Author: Lion City Sailors
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce a landmark three-year partnership agreement with global sportswear giant adidas, marking a significant milestone in the Sailors’ journey since its founding in 2020.
As part of this collaboration, adidas will become the official kit supplier for Singapore’s only privatised football club with effect from 1 July 2025, providing cutting-edge sportswear and equipment to support the team’s performance on and off the pitch.
The Sailors will be kitted out in adidas apparel and football wear for the next three seasons, starting from the 2025/26 season, with this partnership underscoring the club’s ambition to grow and consistently compete alongside Asia’s top clubs.
The Sailors look forward to this collaboration with adidas beyond the pitch with unique fan engagement initiatives, community support programmes and exclusive events in the pipeline, aimed at further strengthening the bond between the club and its supporters.
“We’re excited to partner with adidas as we mark an important milestone – five years – in our club’s history. adidas is not only a prestigious brand, but one that many can relate to even beyond the world of football,” said Sailors chairman Forrest Li.
The Sailors have achieved numerous milestones since its founding five years ago, when Singapore-based internet company Sea assumed 100% ownership of the club.
(Bruce Liang, Executive Director of Lion City Sailors)
The club secured its first Singapore Premier League (SPL) title the following year, and has since represented Singapore on the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) stage for three consecutive seasons. The Sailors also won the Singapore Cup in 2023, as well as the Community Shield in 2022 and 2024.
The Sailors recently added a second SPL title and also defended their Singapore Cup crown after an outstanding 2024/25 season, on top of rewriting Singapore football history in the ACL Two, where they became the first Singaporean side to qualify for the final of a major Asian club competition. They overcame top teams from China, Thailand, Japan and Australia before going down valiantly to United Arab Emirates’ Sharjah FC to finish as the tournament’s runners-up.
The club also opened a first-of-its-kind integrated training facility in Singapore, with its Academy attaining a Two-Star AFC Star grading last year.
“This is an exciting journey that we’re embarking on with adidas as we strive to become one of the region’s top clubs, both on and off the pitch,” said Sailors’ Head of Commercial, John Morris, who played a key role in bringing this partnership together.
“While the club has already knocked down some ceilings in local football, this partnership represents a significant next step for us. It not only opens doors to new opportunities for growth, but also affirms our ambitions — with a global brand like adidas recognising and backing our vision.”
As part of the partnership, adidas will also become the title sponsor of the Youth Champions League – a tournament launched by the club in August 2022 that showcases the nation’s top youth teams across six age-group categories, from Under-10 through to Under-16 – and will spearhead a rebrand of the competition, which will be renamed as the adidas Elite Youth League.
The league provides Singaporean youths with a professional environment to consistently test themselves against competitive opponents every week.
(Chen Rui Yuan, adidas SG Country Manager & Bruce Liang, Executive Director of Lion City Sailors)
Thibault Durand, Senior Vice President & General Manager for adidas South East Asia said: “adidas has dominated the global stage through its strategic partnerships with top football clubs and players. Our latest deal with the Lion City Sailors is key in our approach to assert the same influence on football in Southeast Asia much like our recent partnerships with The Philippines Women’s National Team and ASEAN United FC for the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup and Shopee Cup.”
Chen Rui Yuan, adidas SG Country Manager, added: “Football is deeply rooted in the DNA of adidas and the most loved sport in Singapore. With this partnership, we ensure that the Lion City Sailors staff and players are equipped with the best equipment and apparel to complement the club’s vision to be the best in the region. Collectively, we are fostering more love and support for the local football scene and look forward to forging unforgettable memories with the fans. We are thrilled to partner with Lion City Sailors, Singapore’s premier football club, with whom we share the ambition to grow local football.”
The Lion City Sailors’ remarkable 2024/25 season – one that saw them complete a historic domestic treble – was fittingly capped off with a night of accolades at the Singapore Premier League (SPL) Awards Night, which was held at Orchard Hotel on Sunday (1 June).
In leading the Sailors back to the summit of Singapore football with an impressive record of 22 wins and six draws from 32 matches, Aleksandar Ranković deservedly edged out BG Tampines Rovers’ Gavin Lee and Geylang International’s Noor Ali to claim his first-ever POLAR Mineral Water Coach of the Year award.
Crediting the team for the individual honour, the Serb said, “It’s a huge honour to win this award, but this actually belongs to the team – my players, my backroom staff, the management – because everyone played their part in such an incredible season for us. I’m very pleased to be with this special group of people at the Lion City Sailors.
“A huge shout-out to my other coaching colleagues in the other teams as well. I know how difficult the job is, so all of you deserve some praise for the work you’ve done over this long season.”
