Month: May 2026
It was business as usual for the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team on Saturday (2 May) night as they swept aside seventh-placed Tanjong Pagar United 11-0 at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium to stay firmly in pursuit of Women’s Premier League (WPL) leaders Albirex Jurong.
Japanese forward Ami Takeuchi stole the spotlight once again, as she scored a remarkable six goals to power the Sailors to a 10th win in 11 league matches this season.
Eri Kitagawa and Dhaniyah Qasimah added a brace each, while Raeka Ee opened her account for the campaign, as the three-time WPL champions surged past the century mark to reach 109 goals for the season.
Speaking after the game, defender Irsalina Irwan heaped praise on Takeuchi, who has enjoyed a sensational debut campaign with 40 goals to her name.
“It’s fantastic to have a player of Ami’s calibre in the team. We can learn so much from her day in, day out in training, from the way she thinks on the pitch to the movements she makes to become such a threat,” said the Singapore international.
“She not only drives the team on the pitch, but is also a proper role model off it. We hope she can continue this form until the end of the season.”
Head Coach Daniel Ong made just one change to the side that thrashed Still Aerion 9-0 the previous week, as Beatrice Tan marked her return from a posterior cruciate ligament injury with her first WPL appearance in 230 days.
But the veteran goalkeeper had little to do, with the Sailors in complete control from the outset.
The Sailors’ breakthrough took just 10 minutes to arrive when Dhaniyah’s speculative effort slipped past Vanessa Tan, before Eri doubled the lead 11 minutes later after reacting quickest to a spilled cross for the Sailors’ 100th goal of the campaign.
To their credit, Tanjong Pagar held firm for long spells of the first half, as they sat deep and limited clear openings. But the Sailors gradually found their rhythm, increasing the tempo and precision of their passing in the final third.
The Sailors’ relentless pressure eventually told late in the half, when Takeuchi pounced on a loose ball in the 37th minute after Farah Nurzahirah’s volley rattled the crossbar, before she linked up with teenage namesake Ami Kawase to score twice more in quick succession to send the Sailors into the break with a commanding 5-0 lead.
Reflecting on the challenge posed by the Jaguars, Dhaniyah said, “It wasn’t easy to break through as Tanjong Pagar played a very compact block and the spaces were tight. We had to be quicker in our decision-making, and I’m pleased we kept trying to play our football and combine well to find openings.
Takeuchi showed no signs of slowing after the restart, and she soon completed her hat-trick before adding two more goals from a pair of pinpoint Irsalina crosses in the 49th and 59th minutes.
Venetia Lim then made an impact off the bench, delivering a deep cross for Eri to head home her 20th goal of the season on 64 minutes.
Dhaniyah struck again from distance in the 74th minute to cap off a fine individual display, before Takeuchi wrapped up her six-goal haul with a thunderous volley six minutes later to make it 10-0.
The 20-year-old’s tally now stands at 40 goals for the season, putting her six clear of Albirex’s Ruriko Takashima in the race for the Golden Boot.
There was still time for one final flourish, as Raeka slotted home late on to become the Sailors’ 14th different scorer this season.
The Sailors have now hit double figures in six of their 11 matches, underlining the cutting edge required in a title race that could yet be decided on goal difference.
They currently hold the advantage in that regard with a +107 differential to Albirex’s +99, although the White Swans remain three points ahead with five rounds to play.
The two sides will meet again on 12 June in a potentially decisive clash, but the Sailors must first negotiate fixtures against BG Tampines Rovers and Geylang International on 9 and 15 May respectively.
Nonetheless, Irsalina is confident her side can maintain their momentum as they chase a return to the summit.
“I see a very hungry squad, and we just want to keep improving and pushing as a team. Of course we’re chasing Albirex, but the key is to focus on our own performances and take each game as it comes.”
Just two months after declaring that the Sailors are “the project” for him, Head Coach Jesús Casas now stands on the brink of history.
After all, the Sailors need only a draw with BG Tampines Rovers this Sunday (3 May) to retain their Singapore Premier League (SPL) title for the first time.
Jesús’s men head into the pivotal clash eight points clear at the top of the table after an accomplished 3-0 win over Geylang International, coupled with BG Tampines’ defeat to Albirex Niigata (S) on Thursday (30 April).
Reflecting on the Sailors’ victory over Geylang, Jesús said, “When you win a match, everything seems perfect, but there is still room for us to improve in all aspects. The team’s confidence is growing, but it would be a big mistake to become complacent now. Our focus is on the big match this week, and we will prepare well for it.”
It is this winning mentality that has served Jesús well throughout his illustrious career — one that has seen him work at top-level institutions such as FC Barcelona and the Spain national team before arriving in Singapore.
“I am very competitive and always want to win every title possible. Our goal at the Sailors is not just to win the league, but also to succeed on the continental stage and help develop football in Singapore,” he said.
Jesús’s journey with the Sailors began with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Albirex in his first game back on 28 February, when his side recovered from a two-goal deficit inside the opening 15 minutes.
Since then, cohesion has steadily improved, with Jesús unafraid to rotate his squad and foster healthy competition across the team.
