Author: Lion City Sailors
The Lion City Sailors players lined up in two rows on the pitch at Bishan Stadium, forming something akin to a guard of honour while they waited with cheeky grins for the man of the moment to walk past them.
As Hafiz Nor stepped between the two rows of players, hands reached out from both sides to give him friendly, congratulatory slaps on the back of his head – a classic gesture of camaraderie and playful ribbing in football.
A roar of approval erupted from the crowd at Bishan Stadium as Hafiz finally emerged from the group of players, his hair slightly ruffled but otherwise unharmed and in high spirits.
It was a deserved tribute to a player who has been a mainstay with the Sailors since the club’s inception in 2020. A well-liked figure in the team, Hafiz is known for always giving 100 percent and leaving everything on the pitch for the Sailors.
Fittingly, Hafiz has now etched his name into the Sailors’ history books as the first player to reach 100 appearances in all competitions for the club – a milestone he reached when he came on as a 78th-minute substitute in a 6-0 win over Young Lions on 22 July.
For his achievement, the 35-year-old was presented with a special framed Sailors jersey – emblazoned with his name and the words ‘100 APPEARANCES’ – by club chairman Forrest Li last Saturday (3 August) evening, just before their 3-0 Singapore Premier League (SPL) win over Brunei DPMM.
Hafiz’s century of appearances for the Sailors includes 82 in the SPL, nine in the Singapore Cup, one in the Community Shield, and eight across two AFC Champions League campaigns in 2022 and 2023.
He has since played two more SPL games for the Sailors, bringing his total number of appearances to 102.
Wearing a proud and grateful expression throughout the jersey presentation ceremony, Hafiz expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the club for recognising his contributions over the years.
“It’s an absolute honour to receive this special jersey and be recognised for this achievement, especially with our chairman presenting it and my family watching. This moment really makes me feel that all my hard work and sacrifices have been worthwhile,” said the Sailors’ vice-captain.
“It has been a privilege to wear the Sailors’ badge for the past four years and I’ll continue to give my best as long as I’m needed by the club. I am deeply grateful to the club for this recognition, and this jersey will be a treasured keepsake for me.”
Hafiz revealed that he did not keep track of his appearances and was unaware he was approaching the 100-match milestone.
Nonetheless, he admitted to being pleasantly surprised by the club’s gesture, as he said, “To be honoured in this way shows how much the club values and appreciates its players. It’s also a message to everyone that if you give your all in training and on the pitch, the club will recognise your efforts.”
Hafiz was among the players who transitioned from Home United to the Lion City Sailors when the club rebranded in February 2020. The following month, he featured in the Sailors’ first-ever SPL match, a 1-1 draw against Tanjong Pagar United, alongside teammates such as Song Uiyoung, Zulqarnaen Suzliman, and Haiqal Pashia.
Over the past four years, Hafiz has selflessly contributed to the Sailors’ success, helping the club evolve into a team that consistently competes with Asia’s top sides through its qualification for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL).
Reflecting on the Sailors’ evolution over the years, Hafiz said, “It’s surreal to see the progress the club has made. We’re now regularly competing in the ACL and achieving credible results against some of Asia’s elite teams. We also have promising Academy players breaking into the first team, and a robust pipeline for youth development.
“I know there were doubts about the club’s rebranding to become LCS at the time, but I believe most people now understand our vision – to elevate Singapore football to new heights through the things we do here.
“We are very grateful to Forrest for his continual trust in us, and for investing the resources needed to build a reputable club.”
But it was not all smooth sailing for Hafiz and the Sailors at the start of their journey.
The club’s inaugural season in 2020 was curtailed after just two matches – a draw and a defeat – due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This meant the Sailors had to wait seven months before playing their next competitive match, where they finally secured their first-ever win by beating Geylang International 4-0 at the Bishan Stadium.
That victory sparked the Sailors’ momentum, leading them to finish the season strongly in third place. The following year, under the guidance of Head Coach Kim Do-hoon, they went on to lift their first SPL title in history.
“That triumph was truly memorable. Not only was it our first league title, but it was also the first time a local team had won the league in seven years. So many people were rooting for us, and we’re incredibly proud to have restored some local pride for Singaporeans,” recalled Hafiz.
The Sailors’ maiden league title was followed by another year of significant progress, particularly in regional competition.
After starting the 2022 season by winning their first Community Shield, the Sailors went on to represent Singapore with distinction in the ACL. They achieved the highest points tally ever by a Singaporean side in the competition — seven points — highlighted by a stunning 3-0 victory over South Korea’s Daegu FC.
“We were quite nervous before the ACL because we didn’t know what to expect. But we followed our coaches’ instructions diligently and we’re proud to have made history for the club and for the nation,” said Hafiz, who played a total of 32 matches that year.
The opening of the Lion City Sailors Training Centre – Singapore’s first integrated football training facility – greatly accelerated the team’s development, with Hafiz admitting that he had never had access to such resources in his career before.