A stunning lob from the halfway line in a 2-2 draw with BG Tampines on 29 September 2024 saw Shawal Anuar beat seven other nominees to clinch his first-ever SELECT Goal of the Year award.
The 34-year-old becomes only the second Sailors player to win the accolade, following in the footsteps of Sailors alumnus Gabriel Quak, who took home the honour in 2021.
“It’s always a wonderful feeling to win an award, but the most important thing is that the goal helped us secure a crucial point in our title chase,” said Shawal. “I always put the team above myself – as long as my goals or assists contribute to the team, that’s mission accomplished.
“I’d like to thank the judges for selecting my goal, and I hope it can inspire the next generation of young players.”
While Shawal and Bailey Wright missed out on the AIA Player of the Year award – which went to Geylang International’s record-breaking forward Tomoyuki Doi – both were named in the AIA SPL Team of the Year, which was dominated by the Sailors.
Joining them in the star-studded XI were Bailey’s centre-back partner Toni Datković and the attacking trio of Bart Ramselaar, Maxime Lestienne, and Lennart Thy – making it six Sailors in the team. The remaining five spots went to BG Tampines Rovers (three) and Geylang International (two).
The Sailors also picked up two SPL Recognition Awards.
Adam Swandi, who retired at the end of 2024 due to a heart condition, was honoured with a SPL Special Award for his contributions to Singapore football over the past decade.
The club was also recognised for its historic Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two campaign, in which they became the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition.
Capping off an outstanding season both on and off the pitch, the Sailors were also lauded in the media awards category.
Kenneth Tan’s heartfelt feature on the influence of a mother’s support in the rise of Sailors Academy graduate Nur Muhammad Asis – Mother, father, supporter – meet the driving force behind Asis’s rise – was named Story of the Year, beating out strong entries from The Straits Times, CNA Digital, and ESPN Asia.
This is Kenneth’s second straight award in this category, having won in the last edition in 2023. The award was chosen via a panel of public relations experts, academics, and media professionals.
Lion City Sailors’ winners for SPL Awards Night 2024/25
POLAR Mineral Water Coach of The Year: Aleksandar Ranković
SELECT Goal of the Year: Shawal Anuar (vs BG Tampines Rovers, 29 September 2024)
AIA SPL Team of the Year: Bailey Wright, Toni Datković, Bart Ramselaar, Maxime Lestienne, Lennart Thy, Shawal Anuar
SPL Recognition Awards: Adam Swandi – SPL Special Award, Sporting Excellence in Singapore Football (2015 – 2024)
Lion City Sailors FC – Outstanding Performance as Runners-up of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25
Story of the Year: Mother, Father, Supporter – meet the driving force behind Asis’s rise by Kenneth Tan
The Lion City Sailors capped off a historic 2024/25 season with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over BG Tampines Rovers in the Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (31 May) to complete a stunning clean sweep of all domestic honours.
Having already secured the Community Shield and Singapore Premier League (SPL) title, Bart Ramselaar’s clinical strike in the 49th minute proved decisive in a tense and tightly contested encounter, as the Sailors became the first side to achieve a domestic treble since Albirex Niigata (S) in 2018.
It was a performance that reflected the full spectrum of the Sailors’ quality – combining incisive attacking play with resilient defending to see off a spirited BG Tampines side under the floodlights.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković was full of praise for his players, as he hailed their discipline and composure in navigating the pressures of a cup final.
“In a final, it’s all about winning,” said Ranko after the game. “It doesn’t matter how you do it, but today, I felt we did a great job. My players were in control throughout, and apart from one chance at the end, we didn’t give them many opportunities.
“Tampines are very comfortable playing out from the back, so we knew we couldn’t press them too hastily. But I trusted that if we stayed patient, our chances would come, and we made it count.”
The Sailors fired the first warning shot of the evening through Bart, whose long-range effort flew over the bar in the 8th minute. Maxime Lestienne followed up with two quick attempts within five minutes, but both were comfortably gathered by BG Tampines custodian Syazwan Buhari.
With the reigning SPL champions steadily ramping up the pressure, Maxime went close again in the 33rd minute with a curled shot that went just wide of the right post.
While the first half offered little to separate the sides, the game sparked into life after the restart, with the breakthrough arriving in the 49th minute through Bart. Nipping ahead of Shah Shahiran in the box, he latched onto Maxime’s delivery from the right and unleashed a fierce shot that deflected off Dylan Fox and into the net.
While the Sailors had scored the all-important opener, they knew the job was far from done – and no one embodied that mindset more than the goalscorer himself.
“I chose not to go over the top with my celebration out of respect for the opponents, because I know Tampines are a very good team,” explained Bart. “There were still 40 minutes to go until the final whistle, and I knew nothing was certain until then.”
