Author: Lion City Sailors
Team’s character will come through: Lionel
The Lion City Sailors will return to Singapore Premier League (SPL) action less than 72 hours after a gruelling ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup opener in Balikpapan, Indonesia, as they take on defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) at the Jurong East Stadium on Sunday (25 August) night.
Rest and recovery are paramount for the Sailors, who only arrived back in Singapore on Friday night and will have a solitary training session today before the White Swans encounter.
Defender Lionel Tan acknowledged the less-than-ideal preparations, but is backing the team to rise above the fatigue to secure an important three points in the title race.
“From the start of the season, we knew we’re going to be competing in four different competitions, so keeping players fresh will be tough. But we as a club want to take up this challenge because that’s how we can grow.
“This won’t be the only time we have to play a league game that quickly after coming back from a continental match, so we’ve to grow accustomed to this and adapt accordingly,” said the 27-year-old.
Indeed, there will be a similar situation next month with the Sailors playing Công An Hà Nội FC in Vietnam on 26 September in their next Shopee Cup game, before facing fellow SPL title contenders BG Tampines Rovers three days later back in Singapore.
“We’re well aware of the tight schedule and as players, we just have to make sure we rest properly so that we’re both physically and mentally refreshed. With the key recovery strategies set in place by our backroom staff, I’m sure we will go into each game prepared.”
With participation in the Shopee Cup and Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two augmenting the SPL and Singapore Cup, Aleksandar Ranković’s men are now about one-quarter into a season which will likely see them play more than 50 games.
Squad depth will be key to helping the Sailors steer through their congested fixture list and remain on the course to attain major both domestic and continental honours.
“Every single player in this team is very driven because they know that opportunities will come in a season like this, and we have to step up whenever we’re given the chance to play,” said Lionel, who has made 10 appearances in all competitions this season.
“We’ve prepared for this since pre-season, so I believe whoever steps in to play will know what exactly to do.”
The Singapore international, who was one of those that emerged with some credit from Thursday’s 3-0 loss to Borneo FC Samarinda, believes the defeat has not disheartened the Sailors one bit.
“We could have managed the game better, but I think we did okay in the tough conditions. We weren’t outplayed; we created a number of opportunities and if we had put them away, it could easily have been a different game,” he said.
“But we’ve to keep moving forward and not dwell on the past. It’s lucky that we have a game so quickly after, so that we can get Thursday’s defeat out of our system.”
For Albirex, a full two weeks of rest ahead of Sunday’s game may not be the only advantage. The defending champions are also enjoying a bit of a resurgence after Keiji Shigetomi took over at the helm in mid-July, with the 45-year-old presiding over two wins and a draw in the five games that he has been in charge.
With that in mind, Lionel believes the Sailors have to approach this game carefully and keep their focus on the key objective – a win will see them leapfrog BG Tampines to go top after 12 games each and gain a slight psychological advantage in an enthralling title race.
“I’m sure Albirex will push hard in the first half to test our physical levels, so we must be prepared to deal with them tactically. The key for us is to cut down the individual errors that happened against Borneo and work well to cover for each other. I’ve full confidence that our team’s character will come through in this game.”
A 10-man Lion City Sailors side battled hard but eventually fell to a 3-0 defeat to Indonesia Liga 1 outfit Borneo FC Samarinda in their 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Group B opener at the Bakatan Stadium on Thursday (22 August) night.
Borneo’s Brazilian duo of Léo Gaúcho and Berguinho proved the difference on the night, scoring the goals that gave their side a winning start in the competition.
It was a tough night for the Sailors, who played the majority of the second half with just 10 men after Portuguese midfielder Rui Pires was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 52nd minute, while having two goals ruled out for offside and one effort that came off the woodwork.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Rankovic lamented the fine margins that defined the game.
“I think we played quite well in parts of the game, but we gave away two easy goals in the first half due to mistakes. We know that at this level, the game is decided by details and every mistake is going to be punished,” said the Serb.
“That’s something I hope we will learn from for the next games, because these types of opponents are not going to give you anything for free.”