Another 33 appearances came in 2023 – a season in which Hafiz scored the opening goal in a 3-1 win over Tanjong Pagar United, lifted the Singapore Cup with captain Hariss Harun, and contributed to an ACL campaign where the Sailors defeated K-League opposition for the second consecutive year with a 2-0 win over two-time ACL champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
Hafiz’s WhatsApp profile picture features a memorable photo of him wearing the armband at Jeonju World Cup Stadium, with the passionate Mad Green Boys of the Jeonbuk Motors Supporters’ Club in the background, taken during the Sailors’ away fixture in Korea — a moment he cherishes despite the defeat.
“It was an electrifying atmosphere, with the Jeonbuk fans cheering throughout the match. Although we lost, it was quite an experience for us to be playing in such a world-class stadium. It serves as a reminder of the privilege we have as footballers,” he said.
Over the years, Hafiz’s role has naturally evolved into that of a team leader, fittingly as the elder statesman of the squad. The veteran is now relishing the opportunity to impart his knowledge to the next generation.
Hafiz explained, “I see myself more as a leader on the pitch now. With young players like 16-year-old Nathan Mao in the first team, I try to offer guidance based on my years of experience. It motivates me, especially when they ask challenging questions — it pushes me to think deeply and reflect on how to be a better leader.”
Hafiz’s humility and versatility have been key to his success with the Sailors. Whether playing as a right-back, left-back, right midfielder, or auxiliary striker, he has consistently performed his duties with excellence and always prioritised the team.
Hafiz’s next target? To make 150 appearances, while continuing to serve as a guide and mentor to the younger players.
“I’m not thinking about 200 appearances just yet; 150 is the more realistic goal!” Hafiz remarked. “I hope to perform well enough to secure a contract for next year because I’m truly enjoying my time at the club. It’s great to have a core group like Adam (Swandi), Pashia, and myself who have been with the club for a while, as our presence helps the newer players settle in more quickly.”
‘Viva Hafiz Nor, Viva Hafiz Nor, Running down the wing, hear the Sailors sing, Viva Hafiz Nor!’ is a familiar chant that has resonated in the stands from Sailors fans over the past four years. As Hafiz approaches his 36th birthday this month, he remains determined to give the fans even more reasons to smile by continuing to contribute to the team’s success.
“Whenever I hear the fans sing this song, it always pumps me up and motivates me to do even more for them. We have the most amazing fans who support us through every match, win, lose, or draw,” said Hafiz, who is now in his 14th consecutive professional season since making his SPL debut in 2011.
“My job is to stay in the best possible condition and give my all for the club. Despite my age, I know what I can offer, and I’ll keep going until my body tells me I can’t do it anymore.”
It was a debut to remember for the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team’s latest addition, Priscille Le Helloco, as she bagged a brace to spur her side to a 3-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United on Saturday (3 August) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
With her two goals, the Sailors now boast 16 different scorers this season, as Daniel Ong’s side consolidated their spot at the top of the 2024 Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) table with only four matches left to play.
They now lead closest rivals Albirex Niigata (S) by six points, with the White Swans looking to close the gap when they take on Hougang United tonight (4 August) in their game in hand.
Deployed on the right wing, Priscille was determined to make her Sailors debut a special one despite feeling nervous before the game.
“There’s so much talent on this team. Starting and being able to play with all these players meant so much,” gushed the 17-year-old, who has only had three training sessions with the Sailors so far.
“It was nerve-wracking at first because everyone on the team knows each other, and I was a mid-season signing. But the kindness shown by my teammates calmed my nerves. It’s only the first game, and I have to earn my place. I still have a lot to prove.”
Daniel was all smiles after seeing yet another young talent in Priscille make her mark with the Sailors. He said, “I’m very happy (with Priscille’s performance). It shows that everyone is giving their very best for the team and deserves to start the game when given the opportunity.”
The Sailors, however, initially struggled to break the deadlock as Tanjong Pagar custodian Elizabeth Tan made a series of saves to keep the game goalless.
But the Sailors’ relentless pressure eventually told in the 24th minute. Nurhidayu Naszri’s pass through the middle found Raeka Ee, who unselfishly squared it for an unmarked Priscille to tap the ball into an empty net to give the Sailors a 1-0 lead.
The French teenager came close to doubling the lead just after half-time with a superb curled effort from range, but her shot cannoned off the crossbar.
But Priscille did not have to wait long for her second goal. In the 55th minute, she found herself one-on-one with Elizabeth after being set through by Raeka, and the Sailors’ new signing calmly rounded the goalkeeper before placing it into the back of the net.
Reflecting on her two goals, Priscille credited her new teammates for giving her the confidence to perform at her best and make an impact in her debut.
“I had Sara Hayduchok, one of my former teammates at Tampines Rovers, guiding me in trainings and helping me to assimilate into the team. Raeka was also instrumental, assisting with the goals. We had even planned a celebration before the match, so it was wonderful to be able to execute it,” Priscille revealed.