Indeed, the opener jolted BG Tampines into life, and they nearly found an instant response in the 55th minute. Seia Kunori whipped in a low cross for Itsuki Enomoto to tap home – but the flag went up for offside.
The Sailors then had a golden opportunity to double their lead in the 65th minute when Shawal Anuar was played through on goal, but Syazwan raced off his line to deny him at close range. Maxime was quickest to the loose ball as he teed up Song, but the latter fired his effort over the bar.
With the Stags throwing numbers forward in search of an equaliser, the Sailors dug deep and showed immense character to weather the storm. Zharfan Rohaizad was called into action in the 73rd minute as he parried a stinging drive from Kyoga Nakamura, before Shah volleyed over the bar moments later.
As the clock wound down, Kunori threatened once more – this time rattling the crossbar in the 86th minute to hand the Sailors a late scare. But, even amid a fiery end to the contest – which saw Shah sent off in stoppage time – the Sailors held their nerve and stood tall till the final whistle.
And as the referee blew for full-time, those clad in white collapsed to the ground in a mix of elation and exhaustion, having given their all to seal an unforgettable treble.
Hoisting the Singapore Cup into the night sky marked the culmination of months of dedication, sacrifice, and unrelenting effort from everyone involved with the Sailors. For Ranko, this triumphant season stood as a testament to the unity and hard work displayed both on and off the pitch.
“I’m really happy and proud – not just of my team, but of everyone who has worked so hard throughout this long season,” he said. “Everyone is exhausted, but full credit also goes to my staff – those working tirelessly behind the scenes – and, of course, our fans. They’re the ones who saw us through this amazing season.”
Having laid the groundwork in what will go down as one of the most successful seasons in the club’s young history, Ranko believes this triumph will serve as lasting inspiration for future generations of Sailors.
“I told my players before the match that winning this cup would raise the bar we’ve already set,” said Ranko. “We’ve achieved big things this season – especially in the AFC Champions League Two and by winning the league – but this goes beyond just our team. We want to set the standard for the generations to come.
“By creating this kind of legacy, young players will look at us and say, ‘We want to be like that team.’ That’s what this group has achieved, and I feel truly blessed to be part of it.”
A gruelling season that kicked off 392 days ago will reach its conclusion this Saturday, 31 May, when the Lion City Sailors face off against BG Tampines Rovers in a mouthwatering Singapore Cup final at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
It was on this very pitch that the Sailors began their 2024/25 campaign with a commanding 2-0 win over then-Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions Albirex Niigata (S) to lift the Community Shield on 4 May 2024.
That win set the tone for a historic season, as the Sailors went on to dethrone Albirex to clinch their second SPL title, reached the final of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two — becoming the first local club to qualify for the final of a major Asian club competition — and are now contesting a second consecutive Singapore Cup final.
For Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, lifting the Singapore Cup once more would be a fitting finale to a relentless yet rewarding campaign.
“We’ve done amazing things this season, but there’s still one more step to go. We are the defending champions, and we want to keep this trophy,” said the Serb. “To win it will be the cherry on top, and we want to be remembered as one of the best teams in Singapore football history.”
This has been a campaign that tested the Sailors’ mental resolve and stretched their physical limits, with Saturday’s Singapore Cup final set to be their 58th match of the season.
Having competed on four fronts — including the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two) and ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup — the Sailors were put through a relentless, demanding schedule. In February alone, they endured seven matches in 21 days, and are now set to close out the season with eight games in 28 days this May.
“This has been the most challenging yet most rewarding season for me, and I believe many of my teammates feel the same,” said forward Shawal Anuar, who also made seven international appearances for Singapore between December 2024 and March 2025.
“Sacrifices have to be made as professional footballers, and we were prepared for this from the start of the season. Representing Singapore well on the continental stage was important, and I think we made the nation proud with our performances. Full credit to the backroom staff too — they’ve kept us rested and ready for every match.”
Shawal has enjoyed a standout season, registering a career-best 18 goals and 12 assists in the league to earn him a Player of the Year nomination at the upcoming SPL Awards Night, alongside teammate Bailey Wright. He also finished as the second-highest scorer in the ACL Two with eight goals.
“I’m never one to chase individual awards because I’ve always believed that the team’s success comes first,” said the 34-year-old. “Nonetheless, it’s a great feeling to be recognised, and I have to thank my teammates for this nomination.”
“The team spirit has been immense this year. We’ve stuck together through the highs and the lows, and now, we just want to finish the season with one more piece of silverware.”
The Sailors vs BG Tampines fixture has become one of the league’s fiercest rivalries in recent times, with the Sailors unbeaten in their last three encounters — including a goalless draw in the final SPL match of the season just a week ago (24 May).
