With the Women’s Premier League (WPL) title firmly within reach, the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team Head Coach Daniel Ong is ensuring his side remains grounded ahead of Saturday’s (20 June) clash against Tiong Bahru at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.

Fresh from a statement 4-2 victory over defending champions and long-time league leaders Albirex Jurong, the Sailors know that wins in their final two matches will be enough to reclaim the title they surrendered last season. Having spent much of the campaign chasing Albirex, the breakthrough result has handed the initiative back to Daniel’s charges, who still have a game in hand.

Across the squad, there is a shared belief that last weekend’s triumph was as much about the collective spirit displayed by the players and staff as it was about the result itself.

“There are no words to describe the win against Albirex,” said Daniel.

“We only had a short window to prepare because of the international break, but the commitment, effort and dedication shown by all the players and staff was incredible. I’m truly grateful for that. I must say I’m blessed to work with such an amazing group of players and staff.”

The result also highlighted the resilience that has defined the Sailors throughout the campaign. After falling 2-1 behind, the team rallied to complete a memorable comeback.

“Leading up to that game, especially after two weeks apart, every one of the girls was very positive. We saw it in training. Everyone was pushing, fighting for one another and encouraging each other, even while competing for places in the starting 11,” explained the head coach.

“When we went 2-1 down, everyone lifted each other up and, in the end, we managed to turn the game around. The win was a result of the girls’ never-say-die attitude. It’s something our coaches have tried to instil from day one, and it’s rewarding to see the players embrace that culture.”

Vice-captain Syazwani Ruzi, who captained the side during the early stages of the season while Umairah Hamdan recovered from injury, echoed those sentiments.

“It means a lot to close the gap at the top of the table and put the title race in our own hands. Now, we want to finish the job and bring the title back this season,” said Wani.

“We’re a team that never backs down from a challenge. We know what it will take to reclaim the title, and we trust the plan laid out by our coaches. It says a lot about our character and spirit. We stayed united after losing the first meeting against Albirex, and proved in the second that we have what it takes to win.”

The experienced defender has witnessed that unity first-hand, particularly during a difficult start to the campaign that saw several players sidelined through injury.

“I’m very proud of the way this team supports one another. Even when players were injured, they still came down to cheer us on. They remain a huge part of the team, regardless of whether they are playing or starting. Every single one of them has an important role to play,” she said.

“We help each other improve both on and off the pitch, always encouraging one another to be the best version of ourselves. We understand each other well during matches, and that allows us to play with real cohesion.”

That unity has sustained the Sailors’ title challenge despite spending much of the season in second place, with the players also motivated by the prospect of earning another opportunity to compete on the continental stage should they lift the title on 27 June.

With momentum now on their side, confidence within the camp has naturally grown, and it is something the coaching staff have noticed.

Wani, who has been with the club for several years, is determined to help the Sailors reclaim the crown after last season’s disappointment.

“Personally, it would be fantastic to win the league again, especially after losing it last season following three consecutive titles. That disappointment made us stronger and even hungrier to win it back,” she said.

Despite the excitement surrounding the title race, Daniel has been keen to ensure his players remain focused on the task immediately ahead.

“I’ve been reminding them that the Albirex game is over. Our focus must now be on the next match. Most importantly, we cannot get carried away. We need to stay humble and continue doing the things that have served us well in training and matches,” he stressed.

True to their approach throughout the season, the Sailors are preparing for Tiong Bahru with the same level of attention and detail they would afford any opponent.

“We always prepare one game at a time, analysing what needs to be done regardless of who we are facing. Tiong Bahru have experienced players and we expect them to defend deep. We just need to remain patient and adapt to how they play and position themselves,” shared Daniel.

With the finish line now in sight, the Sailors know there is no room for complacency. But if the spirit and resilience that carried them past Albirex are anything to go by, they will head into Saturday’s encounter full of belief, with the league title tantalisingly within their grasp.