Fresh off back-to-back Singapore Premier League (SPL) title triumphs, the Lion City Sailors have set their sights on a new objective — finishing the season unbeaten.

With two games remaining against Albirex Niigata (S) and BG Tampines Rovers, there will be no easing off as the Sailors look to cap a successful campaign in style.

Having already sealed the title with a 0-0 draw against the Stags last Sunday, playmaker Bart Ramselaar reflected on a hard-fought encounter that required resilience and discipline.

“Tampines are a very tough team to play against. We knew that we needed a point, but we still wanted to win the game,” said the Dutchman. “We did well defensively and did not allow them to create many chances. Everyone was fighting till the end, and we are happy with the result.”

The title marked Bart’s third league crown of his career and second with the Sailors, taking his trophy haul in Singapore to five in just over two years. Equally significant for him, however, was maintaining fitness throughout the campaign after struggling with niggling injuries last season.

“Being fit and available was my main goal for the season, as I always want to help the team. I was able to play in almost every game, so I’m happy because I love the game and just enjoy being on the pitch,” said Bart, who chalked up eight goals and 10 assists in 18 SPL appearances in 2025/26. 

“I never thought of winning that many trophies when I joined the Sailors, so it feels really special to be part of this team. It’s important for the club that we qualify directly for the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, because we want to perform on that stage.”

Bart will now be aiming to help the Sailors move one step closer to becoming only the second side in league history to complete an unbeaten season when they take on Albirex on Sunday (10 May) — a feat last achieved by the White Swans in 2018.

“We are looking forward to making this title win even more special, so we will prepare and approach the final two games with the same focus we have shown,” he said.

The clash also sets up a reunion with two familiar faces in the Albirex ranks, in Sailors loanees Zulqarnaen Suzliman and Abdul Rasaq Akeem. Both have played key roles for the Swans this season, with Rasaq netting four goals since making the move in January. 

“I’m happy to see them doing well there. They’ve been getting plenty of minutes and contributing to the team, with Rasaq scoring some important goals. I’m looking forward to seeing them on the pitch again,” said Bart.

Reflecting on the campaign as a whole, Bart acknowledged the mix of highs and setbacks. While the Sailors secured both the league and the Singapore Cup, they also fell short in their regional campaigns, exiting the ACL Two and the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup at the group stage.

“We came really close to qualifying for the ACL Two knockout stages, but we did not perform well enough in the Shopee Cup, so there are many lessons to be learned from those experiences,” said the 29-year-old.

“Coach Aleksandar Ranković leaving was also a low point after we won the treble last season, as we had a really good time together. But we understand this is part and parcel of football; we’re now just focused on this journey with Head Coach Jesús Casas and playing a high-pressing style of football.”

The departure of winger Maxime Lestienne earlier this season also placed greater creative responsibility on Bart, but he was quick to highlight the collective response from the squad.

“Maxime is a special player, and we all miss him on and off the pitch. But that’s football, and things move on. We stepped up as a team and achieved our main objectives, so I think we coped well with his absence,” he explained.

As the season draws to a close, Bart reflected on his journey with the Sailors and the progress made over the past two years.

“Two years have flown by, and being here feels like family to me. I’m happy to be part of this project as we continue to grow, and I’m thankful to everyone at the club — including our amazing fans,” he said.

“I’m confident that this club can continue to achieve great things as long as everyone pulls in the same direction. For now, the focus is on the final two games and we want to achieve an unbeaten season together.”