The Women’s Premier League (WPL) is finally set to resume this weekend following a break due to the Singapore General Election — and the Lion City Sailors Women will restart their campaign with a high-stakes clash against familiar foes Geylang International FC this Saturday (10 May) at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.

Currently sitting fifth in the standings, Geylang have proven to be a thorn in the Sailors’ side. They famously ended the Sailors’ remarkable 37-match unbeaten streak last season — a run that spanned over two years — and held the champions to a gritty draw last September. In fact, the Eagles remain the only team to avoid defeat against the Sailors in the 2024 season.

As the two sides prepare to face off for the first time since, memories of those hard-fought encounters still linger.

“It was definitely a tough pill to swallow and the team was disappointed with the result, but we took it as a learning experience and grew stronger from it,” reflected Sailors captain Umairah Hamdan.

“Going into Saturday’s game, we’re bringing a fresh sense of desire, hunger, and improved movement. There are lessons we’ve carried over from that match, and we’ll use them to push for a better outcome this time.”

Midfielder Dhaniyah Qasimah may have only joined the Sailors at the start of the 2025 WPL season, but she is well aware of the significance of last season’s results — having watched from the stands as an outsider.

Now an integral part of the squad, the 20-year-old has carried those observations into her game, and is determined to help the team turn the tide.

“I felt that in their last encounter with Geylang, the Sailors didn’t take advantage of some key moments, and that allowed Geylang to break through,” Dhaniyah recalled.

“This time, we’ll focus on being more clinical in front of goal and staying solid defensively. We want to dominate possession, exploit the spaces when we attack, and be more aggressive overall. The aim is to capitalise on our chances and come away with a result.”

The Sailors head into Saturday’s clash with Geylang riding high from a 9-2 win over BG Tampines Rovers nearly three weeks ago. While the scoreline suggests a dominant display, the Sailors started the game slowly, as they conceded an early goal from a corner.

And while the subsequent long break could have disrupted momentum, it became a timely window to regroup and fine-tune key areas. For Umairah — a pillar of the Sailors’ backline — it was an opportunity the team couldn’t afford to waste.

“We used the time to work on our passing chemistry, off-the-ball movement, timed runs, and overall fitness. But one thing really stood out to us: the importance of staying alert,” said the 23-year-old.

“The defence learned that even brief lapses in focus can lead to costly mistakes. Since then, we’ve been dialling in on discipline, communication, and resilience — so we can stay tighter at the back and bounce back stronger.”

Dhaniyah, who also featured in the huge win over BG Tampines, highlighted the team’s continued focus on tightening up at the back.

“We’ve been working on our defensive structure, especially during transitions and set-piece situations,” she shared. “We’ve also refined our pressing game to win the ball back higher up the pitch.”

That preparation will be put to the test against a dangerous Geylang side led by the in-form duo of Farah Nurzahirah and Farhanah Ruhaizat — both of whom featured for the WPL All-Stars against Brisbane Roar in early April.

With Geylang’s strength in the middle of the park, controlling the midfield battle will be crucial to the Sailors’ hopes this Saturday.

“Winning those central duels will be key to disrupting their rhythm and preventing them from building dangerous attacks,” Dhaniyah added. “We’ll need to be aggressive in our pressing, disciplined without the ball, and smart in possession.”

“Our midfield has to dictate the tempo — supporting the forwards while providing cover for the defence. We’re placing a strong emphasis on quick transitions too, so we don’t get caught out by their counter-attacks.”

Coming off an emphatic 8-1 victory over Balestier Khalsa on 16 April, Geylang will be aiming to build on their momentum and continue their climb up the WPL table. With a tough battle on the cards, Umairah’s message to her teammates is clear: stay focused, play their game, and secure all three points.

“We want to play good, entertaining football — and most importantly, come away with the win,” she said. “It’s about showcasing our style while staying locked in on the result.”