Author: Lion City Sailors
The Lion City Sailors made it two wins in two games under Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, securing a 4-0 win over the Singapore Premier League’s (SPL) cellar dwellers Young Lions on Friday (7 July) night.
The Sailors dominated proceedings at the Jalan Besar Stadium, particularly in a frenetic second half that saw all four goals – three of them courtesy of Maxime Lestienne – hit the back of the Young Lions net, in a result that saw the Sailors maintain their foothold in the title race.
The Sailors are second in the nine-team SPL table with 39 points, trailing league leaders Albirex Niigata (S), who have a game in hand, by a solitary point.
“I’m satisfied with the result,” said Ranko, who paid tribute to a resilient Young Lions side that made things difficult for the Sailors.
“In the first half, we were struggling – and big compliments to the opponents – I think they defended really well. We had to try and open up the game very fast, and we didn’t do that in the first half.”
The opening 45 minutes saw a tightly contested affair, the home side repelling everything that came their way, with Adam Swandi and Diego Lopes failing to convert gilt-edged chances that were fashioned by the effervescent Maxime.
The Sailors’ cause took a hit when forward Abdul Rasaq Akeem limped off in the 24th minute with what appeared to be a hamstring issue, and was replaced by the evergreen Shawal Anuar.
And it could have been worse. Ranko’s charges had custodian Zharfan Rohaizad to thank for keeping the scores level with a combination of good positioning and cat-like reflexes first to save a Harhys Stewart shot, then to turn Syahadat Masnawi’s rebound behind for a corner.
The Sailors came out from the half-time break with renewed determination and stamped their authority on the game.
And it was Maxime who broke the deadlock in the 59th minute, slotting in the rebound after a Shawal shot was blocked.
In the 68th minute, the Belgian wizard doubled the Sailors’ advantage, his crisp left-footed shot off a Shawal cutback sending the Sailors supporters wild.
Shawal put his own name on the scoresheet in the 86th minute, with Maxime turning provider this time. A teasing cross off Maxime’s left boot – the Belgian’s trademark that has become commonplace this season – swerved in from the right flank to find Shawal wide open right in front of goal. And the Singapore international did not disappoint.
Maxime would get his hat-trick two minutes later, pouncing on miscommunication between Kan Kobayashi and Jun Kobayashi to intercept a loose pass and slot past the helpless Aizil Yazid in the Young Lions goal.
His three goals and an assist took Maxime’s to top of the SPL rankings in goals and assists, with 18 goals and 16 assists.
Maxime’s 18-goal haul is his best-ever goal tally in a season, beating his previous record of 17 goals with Club Brugge in the 2012/2013 season. Friday’s three-goal haul was also only his second career hat-trick – the first came in September 2012 in Club Brugge’s 4-0 win over Cercle Brugge.
“We changed the way we built up in the second half, pushed them further with our fullbacks, and pressed them higher when we lost the ball. So this was the biggest change, and the first goal really helped to set the momentum,” said Ranko after the match.
“I was more satisfied with the team’s performance in the second half, and we want to have more of these kinds of goals moving forward,” he said
“For now, I’m happy to have the total squad and everybody fit and ready for the next game.”
The Sailors’ next SPL assignment comes on Tuesday (11 July), when they host Brunei DPMM at the Bishan Stadium.
Aleksandar Ranković and his charges are eager to build on the momentum generated by the resounding 7-1 win against Tanjong Pagar United at the Jurong East Stadium last Saturday (1 July) when they face the Singapore Premier League’s (SPL) cellar dwellers Young Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium this Friday (7 July).
And although their opponents on Friday have only accumulated five points across 16 games, central defender Lionel Tan warned about the threat the Young Lions side can pose and called for his team to take the Young Lions seriously.
“Like any other team in the league, they are coming on the pitch to win, and it is quite evident they have made things troublesome for us for the past two occasions we played against them,” said the 26-year-old.
“On the first occasion, we only managed a draw, and they also made things difficult for us the second time. It is really very important that we go in 100 per cent and adhere to the game plan that coach Ranko has laid out.”
The Sailors drew 1-1 with the Young Lions in April, with the disappointment of failing to capitalise after dominating the game worn on their faces when the full-time whistle was blown.
The second time the two sides met on 10 June, the Sailors won 4-1 in a match that could hardly be called a walk in the park.
It is not uncommon for teams to sit back in a compact block when they face the Sailors, and the Young Lions have adopted a similar approach in those last two games, seemingly happy to sit back, defend and hit on the break.
“We have faith in Coach Ranko’s plans, but even then, patience is the key to help us get the three points when we play against teams like Young Lions. We just have to be very patient and just play our style of football with confidence,” emphasised Lionel.
With eight SPL games left to play, the Sailors trail league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) by four points and are in front of third-placed Tampines Rovers by one point.
While everyone in the dressing room is acutely aware this is a critical period that can define the Sailors’ season, Lionel is adamant that the bigger picture should not fill the minds of his teammates – steering clear of complacency and paying attention to nuances of each game must be the central focus instead.
“We all know how crucial it is moving forward, every single game and every single point matters. If we want to be champions of the league, we have to go and give our best for each game and do our best as a team,” asserted Lionel.
“But we shouldn’t look too far ahead of each game. The important thing is just to go game by game and win each one, because if we can do that, we will put pressure on the league leaders as well.
