After a dramatic climax to the 2021 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, the Lion City Sailors clinched their maiden league title at Jalan Besar Stadium with a 4-1 win over Balestier Khalsa — albeit in front of just 1,000 fans due to then-imposed Covid-19 safe management measures.

Three seasons on, with restrictions fully lifted and the title already wrapped up, the Sailors will once again hoist the league trophy at Jalan Besar — after facing Balestier on Wednesday (14 May). Only this time, it will be in front of a capacity crowd.

The Sailors were officially crowned 2024/25 SPL champions after a gritty 1-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United at the Jurong East Stadium, a result that gives them an unassailable eight-point lead over BG Tampines Rovers with two games to go.

They were made to work hard by the resilient Jaguars, but the Sailors’ defence — marshalled by the experienced Bailey Wright and local stalwart Lionel Tan — held firm to secure the crucial three points.

“Looking back, the league has been more of a marathon than a sprint,” said Lionel as he reflected on the year-long campaign. “Just like any race, the start and the end are always the toughest — and that was the case on Saturday. But what’s most important is that we seized every opportunity to earn points, and I’m glad we did that.”

Lionel, who already has two Singapore Cups and a Community Shield to his name, can now proudly call himself a league champion for the first time in his career. Lining up alongside seasoned centre-backs like Bailey and Toni Datković, the 27-year-old has been a key figure in a backline that has conceded just 31 goals this season — the fewest in the league.

“It’s the first league title for me and for some of the other players as well, and it feels amazing,” said Lionel. “We’ve worked incredibly hard all season because, at the end of the day, it’s all about consistency. For a club of the Sailors’ stature, it’s not just about individual growth — we want to push ourselves as a team and win as many trophies as we can.”

But this title-winning campaign did not come without its share of doubts. The Sailors’ credentials were tested early on, most notably in a shocking 5-0 home defeat to BG Tampines Rovers in July 2024, followed by a 3-1 loss to Albirex Niigata (S) just a month later.

“I still vividly remember that 5-0 loss — it was incredibly difficult to swallow,” Lionel recalled. “We had to iron things out quickly, so we came together right after the game and spoke openly, man to man. We knew what had to change and how crucial it was to move forward. If we had let that result define us, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

That turning point proved to be a rallying cry for the Sailors. Following the defeat to Albirex, they went on a 16-game unbeaten run in the league — a stretch that lasted until this April. It was a campaign that demanded more than just consistency; it called for real mental resilience, something Lionel credits as being central to his own growth.

“I’m very happy with how much I’ve grown — not just on the pitch, but off it as well. It’s something not many people would notice, but the ups and downs I’ve faced this season have really helped me mature mentally as a player,” he shared.

“All of us have been fighting and putting in the work day in, day out to achieve our goals. This has been one of the longest league campaigns of my career, so lifting the trophy really is the perfect way to end it.”

But before they lift the SPL trophy, the Sailors will need to navigate past a determined Balestier Khalsa side looking to play party-poopers. Despite the league title already secured, Lionel emphasised that the team would not be easing up.

“No matter the circumstances, everyone who puts on the Sailors shirt must bring that character and winning mentality to the pitch,” he said. “The way we fight for the badge should never change — and we’re confident that whoever lines up on the day will give everything to finish strong and take home the three points.”

And as the final whistle nears on a long, hard-fought SPL campaign, Lionel paid tribute to the loyal group of Sailors fans who have stood by the team through every twist and turn.

“I really hope the fans turn up in full force on Wednesday,” he said. “They’ve been with us at every single game, and we’ve built a strong bond over the season. So it would mean a lot to lift the trophy and celebrate this triumph together with all of them.”