“It felt surreal to play alongside so many players with great reputations. Scoring really helped me feel at ease. It’s incredible to combine with these players, especially since I had been watching them from afar before joining the team.”
The Sailors then wrapped up the three points through substitute Josephine Ang, who scored for the 11th time this season with yet another free-kick goal – her fourth of the campaign.
“Everyone in the team knows that Josephine’s free-kick technique is exceptional,” Daniel said. “Scoring more goals will boost her confidence, and in turn, she’ll show what she is capable of. The best is yet to come from her.”
With the Sailors — who will face Balestier Khalsa next on 17 August — set to ramp up their preparations for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League, Daniel believes his charges are heading in the right direction.
“The team is showing a lot of positive movement on and off the ball, which is a good sign,” said Daniel. “It demonstrates that everyone is applying what they’ve practised in training. As long as they give their best and work together, everyone will benefit and help each other develop their game further.”
The Lion City Sailors continued their recent fine form as they put on a dominant display to defeat Brunei DPMM 3-0 at the Bishan Stadium on Saturday (3 August) evening.
Lennart Thy struck his second straight league brace, while Shawal Anuar scored the other as Aleksandar Ranković’s men notched up their third win in as many Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches.
With the victory, the Sailors remain second in the table, one point behind league-leading BG Tampines Rovers, who also picked up a 3-0 win against Tanjong Pagar United in a concurrent match.
Having kept the same starting eleven that plundered 13 goals in the last two matches, Ranko’s men started the game with red-hot intensity and chalked up 18 shots in the first 45 minutes.
However, a combination of great goalkeeping from DPMM goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski and wasteful finishing meant the Sailors finished the first half with only a goal to the good.
The goal came deservedly in the 20th minute through Lennart, who scored in his third straight league game with a delightful backheel finish that deceived Naumovski, after being teed up by an inch-perfect pass from Maxime Lestienne.
With Lennart working well with the likes of Maxime, Song Uiyoung, and Shawal, the Sailors carved open the Bruneians’ defence time and again with delightful link-up play in the attacking third.
Shawal was especially influential in the build-up phase, as he unselfishly teed up Song, Lennart, and Maxime on three separate occasions, but their shots were all either blocked by the DPMM defence or repelled by the on-song Naumovski.
The Sailors picked up where they left off after the break, with Shawal finally doubling the advantage five minutes into the second half.
A lethal counter-attacking move saw Maxime releasing the 33-year-old, who gave DPMM centre-back Nurikhwan Othman the slip before coolly finishing underneath Naumovski for his eighth goal of the season.
Shawal could have scored a second on 67 minutes when Hami Syahin found him with a defence-splitting pass, but his attempted lob landed inches wide of the post.
But he quickly moved past that disappointment as he teed up Lennart for a crisp low finish from just outside the box to make it 3-0 two minutes later.
That strike was the German’s fifth goal in his last three games for the Sailors – a firm indication that he is now fully settled in after his move to the club just slightly more than two months ago.
“I’m really happy to be scoring now and it’s really enjoyable to be playing with this team. Hopefully there’s more to come in the coming games, and I want to keep helping the team secure the victories we need,” said the former PEC Zwolle forward, who was named the Man-of-the-Match.
The Sailors could have ended with more goals on the night, but Lionel’s header off Toni Datković’s sublime cross, and Lennart’s finish off Shawal’s delivery into the box were both denied by the offside flag.
Equally important, the Sailors defended resolutely throughout, with the centre-back pairing of Toni and Bailey Wright coming up trumps when it mattered. The duo made a number of crucial interceptions and swept up everything that came into their box to help the Sailors pick up their fourth clean sheet of the season.
Ahead of the Sailors’ participation in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, Coach Ranko hailed his side’s defensive solidity, as he said, “I’m really happy with how we defended as a team.
“It’s not just about the defenders; the key is how we work together as a team. It’s how we keep things compact, keeping the distance between attackers and defenders very tight to make it very difficult for the opposing team to penetrate us.
“The only critique is that we probably should have finished the game in the first half, but we bounced back really well in the past three games, and this run of form gives us a lot of confidence going into the Shopee Cup.”
The Sailors will now take a short break before turning their attention to the regional stage. Their next match will see them take on Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda on 22 August in their opening Group B match of the Shopee Cup.
To the casual observer, it can be hard to discern exactly what position Lion City Sailors’ Raeka Ee plays.
Is she a defender? A midfielder? A winger? A forward?
The answer, of course, is that Raeka is a forward – a deadly one at that, with 12 goals to her name this season, making her the Sailors’ leading scorer and the second top scorer in the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) behind Albirex Niigata (S)’s Manami Fukuzawa who has 17.
Her goalscoring feats are even more impressive considering she spends most of the game outside the penalty box and away from the goal. While most forwards may prefer to remain in the attacking third, waiting for the opportunity to score, Raeka is often seen tearing around the pitch, helping the team in any way she can.