In front of a boisterous home crowd, the Sailors got off to the worst possible start when they conceded within three minutes. Stefano Lilipaly’s outswinging corner found Gaúcho, who duly bundled the ball past Izwan Mahbud at the far post to give Borneo an early lead.
On a pitch which was still cut up from the previous day’s Shopee Cup Group A clash between PSM Makassar and BG Pathum United, Ranko’s charges tried their best to play their passing game and found the back of the net six minutes later, only for Song Ui-young’s strike to be ruled out for offside.
Toni Datković then went close with a header off Christopher van Huizen’s corner in the 16th minute, but the Croat’s effort was palmed to safety by Borneo goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata before Rui’s follow-up effort was denied by the post.
Just four minutes later, the deficit was doubled when winger Berguinho pounced on a defensive error to fire home from close range.
The Sailors continued to search for a way back into the game, with Lennart Thy and Maxime Lestienne both testing Argawinata within a four-minute spell.
Lennart then coolly lobbed home in the 41st minute after being found by a sublime Maxime cross, but the Sailors were once again frustrated by the offside flag.
Any hopes of a second-half comeback were diminished just seven minutes after the restart, with Rui dismissed for two yellow cards in quick succession.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Sailors kept plugging away and managed to carve out a few good openings through a fit-again Bart Ramselaar and Maxime, but were unable to find the finishing touch.
The contest was then settled 10 minutes from time, with Gaucho dispossessing Bailey Wright in the Sailors half before producing a delightful chip over Izwan to round off the victory.
But even in defeat, Ranko credited the boys for their spirited performance on a difficult evening.
“My players showed some character and determination – even after the red card, we had more chances than the opponent. All we needed was just one goal and I think the game would have turned,” he said.
The Sailors will have to bounce back quickly, with a crucial Singapore Premier League (SPL) game away against defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) in three days’ time.
“The only thing that I’m concerned about is getting the guys recovered. It’s going to be a tough challenge because we will only reach Singapore on Friday night and then we have one day before we play against Albirex.
“It’s going to be tough, but we’re used to this as a team and we’ll do what is necessary to help us get back to winning ways in the league.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team may have dominated the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) with back-to-back titles — and a strong chance of securing a third this season — but they will face their toughest test yet as they kick off their campaign in the inaugural AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) this weekend.
The Sailors, who have been drawn in Group B, will first face Indian Women’s League champions Odisha FC in Jordan this Sunday (25 Aug), before hosting Etihad Club three days later (28 Aug). Only the group winner will advance to the next round, which is scheduled for October.
With the stakes this high and the team’s desire to give a strong representation of women’s football in Singapore, Sailors midfielder Ho Hui Xin admits that the nerves are starting to set in.
However, Hui Xin believes they turn this pressure into an advantage, as they look to make history in the competition.
“Feeling the nerves is a sign of how much we care. It’ll push us to become the best versions of ourselves on match day,” the 32-year-old explained. “This is the first time playing in such a tournament for everyone, including the senior players. I believe we will feed off each other’s energy and really go for it.”
Seri Nurinsyirah, one of seven teenagers to make their WPL debuts this season, echoed her vice-captain’s sentiments. The 15-year-old said, “I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. It’s an honour to play in the AWCL, and I’m thrilled to be here. My team and I have worked hard to get to this point, and now it’s time to focus on the game plan and trust in each other’s abilities.
“Representing Singapore and the Sailors in this historic tournament is an absolute privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity. There’s a strong sense of pride and responsibility to make my country and team proud. I’m excited to gain this experience and showcase our team’s talent.”
Two years ago, the Sailors competed in the SingaCup’s Women’s Football Championship, where they had the chance to pit themselves against teams from Southeast Asia such as Philippines’ Kaya FC-Iloilo, Indonesia’s Persib Bandung Putri and Thailand’s Phranakorn FC.
“The intensity and level of play in the SingaCup were more advanced,” Hui Xin recalled. “I think the AWCL is going to bring that and more. With the AWCL being several levels above the WPL, it will be interesting to see where we stand in the region. That’s something I’m really looking forward to. It’s going to be a good test for the team.”