And Ranko is relishing another high-stakes clash in the Singapore Cup final.
“Our games against BG Tampines have been fiercely contested this season, and I expect nothing less in the Final,” said the 46-year-old, who remains unbeaten in 12 Singapore Cup matches. “We’re hungry to bring home another piece of silverware, and I hope our fans will pack the stadium to push us over the line.”
Echoing his coach’s sentiments, Shawal called on the Sailors faithful to be at their loudest yet as the team bids to complete a historic domestic treble.
“We’re very grateful to our fans who turn up week in, week out. Win, lose or draw, rain or shine, they’re always there supporting us,” said Shawal, who is set to feature in his third consecutive Singapore Cup final. “They do sweet things like bringing gifts or birthday cakes, and it really means a lot to us.
“It’s important that we fight to win this Cup for them, for the club, and for our families. We want to make this a season they’ll always remember.”
Lion City Sailors midfielder Song Uiyoung has been named in Tsutomu Ogura’s 23-strong Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming June international window, alongside six of his Sailors teammates: Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan, Christopher van Huizen, Akram Azman, and Izwan Mahbud.
The call-up is 31-year-old Song’s first since June 2024, when he started for the Lions against his birth country South Korea in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium.
“I’m always honoured to be part of the national team, and I’m looking forward to linking up with the players and the staff,” said Song, who has four goals in 25 caps since attaining Singapore citizenship in August 2021.
Photo: Football Association of Singapore
“I’ve had urgent family matters to attend to and I’m relieved that I’ve managed to get across that challenge – and grateful that I’ve been afforded space to be present for my family,” he added.
“I’m now focused on fighting for the right to put on the Lions jersey again.”
Singapore Premier League Player of the Year nominee Shawal Anuar, however, misses out due to a medical procedure scheduled during the international window.
After a gruelling league season that has taken its physical toll, the Sailors and the Singapore National Team staff have mutually agreed on a plan to ensure the nippy forward is well-rested and ready to hit the ground running for the 2025/26 SPL season, as well as the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers later this year.
The Lions will face Maldives in an international friendly at Bishan Stadium next Thursday, 5 June, before travelling to Dhaka to face Bangladesh in an Asian Cup Group C qualifier five days later (10 June).
A title-winning campaign has translated into well-deserved recognition for the Lion City Sailors, with the club strongly represented among the Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) list of nominees for the upcoming Singapore Premier League (SPL) Awards Night 2024/25.
Vice-captain Bailey Wright has been a colossal figure at the heart of the league’s meanest defence, while also chipping in with four goals — contributions that have earned him a deserved nomination for the coveted AIA Player of the Year (POTY) award.
Joining Bailey on the shortlist is Shawal Anuar, whose evergreen brilliance saw him register a career-best 18 goals and 12 assists across 29 league appearances. The duo will be up against Geylang International’s record-breaking forward Tomoyuki Doi for the league’s top individual honour.
The Sailors’ strong showing extends to the dugout, where Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković has been recognised for masterminding the team’s return to the summit of Singapore football.
With 22 wins and just six draws in 32 matches, he is one of three nominees for the POLAR Mineral Water Coach of the Year, alongside Gavin Lee (BG Tampines Rovers) and Noor Ali (Geylang International).
Meanwhile, Shawal is also in the running for the SELECT Goal of the Year, with his stunning lob from the halfway line against BG Tampines — in a thrilling 2-2 draw on 29 September 2024 — among the eight nominees for the award.
Excellence off the pitch is being recognised as well, with the Sailors in contention for the media awards for a second consecutive season.
Kenneth Tan’s feature — Mother, father, supporter – meet the driving force behind Asis’s rise — which spotlights the influential role of Nur Muhammad Asis’s mother in his footballing journey, has been nominated for the Story of the Year award.
Kenneth was the winner of this category in the last edition of the awards in 2023.
The Sailors will also be honoured with two SPL Recognition Awards at this year’s ceremony.
Adam Swandi, who retired at the end of 2024 due to a heart condition, will receive a SPL Special Award in recognition of his contributions to Singapore football over the past decade. The club will also be acknowledged for their historic run in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, where they made history as the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition.
Reflecting on the Sailors’ full list of nominations and accolades, the club’s Sporting Director Badri Ghent said, “It’s a proud moment for everyone at Lion City Sailors and we’re humbled to be up for such awards. They reflect not just the performances on the pitch, but the countless hours of hard work behind the scenes — from the players and coaches to the support staff and entire backroom team.
“To bag these honours would be a fitting end to what has been a long and memorable season. We’d also like to thank FAS for recognising our efforts in the ACL Two. As a club, we constantly challenge ourselves to grow and evolve. We’ll continue to build on the momentum from this season and aim to represent Singapore football with pride and dignity on the continental stage in the years ahead.”