As such, the pacy 20-year-old can sometimes be found in the defensive third trying to win the ball off the opposition, in the middle of the pitch providing an option for a pass, or on the wings creating scoring opportunities for her teammates.
This all-action style of play stems from Raeka’s desire to contribute to every aspect of the game for the team in their quest to retain the WPL title.
“It would definitely be nice to top the WPL goalscoring charts, but my primary focus is on winning the league with the team,” Raeka shared. “While I understand that scoring goals as a forward is crucial, I aim to contribute to the team in any way possible, whether by scoring goals, creating chances, or defending.
“Forwards are often the first line of defence, so it’s very important that I help out by pressing opposition players and disrupting their play early. After all, football is a team effort, both offensively and defensively.”
While Raeka has led the line well this season, she is confident that she can achieve even more, especially with the Sailors set to compete in their inaugural Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League campaign later this month.
Revealing that she is working on the psychological aspect of her game, Raeka said, “Confidence means staying composed during crucial, high-pressure moments and quickly recovering from setbacks in games. While I haven’t fully mastered this trait yet, I am constantly working on it to improve as a player. The attacking drills in training have been helping me build on that.”
Raeka’s work ethic and willingness to go the extra mile for the team has not gone unnoticed by her teammates. Defender Qarissa Putri, who helped marshal the backline alongside Umairah Hamdan in the Sailors’ 3-0 win over Hougang United last Saturday (27 July), highlighted the importance of players like Raeka dropping deep to help defend when needed.
“If we don’t drop when needed, a good long ball can break our defence,” Qarissa explained. “Communication is crucial, especially when we identify an opponent planning to play a long ball. Someone has to signal for us to drop together and move as a team.
“Raeka’s work rate allows her to make runs that open up space in the attack and score. Meanwhile, her ability to win the ball in the attacking half prevents counter-attacks and dangerous plays that could lead to opposition goals.
“Having both of these qualities in a player is a great asset, and we’re very lucky to have Raeka on our team.”
Up next for the Sailors is a clash against Tanjong Pagar United on Saturday (3 August) at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, where they will look to strengthen their position at the top of the WPL table with another convincing victory.
Qarissa believes that it is important for the Sailors to put in another good performance, as she said, “I hope we continue playing as well as we have been. At the same time, we need to learn from any mistakes made in the Hougang game to ensure we don’t make the same errors against Tanjong Pagar.”
Team’s success over personal glory: Shawal
With seven goals already this campaign, Lion City Sailors forward Shawal Anuar is on track to surpass his best-ever tally of 11 goals, set in 2022.
Those who have watched Shawal closely this season, however, know he could have easily scored a few more by now, and that the only reason he has not is because of his unselfishness in front of goal.
Indeed, this is backed up by the seven assists that Shawal has already notched up this year, with his latest — a lay-off for Song Uiyoung — coming in the Sailors’ 7-1 win over Hougang United last Sunday (28 July) evening.
But Shawal is not the only one in the team who has been unselfish in front of goal, with the likes of Maxime Lestienne and Lennart Thy also chipping in with the assists this season.
Shawal believes that this mindset of prioritising the team over personal achievements is one that will greatly benefit the Sailors.
The 33-year-old explained, “From the start of the season, all of us have had only one goal: to win trophies together as a team. There’s no point in any one of us trying to go for the top scorer award if the team doesn’t play well or win matches.
“If I can help someone else score, I will, and I guess the same applies to the rest of the team. We’re building a great understanding and bond with each other, which makes it easier for us to combine on the pitch. We’re always working on different variations to score, and what’s important is that all of us reap the rewards together after the game.”
Nonetheless, Shawal acknowledged that he is pleased with his form and performances for the Sailors this season.
“I’m happy with how my season has gone so far, but to be honest, I don’t really keep track of my statistics,” the Singapore international shared. “My priority is always the team, and I believe I can do even more to help us stay near the top. So, for example, if I need to defend more, I’ll gladly do it to support my teammates.”
Up next for Shawal and the Sailors is a Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash against an out-of-form Brunei DPMM side at the Bishan Stadium on Saturday (3 August) evening.
The last time both teams met — in Matchweek 3 — the Sailors secured a 2-0 victory, thanks to late goals from Shawal and Maxime.
That match marked the beginning of a wretched run for DPMM, who have yet to secure a victory since that defeat.
Now languishing in sixth place in the nine-team SPL, the Bruneian outfit will have their work cut out against a Sailors side that has scored an impressive 13 goals and conceded just once in their last two games.
Despite being the clear favourites this weekend, Shawal insists the Sailors will not underestimate their upcoming opponents.
“Sometimes, people expect us to go out there and steamroll other teams, but that’s usually not the case. DPMM have the capacity to cause trouble with their quality foreign players, and we’ve been hurt by them before,” Shawal said, referring to his team’s 3-1 defeat to the Bruneians in July 2023 — the only time the Sailors were beaten at home last season.
“I’m sure they’re hurt by their recent results and will be eager to prove themselves against us. For us, we just need to focus on our task, keep doing what we did in our last two matches, and let the result take care of itself.”