Indeed, both Odisha and Etihad Club are regarded as the cream of the crop in their respective leagues. Odisha recently concluded their domestic season as champions, while Etihad Club currently sits at the summit of the Jordan Women’s Pro League.
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Despite Odisha and Etihad Club’s undoubted quality, however, the Sailors are confident of putting up a good show against the two much-more fancied opponents.
“We’ll need to work together as a unit, stay focused under pressure, and play smart,” Seri elaborated. “Playing in the WPL has taught me how to remain calm under pressure, think tactically, and build my endurance, which has prepared me for the AWCL.”
Hui Xin added, “We’ll follow our tactical preparations, and Coach Daniel (Ong) will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best outcome for us. It’s also up to the players to adapt on the pitch. While we may not have experience at this high level, we are mature enough to make adjustments as needed.
“We control what we can and will stick to our playing style. Ultimately, it’s a fair 11v11 contest. For us, it’s always about working for each other. Regardless of the opponent, our focus remains the same: communication, teamwork, and running for one another. As long as we maintain that, we’ll make it work.”
The Lion City Sailors will look to get off to a winning start in the inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup at the Batakan Stadium tomorrow (22 August) night, but their task will not come easy against an in-form Borneo FC Samarinda side.
A Borneo side in fine form
The Dolphins have begun the 2024/25 Indonesia Liga 1 season in fine form, with victories over Semen Padang (3-1) and Arema FC (2-0) in their first two games. They are now joint-top of their domestic league, along with PSM Makassar and Bali United on identical records based on goals scored and conceded.
They had also excelled in the annual pre-season President’s Cup, progressing all the way to the final, where they lost to Arema on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
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Joint-top scorer in that tournament with three goals, Borneo’s new Brazilian no. 9 Léo Gaúcho carried that form into the league as he netted against Semen Padang on his Liga 1 debut.
The 23-year-old is one of several new foreign signings Borneo brought in during the off-season, along with Burundian midfielder Christophe Nduwarugira, Argentinian forward Mariano Peralta, and compatriots Ronaldo Rodrigues, Berguinho and Lucas Salinas.
Complementing a strong roster of former and current Indonesia internationals such as Diego Michiels, Stefano Lilipaly and Nadeo Argawinata, Borneo are heading into their first-ever regional tournament with optimism.
“We’re happy to participate in this competition, we’re fit and ready to play after a good start to the season,” said Borneo Head Coach Pieter Huistra at the pre-match press conference.
“My expectations for the team are always high – we want to win our next game. So far, it’s gone quite well, but of course, international football has a different dynamic to it. Furthermore, we only have a few clips of the Sailors, so it’ll be difficult to predict how they’ll play.”
Under the guidance of the 57-year-old Dutchman, Borneo finished the 2023/24 Indonesia Liga 1 regular season eight points ahead of eventual Championship series winners Persib Bandung, who are coincidentally the Sailors’ Group Stage opponents in the upcoming AFC Champions League (ACL) Two campaign.
Sailors going in with equally solid shape
The Sailors, too, are bullish about their prospects in the Group B opener, having started the season with nine wins and a draw in their first 11 league matches of the season.
A first defeat of the season to BG Tampines Rovers in mid-July served as a wake-up call for the team, who have since bounced back with three successive victories over Young Lions, Hougang United, and Brunei DPMM, to stay well in the title hunt.
“There’s no doubt about Borneo’s quality, and it’ll be tough, but we’re coming into this in a pretty good spot, given how our season has gone so far. The team will be ready to compete and try to represent the nation well in this tournament,” said Sailors tactician Aleksandar Ranković.
The Sailors can count on a fit-again Bart Ramselaar, who has recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him out for the past four games. And the former PSV Eindhoven man is ready to play an influential role for the Sailors again in the attacking third.
“I’m happy to be back helping the team and playing this regional competition,” said the 28-year-old, who has scored five goals in six league appearances for the Sailors since arriving in the off-season.
“The intensity will be quite high and I know Indonesian clubs have big fanbases, so we’re expecting a huge crowd tomorrow. But that will only motivate us to prove ourselves on this stage.”
A testing schedule ahead for the Sailors
Along with Thailand’s Buriram United and Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo, the Sailors are one of three teams playing in both the Shopee Cup and ACL competitions, on top of competing in the domestic league.
