”
Beyond home, the Sailors family also formed a vital pillar of strength in his recovery journey.
“The medical staff and coaches at the Sailors have been fantastic. I definitely wouldn’t have made it back without them,” Mamat said. “My teammates were a big part of that too. Guys like Rui Pires and Bailey Wright kept checking in and kept me going in the gym. That kind of support made all the difference.”
After 315 gruelling days, Mamat finally made his long-awaited return to competitive football, earning valuable minutes against the Young Lions in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) U21 League on 3 February. With the long road to recovery finally behind him — at least for a moment — stepping onto the pitch again brought back a flood of emotions.
“Playing just a few minutes in that game made me feel like a child again,” Mamat smiled. “It reminded me of the pure joy I used to feel as a kid — just being able to play the game freely. That feeling had been missing from my life for nearly a year.”
Grateful for the opportunity, Mamat embraced his role as one of the squad’s senior figures.
“It was great to be part of a young, hungry team that really wanted to win. As an overaged player, I did my best to guide the boys, and I appreciated the trust the coaches placed in me to lead by example.”
But, just as things were finally looking up, another cruel twist arrived.
In a match against Hougang United’s U21s on 3 March, Mamat suffered a torn hamstring and, once again, found himself sidelined — this time for another one and a half months.
“I knew I was really close to being back at my best, so this setback hit me hard,” he admitted. “It triggered a lot of thoughts about giving up on the season altogether. But then I reminded myself of everything I’d already overcome. There was no way I could throw in the towel now.
“That mindset pushed me to give everything in the gym once more, just to get back to where I was.”
Mamat’s perseverance would finally pay off.
He returned to fitness just in time to help clinch the U21 League title with the young Sailors, and from April onwards, began featuring regularly on the senior team bench. That eventually led to a long-awaited return to first-team action on 14 May against Balestier Khalsa — 518 days after his last senior appearance in December 2023.
“Getting the chance to play first-team football again was incredibly refreshing after 14 months of rehab,” said Mamat, who looked sharp across 88 composed minutes on the pitch. “I had to readjust to the pace and intensity of senior football, but I think I did pretty well, and most importantly, I was just overjoyed to be back out there.”
While that night marked a major milestone, Mamat remains grounded and is focused not on making up for lost time, but on building steadily, one game at a time.
“I know getting back to my best won’t happen overnight and will take time,” he reflected. “Right now, it’s about getting more minutes, rebuilding my confidence, and just enjoying my football again. The key is to be patient, and to trust the process.”
The Sailors’ final league outing of the season offers the perfect platform for Mamat to continue his comeback, as they take on second-placed BG Tampines Rovers this Saturday (24 May).
With Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković set to rotate his squad, the Sailors remain intent on using the clash to build rhythm and confidence ahead of a crucial Singapore Cup semi-final second leg against Brunei DPMM just three days later.
“We approach every game with the same winning mentality, and this one is no different,” said Mamat. “Ending the season on a high is important for us, so we’ll give everything to take all three points on Saturday and carry that momentum into the Singapore Cup.”
Mamat’s renewed drive to compete comes from months of soul-searching and tireless work behind the scenes.
“Being away from football for so long made me appreciate the game even more,” he reflected. “Recovering from a serious injury isn’t just about physical strength, it’s about mental resilience. You have to stay disciplined, even on the hardest days. And it’s those days that have made me truly grateful for every opportunity to step back onto the pitch.”
When the Lion City Sailors U21 team hoisted the Singapore Premier League (SPL) Under-21 trophy into the night sky at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday, 14 May, it marked a defining moment — a statement that they are now the standard-bearers of Singapore’s youth football scene.
Their historic triumph in the 2024/25 SPL Under-21 season capped off a year-long journey that began in May 2024. And what a campaign it has been: the young Sailors surged to the title with an outstanding 19 wins and three draws from 24 matches, as they finished a commanding 15 points clear of nearest challengers Tanjong Pagar United.