The clash against DPMM will be the Sailors’ final game before they participate in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup. They will open their Shopee Cup campaign against Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda on 22 August, and Shawal has urged his team to carry their recent winning momentum into the tournament.
He said, “I know our fans are very excited about the Shopee Cup, and we’re eager to represent Singapore well at the regional level. For now, we need to focus on delivering a strong performance against DPMM and maintaining our position in the league before we shift our attention to the Shopee Cup match.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce that young midfielder Nur Muhammad Asis has secured an initial one-year loan to Portuguese Primeira Liga side C.F. Estrela da Amadora, making him the first Singaporean in history to sign a professional football contract with a top-flight club in Portugal.
Based in Amadora, northwest of Lisbon, Estrela finished 14th in the 18-team Primeira Liga last season, in their first campaign back in the Portuguese top-flight.
The previous iteration of the club helped develop several notable Portuguese players, past and present, including Abel Xavier – who famously turned out for Everton and Liverpool, former FC Porto defender Jorge Andrade, ex-Manchester United winger Bebé, and current Manchester City star Rúben Dias.
Asis’s talent and potential were evident from a young age. In 2016, at just 12 years old, he caught the attention of top European clubs such as Feyenoord and Galatasaray.
Asis’s progress accelerated after joining the Sailors’ Elite Academy in 2020. The following year, he became part of the first cohort of players under the Lion City Sailors Early Enlistment Bond. This bond offers selected Academy trainees the opportunity to pursue early enlistment for National Service (NS) under Singapore’s Voluntary Early Enlistment Scheme after completing their secondary education, providing them with a longer period to fully focus on pursuing a career in professional football.
This paved the way for Asis to become the first player from the club’s youth setup to sign a professional contract with the Sailors following his NS completion last year. Since his promotion to the first team, Asis has made five Singapore Premier League (SPL) appearances.
Asis — who also skippers the Sailors’ Under-21 side — was then sent by the club to attend a series of trials in Portugal towards the end of the 2023 season. There, he caught the eye of local scouts, who proposed him to Estrela.
Negotiations between the Sailors and Estrela went smoothly, and with the necessary administrative arrangements now sorted, Asis will finally be able to realise his dream of playing professionally in Europe.
As part of the loan, which runs till 30th June 2025, Asis will primarily train and play with Estrela’s B Team, while also turning out for the club’s Under-23 side. He will be closely monitored by the senior team coaches.
Estrela’s B Team plays in the fourth-tier Campeonato de Portugal, while their Under-23s compete in the Liga Revelação U-23, a top-level national league which they won in the 2022/23 season.
Estrela Sporting Director José Faria, who played a key role in the deal, said, “Asis has huge potential to achieve big things in football, so we’re happy to have him with us and we want him to work as hard as he can over here. We hope this marks the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Estrela and the Lion City Sailors.
“Winning the Liga Revelação U-23 last year is a testament to the strength of our youth development programme, which is dedicated to investing in young international talents like Asis. I’m extremely confident that Estrela provides the most conducive environment for a young talent from Singapore to succeed, and we look forward to contributing to his development here.”
Sailors Technical Director Luka Lalić, who coached Asis when he was just seven years old at Turf City Football Club, is confident that the 20-year-old will make a significant impact at Estrela.
“Even when he was just seven or eight years old, he would often talk about his dream of playing in Europe one day,” Luka recounted. “Whether it was during the Gothia Cup, international matches in the Netherlands, or in Spain with the Academy, he always captivated with his play and frequently received praise and inquiries from foreign coaches.
“After overcoming multiple challenges, including the passing of his father earlier this year, he’s now ready to showcase his talents on a larger stage. This opportunity comes as no surprise. His quality has always been clear; he just needs the right environment to advance his development, and Estrela is certainly an excellent place for that.
“Given his flair, vision, and quality on the ball, he can definitely contribute to Estrela. As the first Singaporean to sign a professional contract with a Portuguese top-flight club, his future is now in his hands. It’s up to him to determine how hard he’s willing to work and fight for the next big step in his career.”
Having journeyed over 10,000 km to chase his footballing dreams, Asis is determined to give his all to secure a permanent move to a European club in the future.
He said, “This is what I’ve been aiming for since I started kicking a ball, and it still feels surreal to be at a top Portuguese club. I’m really grateful to everyone who made this move possible, especially my coaches at the Sailors Academy.
“They’ve made me a better player and are the reason I’m able to make this next step in my career. Many thanks as well to our club chairman, Forrest Li, for supporting this move.
“I’m really excited to wear the Estrela shirt and can’t wait to get started with the team.”
Asis’s move is yet another feather in the cap for the Sailors Academy, which consistently produces a steady stream of talent for Singapore’s football ecosystem.
Numerous Academy graduates have secured contracts with other SPL clubs, and a significant number of current and former academy players are regularly called up to the national age-group teams.