The Sailors will return to SPL action soon after the Borneo game to take on defending league champions Albirex Niigata (S) on Sunday (25 August) evening. This marks the start of a gruelling sequence of games for the Sailors in the continental competitions and domestic league matches in the coming months.
While Ranko acknowledged this would be a challenging period for his team, he has backed his charges to rise to the ocassion.
He said, “It’s going to be a challenge, that’s for sure, because we’re playing in four different competitions (including the Singapore Cup), and if you see our schedule especially from August to October, it’s pretty busy. So, my job is not only to get the team performing, but also to keep the squad fit.
“Out of experience, it’s not going to be easy, but I have full faith in the boys and I know they have what it takes to be competing on different fronts.”
Right after the fixtures for the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Group Stage were announced, Song Uiyoung’s phone started buzzing non-stop – and understandably so.
After all, the Lion City Sailors will kick off their Group B campaign with a trip to Balikpapan, Indonesia, where they’ll face the 2023/24 Liga 1 Regular Series champions, Borneo FC Samarinda, on 22 August. This match marks Song’s first return to Indonesia since leaving Persebaya Surabaya in mid-March to rejoin the Sailors.
“My Indonesian friends, ex-Persebaya teammates, and even reporters have all been messaging me about this match because they know I’m returning to Indonesia,” said the 30-year-old, who made 17 Liga 1 appearances between July and December 2023, including a start in Persebaya’s 2-1 win over Borneo on 3 September.
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“I have many good memories of playing in this country, and I’m really looking forward to Thursday night. I remember that match — Borneo were top of the table, and it was a tough game against one of the biggest teams in Indonesia, but we fought really hard to win.”
Known as a big-game player, Song has a history of scoring against Indonesian opposition. In December 2021, he netted for the Singapore national team against Borneo’s regular starting goalkeeper Nadeo Argawinata in a 4-2 loss to Indonesia at the National Stadium.
Back in May 2018, he scored in front of a packed Gelora Bung Karno Stadium to help Home United to a famous 3-1 victory over Persija Jakarta in the previous version of the AFC Cup.
And Song is looking forward to yet another epic showdown – this time at the 40,000-seater Batakan Stadium, against a Borneo side that has started their 2024/25 Liga 1 season with two wins out of two.
“The fan culture in Indonesia is massive, with each team boasting a large number of supporters, especially a big team like Borneo. I’m anticipating a great atmosphere and a very competitive game; everyone in our team is highly motivated for this challenge,” said the Singapore international.
“Borneo have made some changes since I last played against them, but there’s no doubt they remain a very strong team. Their midfielder, Stefano Lilipaly, is a top player we need to watch closely. Indonesian football is known for its physicality and direct style of play, so I’m expecting a game like that.”
Heading into this game after a series of strong individual performances in the Sailors’ recent Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches, Song seems to be rediscovering his best form, and credits his teammates for his resurgence.
He said, “It wasn’t easy (at the start) as I had to adapt to a new team and was dealing with some injuries. But now, I’m feeling really good, and I believe I can push even harder to help the team. You can see on the pitch that we’re all working together and helping each other to score – our team spirit is really high and that will help us in this tough game.”
While it will be a stern test for the Sailors, Song has backed his teammates to rise to the occasion.
“For sure, the intensity and the physicality of the game will be different from the SPL,” Song mused. “But first and foremost, we have to believe in ourselves. We’ve got good quality in this team and we want to show that we’re capable of playing at this level.
“It’s important that we enjoy the 90 minutes as a team, as well as the experience of playing in front of a huge away crowd. We just need to focus on what we’ve been working on during training, support each other throughout the match, and I think we can go home with the three points.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team will head to Jordan for the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) in high spirits, after securing a confidence-boosting 11-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa on Saturday (17 Aug) night at Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
With this win, the Sailors took a huge step towards securing their third consecutive Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) title, pulling three points clear of their nearest challengers, Albirex Niigata (S), at the top of the table with three matches left to go.