The SPL Awards Night 2024/25 will take place this Sunday, 1 June at the Orchard Hotel.
Lion City Sailors’ nominees for SPL Awards Night 2024/25
AIA Player of the Year: Bailey Wright, Shawal Anuar
POLAR Mineral Water Coach of The Year: Aleksandar Ranković
SELECT Goal of the Year: Shawal Anuar (vs BG Tampines Rovers, 29 September 2024)
Story of the Year: Mother, Father, Supporter – meet the driving force behind Asis’s rise by Kenneth Tan
SPL Recognition Awards: Adam Swandi – SPL Special Award, Sporting Excellence in Singapore Football (2015 – 2024)
Lion City Sailors FC – Outstanding Performance as Runners-up of the AFC Champions League Two 2024/25
The Lion City Sailors have booked their place in consecutive Singapore Cup finals for the first time in club history, following a commanding 2-0 victory over Brunei DPMM in the second leg of the semi-finals at the Bishan Stadium on Tuesday (27 May). The result sealed a 5-2 aggregate triumph for the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions, who remain on course for a historic domestic treble.
In stark contrast to the tense 3-2 battle in the first leg, the Sailors delivered a composed and dominant performance, as they took control of the match from the first whistle. Once again, it was the defenders who made the difference, with both Diogo Costa and Toni Datković finding the net to power the Sailors through.
After the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed his side’s discipline and composure, which were key to nullifying DPMM’s threat for much of the evening.
“I think we fully deserved the win,” said Ranko. “We controlled the match from start to finish. Apart from one or two shots we gave up late on, the boys stayed relaxed and focused throughout – and that saw us through to the final.”
He also acknowledged the difference in preparation between the two legs, as he said, “The first leg came just two days after the AFC Champions League Two Final, so the team was still mentally and physically drained. Tonight, though, with a bit of rest and recovery, the players looked far more assured and comfortable.”
Having fielded a much-changed lineup in Saturday’s final SPL fixture against BG Tampines Rovers, Ranko reverted to his regular starters for this crucial clash, with cup custodian Zharfan Rohaizad the only player retained from the weekend’s XI.
Even so, this was the Sailors’ seventh match in a gruelling month, and it took some time for the side to find their rhythm.
They nearly struck early in the 15th minute when a slick counter-attack released Maxime Lestienne down the right. The Belgian cut inside and whipped a trademark curler that seemed destined for the top corner, only to see it crash off the upright.
Spurred on by that close call, the Sailors eventually found the breakthrough in the 33th minute.
After centre-backs Toni and Bailey Wright scored in the first leg, it was another defender who stepped up this time – fullback Diogo Costa. Arriving in the box in an uncharacteristic position, the Portuguese met Bart Ramselaar’s cross with a composed, striker-like header into the bottom corner to notch his first goal for the club.
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“I’m very happy to score my first goal for the Sailors,” said Diogo post-match. “But the most important thing is always to help the team on the pitch. Whether that’s through assists, goals, or just doing my job defensively – I don’t mind, as long as I can contribute in any way I can.”
Maxime would have another go at the same top corner he struck earlier, curling an effort just wide in the 41st minute.
The Sailors picked up where they left off after the break, immediately imposing themselves on the game. Midfield duo Song Uiyoung and Rui Pires each had early second-half chances, but neither could apply the finishing touch.
That missing bite in the final third eventually came in the 60th minute – and once again, it was the Sailors’ centre-backs who delivered. Maxime floated in a teasing cross that Bailey smartly headed back across goal, where Toni was perfectly placed to nod home from close range.
Now trailing by three goals on aggregate, DPMM briefly stirred into action. Dāvis Ikaunieks threatened with two quickfire efforts quickly after, but neither troubled Zharfan.
The Sailors soon regained control of the match, with Maxime continuing to probe and drawing a sharp save from Haimie Nyaring in the 68th minute with a curling free-kick. DPMM did find the net in the 73rd minute through Miguel Oliveira, but the flag was swiftly up for offside.
The midfielder would force another save from Zharfan moments later with a firm strike from distance.
Diogo nearly turned provider in the 81st minute when he slalomed past four players through the centre before slipping a neat ball through to Song, but Haimie was quick off his line to deny the Incheon-born midfielder.
Desperate for a consolation, DPMM threw numbers forward in stoppage time and carved out one final chance from close range, but Zharfan stood tall to preserve his clean sheet as the Sailors sealed their passage into the final.
Though the Sailors are now just one win away from completing a remarkable treble, Ranko remained calm and composed in the face of the final hurdle.