The Sailors Academy are one of only four academies in Southeast Asia to be conferred a Two-Star Academy status by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under its AFC Elite Youth Scheme.
The Lion City Sailors appear to be well and truly over their recent minor dip in form, as they delivered a performance of the highest quality to beat Hougang United 7-1 in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at the Bishan Stadium on Sunday (28 July) evening.
Aleksandar Ranković’s charges dominated the match from start to finish, barely giving their opponents a sniff, with six different players – Bailey Wright, Song Uiyoung, Shawal Anuar, Toni Datković, Maxime Lestienne, and Lennart Thy – finding the back of the net for the Sailors.
Indeed, the statistics at the end of the game starkly highlighted the Sailors’ superiority – they enjoyed 52% possession, outshot Hougang 21 to eight (with 15 on target compared to the Cheetahs’ four), and earned 13 corners to their opponents’ single corner.
Reflecting on his team’s performance, Ranko said, “I think we played a very good match from beginning to end and deserved the win. We had a lot of chances and could have scored even more goals, while the one goal we conceded was very unlucky.”
Fresh from their 6-0 thrashing of the Young Lions on Monday (22 July), an unchanged Sailors outfit flew out of the blocks and put the Cheetahs under heavy pressure right from the get-go.
It took only six minutes for the hosts to carve out the first opportunity of the game, with Maxime chipping a delightful through ball to Lennart, whose attempt at goal was well saved by the legs of Hougang goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam.
That miss proved costly as Hougang took the lead against the run of play in the 11th minute.
A lethal counter-attacking move saw Cheetahs striker Stjepan Plazonja exchanging passes with Nazrul Nazari, before calmly finishing past Izwan Mahbud in the Sailors’ goal.
Hougang’s lead, however, lasted all of two minutes, as the Sailors equalised through birthday boy Bailey, who leapt highest to head home Maxime’s corner for his third goal of the season.
Hougang barely had time to settle down before the Sailors came close to taking the lead through Song, who rushed into the box to meet Maxime’s cross. The Incheon native’s half-volley, however, crashed off the Hougang crossbar, with Zaiful well beaten.
But Song did not have to wait long for his goal. In the 25th minute, Hami Syahin chipped the ball into the box for Shawal, who unselfishly laid it off for Song to sidefoot into the bottom corner to give the Sailors a 2-1 lead.
With the wind firmly in their sails, Ranko’s men continued to press Hougang aggressively, with Shawal, Maxime, and Lennart all coming close to extending the Sailors’ lead.
The Sailors’ relentless pressure eventually paid off just before half time, as Shawal ghosted into the box to head home Christopher van Huizen’s pinpoint cross to give his side a two-goal advantage heading into the break.
The Sailors started the second half just as they ended the first — on the front foot — and it took only seven minutes for them to score their fourth through centre-back Toni, who beat his marker to head Maxime’s corner past Zaiful to make it 4-1.
Maxime got on the scoresheet himself four minutes later, confidently dispatching a penalty he earned after being tripped in the box by Hougang defender Faris Hasić.
Song came close to doubling his tally in the 61st minute, but his shot from close range was well saved by Zaiful. The rebound, however, fell to Lennart, who calmly placed the ball into the bottom corner to give the Sailors a 6-1 lead.
The German got his second of the night in the 79th minute, as he capped off a devastating counter-attack with a smart finish after being teed up by substitute Haiqal Pashia.
Now with four goals to his name this season, Lennart – who only signed for the Sailors at the end of May – is confident that he will soon find his best form, even as he continues to adapt to his new club.
He explained, “I think I needed some time to get used to everything, having moved to a new country with new surroundings. But I’ve been improving. I can still do better – I should have scored four or five today – but it’s still early in a long season. What’s important for me is to make progress every week.
“From a team perspective, it was a very mature performance from us today. Despite the early setback, we came back strong and finished well.”
Ranko also backed the striker to improve over the course of the season, saying, “For us, we know he’s definitely a quality player. I think he had a lot of unlucky moments from the beginning and missed some chances that he should have scored. So, we are very pleased that he scored, and I think if you ask him, it’s a weight off his shoulders as well.”
With the win, the Sailors have moved to within one point of current SPL leaders BG Tampines Rovers. They will next take on sixth-place Brunei DPMM at Bishan Stadium on Saturday (3 August).
It was a goal that received the biggest cheer on Saturday (27 July) evening at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, and one that scorer Madison Telmer will remember for a long time to come.
After all, Madison’s goal will likely be her last for the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team, at least for the foreseeable future. It marked a fairytale ending to the Canadian midfielder’s time with the Sailors, as the 20-year-old left Singapore that same night to travel to the United States to further her studies.
Significantly, her goal — a header from Sarah Zu’risqha’s corner in the 87th minute — came at a crucial time in the game, and helped the Sailors secure a 3-0 victory over Hougang United in the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Unsurprisingly, Madison was delighted to have signed off from the Sailors in such a memorable way.