But the Sailors did not just win the league — they dominated it. Boasting the league’s most potent attack, the team plundered 87 goals at a staggering average of 3.6 goals per game, with 13 different players finding the net. All this, while fielding a side with an average age of just 18 — the youngest squad in the competition.
A key figure behind the Sailors U21 team’s success is Head Coach Firdaus Kassim, who stepped in after the opening match of the season following Spaniard José Mataix’s departure. Without the luxury of a full pre-season, Firdaus drew on his experience with Muangthong United, the Laos national team, and Hougang United to hit the ground running.
“My predecessor left the team in a very good state and created a strong environment among players and staff, so it wasn’t difficult to integrate,” said Firdaus. “The boys were receptive to new ideas that aligned closely with the club’s philosophy. They understood everything was aimed at helping them become the best versions of themselves, and it was fantastic to see them express that on the pitch.”
Having started the season with a 3-1 victory over Balestier Khalsa in May, the Sailors followed up with a commanding 3-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S) to give Firdaus the perfect start to his tenure.
As one of the youngest coaches in Asia to hold the Asian Football Confederation’s (AFC) highest coaching qualification — the AFC Pro Diploma — Firdaus relished the opportunity to lead the youth setup at Singapore’s premier football club.
And while winning the SPL Under-21 trophy is a major achievement, Firdaus insists that he takes greater pride in seeing his players progress to the senior squad — as was the case last Wednesday (14 May), when Andy Reefqy, Enrico Silveira, Henry Spence, and Danie Hafiy all made their SPL debuts against Balestier Khalsa in the Sailors’ penultimate league fixture.
“I’m honoured by the trust the club has placed in me,” he said. “Winning the league is a bonus, but seeing four of our boys make their first-team debuts means more to me than any trophy. The first team has set a very high standard this year, so for any of our U21s to even be considered, they must already be operating at a top level. Credit to the boys for staying patient, working hard every day, and taking their opportunity when it came.
“I honestly feel like a proud older brother. This is not just a win for the team, but for the entire Academy. Everyone has been working tirelessly over the past five years to develop players capable of competing professionally, and to see it happen here at Lion City Sailors makes it all the more special.”
Under Firdaus’ guidance, the Sailors continued to flourish — notably stringing together a league-record 10 consecutive wins in 2025, which included a 12-1 demolition of Albirex Niigata (S) in February.
Bishan Stadium became a fortress, with the Sailors going unbeaten at home throughout the season, as they won nine of their 10 matches at the venue — a key pillar of their title-winning campaign.
“Early in the season, we had a small blip — two defeats and a draw — and the fact that we bounced back by going unbeaten for the rest of the season is the epitome of this team’s mental strength,” Firdaus reflected.
“There were many games where we had to dig deep to score late goals. The best example? Coming from two goals down to win the title-clinching game at Jurong East.”
For Firdaus, the foundation of that resilience was laid on the training ground.
“Our training sessions are designed to build resilience because we know how crucial mental strength is. It’s easy to stay motivated when you’re winning, but to sustain that over a long season, the players need to enjoy the process.”
A rock at the back, 19-year-old defender Enrico was ever-present throughout the campaign, as he anchored a Sailors defence that finished as the league’s best.
His consistency did not go unnoticed, with Sailors First Team Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković naming him in the matchday squad for AFC Champions League Two matches against Indonesia’s Persib Bandung and China’s Zhejiang Professional.
While he has yet to make a start for the senior team, Enrico’s upward trajectory is clear. He was handed the captain’s armband midway through the season following Marcus Mosses’ loan move to Tanjong Pagar — a testament to the trust placed in him.
“Whenever a new head coach comes in, we usually expect a change in system, but thankfully both José and Coach Firdaus shared similar philosophies,” Enrico explained. “That helped us adapt quickly to Coach Firdaus’ style of play.”
Enrico has also embraced the leadership role that comes with wearing the armband.
