In less than 48 hours, the Lion City Sailors will take their first steps into the 2025/26 season when they take on BG Tampines Rovers in the traditional curtain-raising Community Shield on Saturday (16 August) night at Jurong East Stadium.
At the Sailors Training Centre in Mattar Road, preparations are in full swing as head coach Aleksandar Ranković fine-tunes tactical details ahead of the clash.
The Community Shield may not hold the same prestige as other trophies on offer this season, but Ranko and his charges know the value of starting with a win – and silverware – to set the tone for the campaign.
Just 76 days ago, the Sailors completed their most successful season since its inception in 2020 – sweeping all three domestic titles and becoming the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two).
And that remarkable run all began with victory over Albirex Niigata (S) in last year’s Community Shield.
“Last year showed us how the Community Shield can set the tone for a remarkable season,” said Ranko. “It may not be viewed as a major trophy to some, but we’re treating it with the same respect as any other competition. We’ll be taking this game extremely seriously.”
While the Serbian tactician acknowledges it will be difficult to replicate last season’s feats, he believes his squad’s hunger for success is undiminished.
“To top last season, we’d probably have to win the ACL Two,” he quipped. “It’s not normal for a Singapore club to reach a continental final, so I’m managing expectations and blocking out the outside noise.
“My players know what’s expected of them from Day One. They’re playing for an ambitious club that’s determined to raise the bar in Singapore football. And I see a motivated, hungry group ready to push for more. We want to win everything domestically again, and go as far as possible in Asia.”
To fuel their push for more success this season, the Sailors have strengthened smartly in the off-season, bringing in Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak, Singapore defender Safuwan Baharudin, German-Cameroonian midfielder Tsiy Ndenge and Brazilian forward Anderson Lopes, while retaining the core of last year’s history-making squad.
Ranko believes this blend of continuity and quality additions can take the team to the next level.
“I think we have a slightly stronger squad this season, and continuity is key,” said Ranko, who signed a two-year extension in the off-season. “The new signings are high-level players who will not only raise our game at continental level, but also guide the younger players.”
To prepare for what is likely to be another long season, the Sailors endured an intense pre-season, including an 11-day training camp in Thailand with double sessions the norm. But Ranko is convinced their hard work will eventually pay off.
“People might think this season will be a walk in the park for us, but it won’t. The other SPL teams have strengthened significantly, and with one fewer round of matches, the margin for error is smaller.
“We’ll see more high-quality games this season, so every match will be a battle, and my players are ready for it.”
Three months ago, the Sailors stepped onto the Jurong East pitch and clinched the 2024/25 SPL title with a 1-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United. This Saturday, they will return to face BG Tampines with the aim of making it another night to remember.
Tickets for the clash have sold quickly since going on sale last Sunday, and Ranko has a simple message for the Sailors faithful.
“I know how much the fans are looking forward to this game after a few months away from action. I’ve missed them a lot too, and I can’t wait to see them behind us again, just like they were in every game last season.
“We’ll give everything on Saturday to start 2025/26 with silverware for them to celebrate.”