The high-scoring win also extended their goal difference advantage over Albirex to 22, and Liyana Rickit, one of the scorers on the night, believes this could be crucial as the season draws to a close.
“It’s crucial to score as many goals as we can, especially now that we’re in the final stretch of the season,” said Liyana.
Miray Altun, who netted her first goals of the campaign and became the 17th Sailor to score this season, echoed Liyana’s sentiments.
“Every goal counts when you’re aiming for the top, and goal difference plays a significant role this season,” she explained. “The team’s mentality of always pushing forward — whether for the next goal or the next match — is vital, and it’s a mindset we all share.”
It took only six minutes for the Sailors to get their first goal of the night, with in-form wing-back Nur Syazwani Ruzi tapping the ball in after being set up by a well-weighted pass from Sarah Zu’risqha.
Liyana, 15, then doubled the team’s lead seven minutes later, as she capitalised on Balestier’s failure to clear the ball in their box to score her second goal of the season.
“It feels great to score just before competing in the AWCL because it shows what I’m capable of, and I hope to score even more moving forward,” Liyana shared. “It’s crucial to commit when you see the ball coming your way. I saw the opportunity in that chaos and took my shot.”
Sarah then turned from provider to scorer in the 17th minute, netting the Sailors’ third goal, before Josephine Ang made it 4-0 just 16 minutes later. The goal brought 18-year-old Josephine’s season tally to 12, making her the third-highest goalscorer in the WPL this season.
Eight minutes before the break, Seri Nurinsyirah extended the Sailors’ lead to five goals, heading in a precise corner for her second goal of the season.
The second half continued much like the first, with the Sailors pressing forward to further extend their lead.
And it took just four minutes after the restart for Miray — who was deployed in central midfield for the first time this season — to curl the ball home to give her side a 6-0 lead.
Miray, who had previously played on the wings for the Sailors, revealed that she trained as a centre-midfielder during the team’s recent training camp in Pathum Thani, Thailand.
“I’m really enjoying this new position; it’s completely different from playing on the wings. The new responsibilities are quite refreshing, and I think scoring has helped boost my confidence in the middle,” shared 19-year-old Miray, who played as a central midfielder until her time in the under-18s.
Sailors’ leading scorer Raeka Ee, who came on as a half-time substitute, then scored a quickfire double in the 62nd and 65th minutes, bringing her goal tally to 14 for the season — just four behind the current WPL top scorer, Manami Fukuzawa of Albirex (18 goals).
The final 10 minutes of the game saw the Sailors further extend their lead through goals from Miray, Umairah Hamdan, and Cara Chang, as Daniel Ong’s charges secured their third win of the season with a margin of at least 10 goals.
Now, the Sailors will turn their focus to their next big challenge — the AWCL.
Miray said, “I know the AWCL will be a tougher test, but scoring tonight and our consistent performance in the WPL give us momentum. Hopefully, we can carry that forward in Jordan and through the rest of the WPL season.”
The Lion City Sailors’ match schedule for the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two Group Stage has been confirmed, with all six matches to be played on Thursday nights.
Aleksandar Ranković’s men will kick off their Group F campaign with a home game against 2023 Chinese Super League second runners-up Zhejiang Professional on 19 September, before travelling to Pathum Thani, Thailand to face Thai League 1 side Port FC at BG Stadium on 3 October.
A double-header against Persib Bandung then beckons, with an away day at Si Jalak Harupat Stadium on 24 October, before the Sailors play hosts to the reigning Indonesia Liga 1 champions a fortnight later on 7 November.
The Sailors will then visit Hangzhou, China to play Zhejiang at Yellow Dragon Sports Center on 28 November, before wrapping up the group stage with a home game against Port on 5 December.
All three of the Sailors’ home ACL Two group-stage fixtures will be played at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Lion City Sailors will face opposition from China, Thailand, and Indonesia in the rebranded 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two competition.
This was confirmed earlier this afternoon (16 August) following the official Group Stage draw which took place in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.
The Sailors, who qualified for the competition after finishing as the top-ranked local side in the 2023 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, have been placed in Group F (East Region) along with 2023 Chinese Super League second runners-up Zhejiang Professional, 2023/24 Thai League 1’s third-placed side Port FC, and reigning Indonesia Liga 1 champions Persib Bandung.