“It felt amazing to end on a high. From the start of the game, I hoped I could score one last goal and help secure a win for our team. Coach Daniel (Ong) even told me to get a goal as a farewell gift. We had our struggles initially, but to cap off a hard-fought victory with a goal was an incredible feeling,” Madison said with a wide grin.
Indeed, Madison leaves the Sailors not only with a victory but also with the knowledge that the team remains top of the WPL table – three points ahead of their title rivals, Albirex Niigata (S), who thrashed Tiong Bahru 13-0 later that night.
Tightly-contested affair
However, Madison’s fairytale ending did not come easy.
For large parts of the game, the Sailors were left frustrated by a resilient and disciplined Hougang side, with their best chances in the first half coming from Umairah Hamdan’s long-range efforts.
The Cheetahs also posed a threat on the counter through Singapore internationals Nicole Lim and Raudhah Kamis, but the Sailors’ backline were able to effectively keep them at bay.
Following a goalless first half, the Sailors knew they had to step up in the second 45 minutes to secure the three points.
“We realised that we were playing to their (Hougang’s) pace and that limited movement in the middle was restricting our gameplay,” shared Sailors full-back Nur Syazwani Ruzi. “We knew we were capable of keeping and moving the ball forward more, so we had to do it.”
Substitutes make the difference
Daniel rang the changes after the break, bringing on Josephine Ang and Nurhidayu Naszri to inject much-needed energy into the Sailors.
The changes paid off, as in the 68th minute, the Sailors opened the scoring through Wani, who volleyed home emphatically after pouncing on a loose ball.
“I was at the right place at the right time… We were trying hard to score and just couldn’t convert our chances, so it was important that we got the opening goal,” said Wani. “This game definitely taught us the importance of patience and teamwork.”
With a slender one-goal lead, the Sailors were always in danger of conceding an equaliser.
That was until Madison put the game to bed with her goal to secure the victory, before the Sailors added the icing on the cake with a third through an own goal in added time.
Job’s not finished
Daniel credited his side for fighting for the win till the end, but acknowledged they had more to work on in their ongoing preparations for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) qualifiers.
“Hougang played a very defensive game which made it hard for us to break through. On our part, when we had possession, we were either a bit slow in terms of our combination play or we rushed it at times. We got the three points, but we know that we have a lot more to work on if we want to do well in the AWCL next month.”
An emotional farewell
With seven goals across 11 WPL games this season, Madison – a member of the 2022 and 2023 WPL title-winning teams – has consistently demonstrated her influence in the Sailors engine room.
Daniel praised the 19-year-old for her dedication and professionalism, as he said, “Madi’s commitment and attitude have been outstanding throughout her time here. She is always willing to learn and improve herself, and she never fails to deliver for us. It’s a real honour to coach a player like her. I wish nothing but the best for Madi in her new journey, and the Sailors will always welcome her back.”
A teary-eyed Madison admitted she will miss the Sailors family, as she said, “This team is like a family to me and training is the best part of my day. I will miss them so much – all my teammates, coaches, backroom staff, physios, the fans… everyone. I will always be rooting for them, even if I’m at the other side of the world. ”
The Sailors will take on Tanjong Pagar United next in the WPL next Saturday (3 August), while simultaneously preparing for the AWCL as they look to carry their winning momentum into their first-ever regional competition next month.
Fresh off a resounding 6-0 victory over the Young Lions on Monday (22 July) night at Jalan Besar Stadium, the Lion City Sailors will aim to maintain their winning momentum when they face Hougang United on Sunday (28 July) evening at Bishan Stadium.
The Sailors are currently second in the nine-team Singapore Premier League (SPL) table on 22 points – just one behind current leaders BG Tampines Rovers – while their opponents on Sunday are sixth, having accumulated just seven points from nine matches.
Despite the disparity in form between the two teams this season, Sailors defender Lionel Tan insists they cannot afford to take Hougang lightly.
“It’s evident in the past few matchweeks that all the teams in this league, including Hougang, are capable of causing problems,” said the 27-year-old. “So, they are definitely not going to be easy opponents, and we have to treat this as yet another very important match for us.”
The point Lionel made was underscored earlier this week on Tuesday (23 July), when Hougang claimed a gritty 1-0 victory over defending SPL champions Albirex Niigata (S) – a result that saw the Cheetahs achieve their first win and clean sheet of the season.
Bouncing back in style
While Hougang will enter this weekend’s fixture with renewed confidence, the Sailors will be equally buoyed by their emphatic victory over the Young Lions, which saw them keep their third clean sheet of the year.
It was a much-needed confidence boost for the Sailors, who were determined to get back to winning ways following their first defeat of the season to BG Tampines Rovers the week before.
Lionel, who was an integral part of the defence that kept the Young Lions at bay, believes the Sailors’ performance this past Monday perfectly encapsulated the team’s mentality and hunger to succeed.
“It’s important that we bounced back in the right manner, especially after losing to Tampines,” the Singapore international reflected. We all felt really bad in the changing room afterwards, so we knew we had to come back with a solution for the Young Lions game and most importantly repay the fans for their unwavering support for us.”