The Sailors will meet BG Tampines – who edged Thai side BG Pathum United 3-2 in a dramatic extra-time semi-final – in what promises to be a mouth-watering final at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (31 May).
“The important thing now is to rest and recover well. We’re going to prepare for it just like any other game this season,” said Ranko. “In a one-off game like this, anything can happen – but what I do know is that we’ll give everything we’ve got to defend our trophy.”
For most Lion City Sailors players, the month of May has been nothing short of gruelling.
With six matches packed into just 21 days – a run that included the high-stakes Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two Final – the month has tested both their physical endurance and mental grit.
So, when the Sailors took on BG Tampines Rovers in their final Singapore Premier League (SPL) fixture of the season on Saturday (24 May), head coach Aleksandar Ranković made wholesale changes to his starting lineup, resting most of his regulars ahead of their decisive Singapore Cup semi-final second leg against Brunei DPMM with only goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad keeping his place.
One of those brought into the team was fullback Chris van Huizen, who delivered an energetic shift, posing a consistent threat down the flanks and coming close to adding to his league tally for the season.
“I thought the draw was a great result, especially since most of our first-team players were being rested for the Singapore Cup,” said Chris. “We’ve got some important games coming up, so I’m glad we put in a solid performance and held our own against a strong BG Tampines side.”
The match also offered a valuable stage for the club’s rising stars to shine, as a handful of the Sailors’ promising youth players impressed with mature displays against experienced opposition.
“Some of the younger boys like Joshua Little and Henry Spence had outstanding games,” Chris added. “They didn’t look out of place at all going up against BG Tampines’ first-team regulars. In fact, they played a big part in breaking up the rhythm of top players like Kyoga Nakamura and Shah Shahiran. It’s exciting to see how bright the future looks for the club.”
Chris had two good opportunities in the first half to notch his first SPL goal since September 2024 – first being denied on the line by Tampines keeper Syazwan Buhari, before curling another effort narrowly wide moments later.
“I was frustrated not to put those chances away,” he admitted. “I’ve been trying to play a more attacking role this season, hoping to contribute with goals and assists, but it just hasn’t quite come off yet. Still, I’m happy to be fit again and out there helping the team.”
The 32-year-old had only recently returned from a hamstring injury sustained in a league clash against DPMM on 12 April – a setback that unfortunately ruled him out of the ACL Two Final.
“My hamstring gave me quite a bit of discomfort after that game,” recalled Chris. “It was tough to get going again because I had to start from scratch to rebuild my form and fitness. I played a few league games after that, but I just didn’t feel like myself. Thankfully, I’m now getting back to full fitness and finally showing what I’m capable of on the pitch again.”
Chris’s return to form couldn’t have come at a better time, with the Sailors preparing to defend a slender one-goal advantage in the second leg of their Singapore Cup semi-final against an in-form DPMM side on Tuesday (27 May), who head into the tie riding the momentum of a six-game winning streak in the league.
“They’ve got nothing to lose – especially since this is their last time playing in the Singapore Cup – and that puts the pressure on us,” noted the Singapore international. “We know they’ll look to sit back, wait for us to slip up, and then catch us on the counter. That’s something we need to be really cautious about.
“Fortunately, we’ve been working on these scenarios over the past week. We know what to expect and how to deal with it. Now, it’s just about showing up and giving our all on Tuesday.”
Having racked up 52 appearances this season – including three caps for the Singapore national team – Chris now stands at the final hurdle. And while the toll of such a relentless campaign is undeniable, he remains fully focused on winning yet another trophy.
“As a professional footballer, this is what you live for. The physical and mental fatigue – it’s all part of the game,” said Chris. “I want this trophy badly, and I’ll give everything I have to win it.”
With the Sailors on the brink of a historic clean sweep of all three domestic trophies, Chris is also hoping to lead by example for the club’s next generation.
“Not many players get the chance to win all three in a single season, so I hope what we’ve done this year can inspire the younger boys,” he added. “It’s been a thrilling ride, but we’re not done yet.”
Now just a few steps away from completing a historic domestic treble, the Sailors are on the cusp of their most successful season to date. But the weight of what’s at stake isn’t lost on the squad – if anything, it’s fuelling their final push for silverware.
“We’ve set high expectations for ourselves this season, and we’re not going to let fatigue lower those standards,” said Chris. “Everyone is determined to keep pushing until we lift the Singapore Cup. We’ll give everything we’ve got on Tuesday.”
As he reflected on a gruelling but fulfilling campaign, Chris expressed pride in his personal journey, having overcome injuries and played a more prominent role in the team.
“I’ve been playing a lot more games this year, which I’m really happy about,” he shared. “Each season, I challenge myself to be consistent and maintain the standards I’ve set. So being able to contribute regularly on the pitch means a lot to me. Moving forward, I just want to keep improving and learning as a player.”