“We want every player to feel important because we need all of them throughout the season. Whether they start or come off the bench, each of them plays a crucial role in pushing the team forward,” he explained.
Indeed, this has led players such as Chris van Huizen and Nur Adam Abdullah to flourish, while the team has struck a balance between attacking fluency and defensive solidity, keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches.
“There are many talented players in this team, such as Bart (Ramselaar), Hami (Syahin), and Kyoga (Nakamura). Our job is to bring out the best in them, and we are working on different patterns and movements, especially when we have the ball.”
This Sunday, however, the Sailors will have to navigate their way past a BG Tampines side that has put up a creditable title fight in 2025/26. The Stags have lost just twice in 18 matches this season, with both coming against Albirex in April.
“Tampines have had an excellent season domestically and in Asia. It will be difficult, but ultimately it is just another match, and we will approach it as we always do,” said Jesús.
“The team is calm and focused on playing our football, and we are ready to give everything to win the title.”
Beyond the immediate target of domestic success, Jesús has his sights set on stronger performances in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, after the Sailors exited both competitions at the group stage this season.
“I had the privilege of being part of a team that competed in the Champions League in Europe, and I want to use that experience to help us take on this challenge,” he said. “Expectations are high, but that is normal. Pressure pushes us to improve. Without it, it is difficult to keep moving forward.”
Off the pitch, Jesús has embraced life in Singapore, and is particularly enjoying its accessibility, which allows him to indulge in one of his favourite pastimes, cycling.
Having also built a strong connection with fans during his time in Iraq, he hopes to replicate that same bond here.
“I watched the Singapore national team at the National Stadium in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, and the atmosphere was amazing. It’s clear there is a lot of passion in the sport here.
“I want to build that connection with fans here, especially fans of the Sailors, and I hope more people will come down to watch SPL matches. We’re working towards a big project to compete on the Asian stage, and I am confident we can win titles both locally and internationally.”
Still only 14, Ami Kawase has not just stepped into senior football; she has made it her stage.
And as the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team prepare to face Tanjong Pagar United on Saturday (2 May) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, her rapid rise has been one of this season’s defining stories.
Having previously played in youth leagues with JSSL FC and Albirex’s U13 side, Ami’s introduction to top-flight football could hardly have been more emphatic. Initially signed to the Sailors’ B team for the Women’s National League (WNL), she was handed her Women’s Premier League (WPL) debut in the season opener against Balestier Khalsa back in January.
She marked the occasion with a brace, offering an early glimpse of what was to come.
“Making my WPL debut at 14 was exciting but also quite nerve-wracking. I tried to contribute to the team as much as possible, listening to the coach’s instructions, and not overthinking things. Once I got into the game, I wanted to prove I could handle the level,” said the teenager.
“Scoring on my debut felt unreal. When the chance came, I knew I had to take it. After it sank in, I felt really happy, and it gave me confidence.”
That confidence has only grown. Now a regular presence in the Sailors’ attacking third, Ami has scored nine goals so far this season. Beyond her output, it is the assurance and clarity in her play that have stood out, particularly for someone so young.
“I think my composure comes from focusing on making the right decision rather than rushing, as well as scanning before receiving the ball. I’ve played a lot of football growing up, so staying composed under pressure is something I’ve learned over time,” explained the 2011-born midfielder.
“I try to keep things simple and focus on what I can control. I reset quickly and trust my preparation.”
While her foundation was built in youth football, stepping into the WPL has demanded greater awareness and consistency, something she has had to adapt to quickly.
“Compared to youth competitions, the biggest difference is the understanding of the game, especially when it comes to reading the play and being consistent. The intensity was manageable since I’ve played with boys before, but the physicality and quality in every action are much higher. You have to stay switched on and make the right decisions all the time,” said Ami.
“I was surprised by the physicality in the WPL. I know my body will develop over time, but to adapt quickly, I’ve been working on my core strength so I can stay balanced and hold my ground better.”
Even for a player who always dreamed of reaching the top, the speed of her progress has caught her slightly off guard.
“It has always been my goal to play at this level, but I didn’t expect it to happen so early. At the start, I was just focused on improving and taking the next step. As I kept working, it started to feel closer, and I began to believe it was possible.”
Off the pitch, Ami remains grounded, even as she balances the demands of school and football.
“My friends and teammates would probably describe me as easygoing. I’m quite relaxed off the pitch, but during games and training, I’m more serious and focused,” she said.
“Balancing school and football is tough, especially during exam periods, so I make sure to stay organised. I wake up early and use my time well to keep on top of everything.”
Her development has coincided with a strong run of form for the Sailors, who head into Saturday’s clash on the back of a 9-0 win over Still Aerion, a result that underlined their attacking strength.
However, the bigger picture remains unchanged. The Sailors continue to chase league leaders Albirex Jurong, with every match, including this weekend’s encounter with Tanjong Pagar, carrying added weight.
For Ami, however, the focus remains straightforward.
“The team has been working on finishing our chances, combination play in the final third, and improving our teamwork overall. Personally, I want to stay involved, make good decisions, and contribute to the team in every way, in both attack and defence.”