A total of five different Sailors — Lennart Thy, Song Uiyoung, Shawal Anuar, Maxime Lestienne, and Haiqal Pashia — netted in a sparkling performance against the Young Lions.
Lionel highlighted the variety of goalscorers for the Sailors as evidence that they were not overly reliant on any one player, but rather played as a cohesive team.
He said, “Of course, I’m elated for the boys who scored, Lenny, Song, and the others, but it was a great team effort from everyone. Each of us executed our individual responsibilities well and we want to improve even further as a team.”
Embracing change
At the other end of the pitch, Lionel appears to be thriving in his new position as a right-back.
Standing at 1.84m tall, Lionel, who has spent most of his career as a centre-back, has been deployed on the right side of defence more frequently this season.
It is a positional change that Lionel has embraced. He shared, “As a player, it’s beneficial for me to be versatile. I enjoy this new position and the different demands it brings. I’m happy with how I’m performing right now, but I want to continue learning and improving.”
For now, though, Lionel is focused on helping the Sailors get the win over Hougang, as they look to continue their push for the SPL title this season.
“This league is like a marathon, and losing a sprint doesn’t necessarily reduce the lead. At the end of the day, we have to approach every game with a winning mindset, regardless of the opponent,” said Lionel.
“We need to maintain this winning momentum, take it one game at a time, and hopefully come away with the three points again this weekend. Barring the Tampines defeat, we’ve been strong at home over the last two years and I’m sure our fans will be pushing us to put up a strong performance.”
With a swing of her right foot, Lion City Sailors striker Josephine Ang curled the ball over the defensive wall and past the despairing dive of Mika Haziqah in the Albirex Niigata (S) goal to give her side a 2-1 lead.
With the net still rippling from her shot, Josephine ran and leapt into the arms of teammate Sarah Zu’risqha to celebrate her 10th goal of the season.
With a wide grin on her face, it was clear for all to see at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium that Josephine was truly in her element and enjoying her football.
Josephine’s goal – her third from a free-kick this season – ultimately set the Sailors on their way to a 3-1 victory over Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) title rivals Albirex last Saturday (20 July) evening.
For the 18-year-old, however, the moment was especially meaningful as she had entered the game determined to make a statement following her omission from the recent Singapore Women’s National Team squad that defeated Macau in an international friendly.
“It hurt for a few days when I didn’t get the (national) call-up despite how well I’ve been performing in the league,” admitted Josephine, whose 10 goals in the WPL makes her the third-highest scorer in the league.
“But I didn’t let that bring me down. Instead, I used it as motivation to keep improving, and I think the results showed on the pitch.”
Indeed, while Josephine has scored plenty of memorable goals during her time with the Sailors, she believes that this goal against Albirex might be one of her favourites.
She recounted, “To be honest, I didn’t even think about the score being tied at 1-1 at that moment. I just knew I had to capitalise on any chances I had. Initially, I wasn’t going to take the free-kick, but Sarah encouraged me to do so. I struck it as well as I could, and I’m so glad it went over the wall and into the net.”
Another Sailor who caught the eye in the win over Albirex was 15-year-old full-back Seri Nurinsyirah, who only joined the first team from the Sailors’ Girls Academy at the start of the year.
While Seri has enjoyed an encouraging start to her Sailors career, she acknowledges that she has to stay grounded and continue working hard to maintain her performance and contribute effectively to the team.
Seri, who opened her WPL account with a goal against Tiong Bahru in the first match of the 2024 WPL season, explained, “Given my age, it’s a huge honour to be training and playing alongside such experienced players, let alone be starting games. The transition from the academy to the WPL team has been smoother than I expected, thanks to the support of my coaches and teammates.”
When asked what her personal goals for the rest of the season were, Seri replied, “I hope to get stronger and continue improving my defensive abilities. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this team, so I will keep my head down and work hard.”
Next up for the Sailors Women is a potentially tricky clash against fourth-place Hougang United at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Saturday (27 July) evening.
The Cheetahs will head into the fixture full of confidence following a draw against Geylang International last Sunday (21 July) in which they rescued a point after being two goals down, and they will undoubtedly be aiming to cause an upset against the Sailors.
While Josephine is wary about the threat that Hougang pose, she remains confident in the Sailors’ ability to put up a strong showing and overcome the Cheetahs.
She said, “Hougang’s mentality and fitness are really strong, and we know they will keep coming at us until the final whistle. It’s going to be a very tough game, and we cannot afford to be complacent. However, I believe in the team’s ability to overcome any odds, just as we did against Albirex.”
Echoing Josephine’s sentiments, Seri added, “The win against Albirex was hard-fought and meant a lot to us, but that’s now in the past.
“We are focusing on the Hougang game while also preparing for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) in August. I have confidence in the team to secure the three points on Saturday. We will stick to Coach Daniel Ong’s game plan and do our best as always.”