After losing to title rivals Albirex Niigata (S) last weekend, the Lion City Sailors Women knew they had to make a strong statement in their next outing against Balestier Khalsa — and they delivered emphatically.
On Saturday (24 May) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, the Sailors produced a ruthless display to overwhelm the Tigers 14-0 to keep their WPL title hopes very much alive, while boosting their goal difference in style.
Madison Telmer led the charge with four goals, while Seri Nurinsyirah – deployed in an unfamiliar central midfield role – shone with a hat-trick of her own. Mattar Sailors graduates Putri Alyiah Seow and Nor Adriana Lim came off the bench to net a brace each, with Syazwani Ruzi, Sarah Zu’risqha, and Yuvika Suresh also getting in on the act.
“It felt great when I scored the first. It was my first time playing as a central midfielder in the WPL, so getting a hat-trick was a real bonus,” said Seri, who is usually deployed as a left-back.
“We utilised more combination plays today, especially through the wingers, and that really made a difference in the result.”
Seri wasted no time setting the tone for the evening, opening the floodgates in just the third minute with a well-taken finish. Barely three minutes later, Madison doubled the lead, sliding in at full stretch to meet Yuvika’s driven cross with a clinical touch.
Seri then struck again in the 15th minute to make it 3-0. The 16-year-old’s low effort took a slight deflection and, despite Balestier goalkeeper Talia Sachet getting a hand to it, the shot had enough power to find the back of the net. To her credit, Sachet made a string of saves throughout the match to prevent an even larger margin.
Syazwani got in on the act in the 31st minute, before Seri completed her remarkable first-half hat-trick in the 40th minute, as she reacted quickest to a rebound after Madison’s initial shot was parried.
Yuvika added her second soon after, before Madison capped off the first half with her second goal to give the Sailors a commanding 7-0 lead at the break.
While the Sailors dominated possession, they were occasionally tested at the back. Goalkeeper Izairida Shakira had to stay alert, producing a couple of smart stops as Balestier launched several quick counter-attacks in a spirited attempt to reduce the deficit.
The Sailors emerged from the break with renewed energy and fresh legs, as Head Coach Daniel Ong introduced Sarah, Liyana Rickit and Adriana to maintain their attacking impetus.
And it did not take long for the changes to bear fruit.
Just a minute after the restart, Madison danced past a sea of defenders before firing home to complete her hat-trick in style. Barely two minutes later, Adriana made an instant impact, arriving at the right place at the right time to tuck away a neat cutback for the Sailors’ ninth goal.
The floodgates remained firmly open as Madison notched her fourth of the night in the 51st minute with a composed strike from Raeka Ee’s incisive cutback. The 21-year-old then turned provider, teeing up Sarah to get in on the act.
Adriana soon followed with her second of the evening, calmly finishing in the 60th minute to bring the Sailors’ tally to 12.
“It felt great to score twice after coming on, and I got to play more minutes than usual, which was a bonus,” said Adriana.
“I’m proud of the improvements I’ve made, and it was really down to the excellent service from our wingers. The trust we’ve built as a team really shows in moments like these – we know where to be, and we believe in each other to deliver.”
Coming on for Yuvika in the 64th minute, Alyiah wasted no time making her mark, as she pounced on a loose ball in the 74th minute to tap home the Sailors’ penultimate goal, before rounding off the scoring with their 14th just before the final whistle.
The brace took Alyiah’s season tally to seven goals, drawing her level with both Sarah and Raeka as the Sailors’ joint top scorers in the league.
With the WPL title race potentially coming down to goal difference, the emphatic scoreline could prove pivotal in the weeks ahead as the league takes a break for the international window.
“It was so important for us to score as many as we did today,” reflected Seri. “Goal difference could really make the difference in our title chase against Albirex, especially after the loss to them last week.
“It’s going to be crucial for us to keep being brave and aggressive in our attacking play.”
The Sailors will return to WPL action on 16 August when they take on Tanjong Pagar United at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
The Lion City Sailors brought the curtain down on their 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against BG Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday (24 May).
Already crowned league champions, the Sailors ended the season on 72 points to finish a commanding eight clear of the second-placed Stags.
Zharfan Rohaizad proved the standout performer on the night, pulling off a string of superb saves to earn Man of the Match honours in what was his first league start since July. The 28-year-old custodian was quick to share the credit with his teammates, as he said, “The boys showed character, especially my backline, and that’s something we can all be proud of today.”
With one eye on next Tuesday’s crucial Singapore Cup semi-final second leg against Brunei DPMM, Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković rang the changes, as he handed opportunities to several squad players.