“We’ve got a good relationship with Coach Firdaus and the entire coaching staff. On the pitch, I’m always talking to the younger players, and trying to guide and adjust where needed. Being captain means I have to lead by example, and show the team how to carry themselves both on and off the pitch.”
At the other end of the pitch, 15-year-old sensation Izzan Rifqi Bin Ahmad has made an immediate impact since his promotion to the U21 team in January, and has scored six goals in the league despite being the youngest player in the squad.
In truth, however, Izzan’s reputation was already growing before that. In October last year, he won the Top Scorer award at the Asiana Cup in Jakarta — a tournament that featured esteemed youth sides such as Japan’s Cerezo Osaka, Spain’s RC Alcobendas, Australia’s Football West, and Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Then came a dream debut in the SPL U21 league. Coming off the bench against BG Tampines Rovers at Woodlands Stadium, Izzan scored the match-winner with his very first touch in a thrilling 4–3 victory.
“Playing in the Asiana Cup really helped me think faster as a striker,” he reflected. “The SPL U21 league is physically demanding, so those international experiences sharpened my decision-making and improved my overall game.
“I had a strong feeling I could make an impact when I came on for my debut. My only mentality was to help the team win. The day before the match, I actually visualised coming on in the last 10 minutes and scoring the winner, and it happened.”
Several other players, including Henry Spence and Ainun Nuha Ilyasir, also caught the eye throughout the campaign, with Ainun notably earning a call-up to the Singapore U20 national team for the AFC U20 Asian Cup Qualifiers in Doha, where he featured against Hong Kong.
With a squad brimming with talent, the young Sailors have begun attracting international attention. Earlier this year, Australia’s 2 Halfs Development Team — where Socceroos defender Cameron Burgess trained ahead of his Premier League debut with Ipswich Town — visited Singapore to play a friendly against the Sailors U21 side.
“Facing overseas teams gives us valuable new experiences,” said Enrico. “They approach the game differently, and that challenges us to adapt and grow.”
Indeed, earning a chance to play overseas is something the 19-year-old has firmly set his sights on as the next step in his career.
“I’m already playing for a big club like the Sailors, but getting a chance to go overseas would be a huge opportunity for my career.”
The current crop of Sailors U21 players need not look far for inspiration, with recent alumni like Nur Muhammad Asis and Khairin Nadim blazing a trail to Europe.
Both have secured high-profile moves to Portugal, with Asis joining C.F. Estrela da Amadora on loan last July and Khairin signing a one-and-a-half-year deal with FC Vizela earlier this February.
In an interview with Futbolita, FC Vizela Sporting Director Toni Dovale shed light on the decision to bring Khairin onboard, praising the former Sailor’s unique qualities.
It’s a powerful testament to the Sailors’ ability to polish raw talent into standout prospects — a development that not only elevates the club but also benefits Singapore football as a whole.
Izzan, who revealed that he looks up to Asis, is inspired to chase his own European dream with the same grit and determination.
“I idolise Asis because, even though he had a very difficult background — including taking a two-year break from football — he still worked hard enough to make it to Europe,” said Izzan.
“Being at the Lion City Sailors motivates me to push myself to greater heights. I won’t stop working hard until I achieve my goal of playing in Europe one day.”
With a maiden SPL U21 title in the bag, several of the Sailors’ young stars will now be looking to build on this momentum and continue their upward trajectory in the months ahead.
However, one thing is clear — the future looks bright, as the Sailors Academy continues to set the standard for youth development in the region.
“There are a number of players in this squad who have the potential to make the step up and play abroad,” said Firdaus. “In football, it’s about timing, opportunities, and yes, a bit of luck to be in the right environment.
“The bigger challenge is longevity — adapting to a new environment, fighting for your place week in and week out, and having that relentless drive to keep improving. The rest is down to their natural talent, and that, polished here at the Lion City Sailors, will do the talking.”