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The new tournament in Asia consists of eight groups — four in the West and four in the East — each with four teams in the Group Stage. Matches will be played in a home-and-away round-robin format from 17 September to 5 December.
The top two sides from each group will advance to the Round of 16, which will be played in February next year. The tournament will then conclude with a one-off final on 17 May 2025.
Looking ahead to the Sailors’ first-ever ACL Two Campaign, Head coach Aleksandar Ranković has backed his charges to be competitive and represent Singapore with pride and distinction.
“The club has achieved some impressive results in the ACL over the past few years. I can only speak for last season when I was in charge – we showed in the majority of those matches that we can be very competitive, and that we can go toe-to-toe with the best of Asia,” said the Serb.
“The target for this season is to build on that foundation and outdo ourselves at this level. Our players are extremely motivated, and you can see that from our strong start in the domestic league. All of them are very eager to prove themselves, and we’ll be looking to make Singapore proud with some solid performances.”
In what feels like no time at all, the 2024 Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) season is already nearing its conclusion.
However, unlike in recent years, the race for the WPL title is still wide open.
Both the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team and Albirex Niigata (S) remain in the title race – they are currently tied at the top of the table with 33 points each, though the Sailors have a game in hand and a significant advantage in goal difference.
While the Sailors are still considered favourites to retain the WPL trophy for a third consecutive year, they know they cannot afford to take it easy in their remaining four games — especially with Albirex hot on their heels, ready to capitalise on any slip-ups.
For many in this young Sailors squad, this is their first experience in such a tight title race.
Among them is 15-year-old Tyan Foong, one of seven teenagers promoted from the Sailors Girls Academy at the start of the season.
The former Women’s National League (WNL) defender has been an integral part of the Sailors’ backline this season, and has developed significantly while playing alongside and learning from senior players such as Sara Hayduchok, captain Umairah Hamdan, and her older sister Tia Foong.
Reflecting on what has been a productive but challenging season so far, Tyan said, “I’ll always cherish the moment I made my debut — the nerves, playing alongside the team’s big sisters, and feeling the pressure of the fans.
“Admittedly, though, it’s a relief that the season is ending so I can take a break from the stress of competing every weekend.”
After a four-day training camp in Pathum Thani, Thailand over the weekend, the Sailors will head into their next match against Balestier Khalsa on Saturday (17 August) at Choa Chu Kang Stadium with renewed vigour, as they look to take another step towards lifting the WPL trophy.
“We definitely broadened our perspectives during the training camp. We’ve returned stronger and are ready to face the rest of the season with no fear and at full force,” said Tyan.
“At this stage of the season, every club will be fighting for their goals and giving 110% effort. It’s crucial that we stay calm and ensure every pass is firm and accurate.”
Tyan also revealed that the team focused on the psychological aspects of the game during their time in Bangkok, which she believes was beneficial when they tested themselves against Thai Women’s League 1 sides Bangkok WFC and Kasem Bundit FC in closed-door friendlies.
She said, “We attended mental health talks on managing anxiety and stress, which helped us stay calm during the matches in Thailand and improved our overall performance.”
Echoing Tyan’s sentiments, Sailors forward Josephine Ang is confident that the team has what it takes to go the distance this season.
“We need to believe in ourselves and keep playing our style of football to finish the last few matches strongly,” the 17-year-old said. “In training, everyone consistently gives their 100%, and there’s always a positive energy. I really appreciate that this team is eager to learn and grow from their mistakes. They demonstrate resilience, even when training gets tough.”
Josephine, who is currently the joint-third highest goalscorer in the WPL this season with 11 goals, is determined to play a crucial role in leading the Sailors to the title.
“It’s crucial for me to convert my chances. My goal this season is to win the title, and it would be even more rewarding if I can contribute by scoring more goals,” she said.
Josephine also offered some advice to her younger teammates on handling the intensity of the title race.
“There will be sacrifices along the way, but that’s all part of life,” Josephine said. “Just keep going and never give up, because good things will come, and all the hard work will be worth it. Things will only get better from here!”
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.”