Among the starters was 17-year-old Joshua Little, who made his senior professional debut at just 17 years and 206 days – the latest in a growing line of Sailors Academy talents stepping onto the big stage.
In contrast, BG Tampines fielded a near full-strength side and had the ball in the back of the net early on, but Itsuki Enomoto’s finish was chalked off after a VAR review for a foul in the build-up.
The Sailors had their first real sight of goal in the eighth minute through debutant Joshua, whose low drive was kept out by BG Tampines custodian Syazwan Buhari. The loose ball fell to Christopher van Huizen, but the full-back’s follow-up was blocked on the line.
At the other end of the pitch, Zharfan showcased sharp reflexes in the 23rd minute, as he dove low to his left to deny a goal-bound effort from Enomoto.
Enomoto continued to threaten, delivering a dangerous ball across the face of goal in the 29th minute that fell kindly for Arya Igami, who could only blaze over with the goal at his mercy.
The Stags kept up the pressure and nearly capitalised on a rare Sailors error in the 35th minute, as Igami intercepted Joshua’s pass deep in Sailors territory – but once again, he failed to make it count.
Despite that nervy moment, Joshua remained undeterred. Full of running and energy, the teenager nearly found the net a minute later with another low shot that forced Syazwan into action.
It was a spirited first-half showing from the Sailors’ young guns – one that drew praise from Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
“It’s very difficult to perform in a line-up you’ve never played with before,” Ranko reflected after the game. “This was a valuable experience for our young players. We were up against a full-strength side and, considering the circumstances, I’m proud of the effort.
“With a bit more luck, maybe we could even have nicked the win. But honestly, this was a game I didn’t put any pressure on my side to win.”
The second half began much like the first, with BG Tampines pressing forward in search of a breakthrough. The Sailors, however, stood resolute, and continued to defend with discipline and composure.
Just after the hour mark, Ranko made a double switch, as he introduced Henry Spence and Lionel Tan in a bid to inject fresh energy into the side.
That move soon paid dividends as the Sailors began to attack with greater intent, led by the direct and incisive running of Henry. The former Leeds United and Hull City youth prospect was quick to make his presence felt, threading a precise pass to Abdul Rasaq Akeem in the 70th minute, whose low effort was denied by Syazwan.
The final quarter of the match saw a moment of significance for the opposition, as Yasir Hanapi came on for his final professional appearance. The former Singapore international received a standing ovation from the BG Tampines faithful as he entered the fray.
Henry continued to trouble the Stags’ defence, and in the 78th minute, embarked on a mazy solo run into the box that was halted only by a last-ditch challenge from Miloš Zlatković. The 19-year-old also fired a shot just over the bar minutes later.
Joining Henry and Joshua from the Sailors’ SPL U21 title-winning side were Enrico Silveira and Andy Reefqy, as Ranko handed more young prospects valuable minutes against a quality Stags side.
In the 86th minute, the Sailors launched a rapid counterattack sparked by Anumanthan Kumar’s ball recovery deep in his own half. The move culminated in Haiqal Pashia finding space at the edge of the area, but his effort was deflected and blocked before it could trouble the goal.
Then, just as the match looked to be winding down, drama unfolded in the 89th minute.
Yasir thought he had capped off his professional football career with a fairytale assist, threading a pass through to Enomoto who swivelled and finished from close range. But for the second time on the night, celebrations were cut short, as the goal was correctly ruled out after yet another VAR intervention.
The Stags had one last opportunity to snatch all three points in stoppage time. In the 92nd minute, Joel Chew found himself in prime position for a close-range finish, only to be denied by a sensational point-blank save from Zharfan, who flung himself to his left to keep the ball out.
So convinced were BG Tampines that Chew’s effort was destined for the back of the net, Shah Shahiran had already begun to celebrate – but they hadn’t reckoned with a goalkeeper playing with a point to prove.
“Considering the fact that I didn’t have a good game in the previous match against DPMM, I told myself this was the one to bounce back – to show people that I’m better than that,” said Zharfan, who was in a reflective mood after full-time. “So yes, I’m proud of myself for today’s performance.”
After the final whistle, there was a touching moment of mutual respect as Hariss Harun and Izwan Mahbud made their way over to congratulate Yasir on a stellar career, with the trio posing for photos to mark the occasion – a fitting tribute for one of Singapore football’s most familiar faces.
For the Sailors, attention now shifts swiftly back to the Singapore Cup, with the second leg of their semi-final against Brunei DPMM set for Tuesday, 27 May. A win would not only seal their place in the final, but could also tee up a tantalising rematch against BG Tampines.
And Ranko made no bones about where his team’s focus lies for the remainder of the season.
“We want to win and progress to the Singapore Cup Final. That’s the main objective we’re focused on in the next couple of days,” he asserted.