“We can’t be complacent and we don’t have room to drop any points,” said a serious Lionel.
The Singapore international who scored his first-ever goal for the Sailors against Tanjong Pagar last Saturday, was grateful that he is helping the team on both sides of the field.
“The first goal is always wonderful to get and opening my scoring for Sailors is truly a blessing for me. Even though my primary goal is to help the team in defending, adding in some goals is a good way to contribute also,” he said.
And now, Lionel is hoping for Sailors fans to turn up to Jalan Besar Stadium in force to inspire the team to a fourth straight victory.
“When we played against Tanjong Pagar, it was all the way in the west at Jurong East Stadium, and we heard them loud and clear,” he said.
“They always make the atmosphere in the stadium so lively and energetic, and we’d love to have them and their support to give us the additional energy to perform on Friday.”
In a scintillating encounter at the Jurong East Stadium on Saturday (1 July) evening, Lion City Sailors supporters were treated to a thrilling exhibition of flair and finishing. The Sailors overwhelmed Tanjong Pagar United with their attacking prowess to secure a 7-1 victory in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) – their biggest win margin this season.
The resounding victory marks the start of the Aleksandar Ranković era, with the tactical cohesion and attacking prowess on show suggesting that the wheels are in motion on the evolution and implementation of the Sailors’ football philosophy.
The win also meant the Sailors won three successive matches for the first time in 2023.
“I’m pleased with how we played, especially in the second half, and it is a deserving three points for us. We played exactly how we trained, and the boys stuck to the game plan,” said the former ADO Den Haag head coach.
“I’m not sure if there is any coach in the world who would be 100 percent satisfied and I’m one of them. There are still many things to improve on, but there are several good things that we portrayed today – especially that the boys delivered on the game plan that we prepared – and I’m happy,” said the 44-year-old.
The match commenced with the Sailors dominating possession, even coming close to scoring in the very first minute when Abdul Rasaq Akeem won the ball from the Jaguars’ defence and passed it to Maxime Lestienne, whose placed shot went just inches wide.
Seven minutes later, combative midfielder M Anumanthan showed his technical finesse, providing a delicious outside-of-the-foot pass that slithered through the Jaguars defence and found Maxime, who failed to find the back of the net.
But the Belgian was not to be denied, opening the scoring just a minute later. Anu was once again involved, this time outmuscling the burly Mirko Šugić to win the ball just outside the Tanjong Pagar penalty box before laying it on a plate for Maxime to score his 15th goal of the season.
The goal set the tone for a dominant performance by the away side.
In the 27th minute the Sailors doubled their lead through a well-executed team move, with Rasaq comfortably placing the ball in the net off Maxime’s left flank cross for his ninth of the campaign.
Tanjong Pagar halved the deficit with Faizal Roslan scoring off a 30th-minute corner, and with the Sailors seeming to lose steam, the first half ended with the scoreline locked at 2-1.
Ranko’s Sailors started the second half with a renewed intensity and the home side struggled to contain the Sailors’ offensive onslaught that saw a total of 25 shots peppered onto the Jaguars’ goal, with the Sailors’ finding the net five more times from 12 of those shots that found the target.
Central defender Lionel Tan scored his first goal for the club, Hami Syahin bagged his first of the season, with Shawal Anuar also getting on the scoresheet, while man-of-the-match Diego Lopes bagged a brace in a scintillating performance.
There was a further glimpse into the pipeline of talent coming through the Academy with 19-year-old Nur Muhammad Asis coming on for the last five minutes of the match. The captain of the Sailors Under-21 side gave a good account of himself, with a superb pass to put Haiqal Pashia clean through on the Tanjong Pagar goal.
“We suffered a little lack of concentration after conceding that goal in the first half, but I think we stepped up well in the second half,” said Ranko.
“Before the second half, I told the boys to stick to the plan, and that is exactly what we did, and when you see the team execute exactly what you have prepared for on the training ground, you just feel very proud of them,” added the Sailors’ new man at the helm.
Anu, who made his 40th appearance for the club against the Jaguars, enjoyed the first match in the Ranko era.
“He emphasises a lot on tactical discipline, and we all have a specific role given by the coach so we are all more focused. What we saw today was that we all worked together and followed the game plan, carrying out our tasks sincerely,” said the 28-year-old, who paid tribute to the sensational support the Sailors received from the Jurong East stands.
“The fans were absolutely amazing, they were exceptionally loud today,” said Anu. “My teammates and I are very grateful for their support. Even though it was an away game, many fans came down to support us. The Crew is truly our 12th man and an integral part of our win today.”
The Sailors are now second in the SPL table, on 36 points, four behind league leaders Albirex Niigata (S). Tampines Rovers are third, on 34 points, but with one game in hand over the two teams that sit above them.
While he was pleased with the result – and the ability of his charges to deliver on the gameplan – Ranko was acutely aware to not get carried away.
“I think we shouldn’t focus so much on if we can or cannot catch Albirex, we should be focused only on our performance, and doing everything we can to win every game from now on.”
The Sailors will be back in SPL action on Friday (7 July), facing the SPL’s bottom side Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
From the moment Aleksandar Ranković sat down in front of the cameras at the Lion City Sailors Training Centre, it became crystal clear this man is not here to mess about.
He listened intently to the thinking behind the club’s First Interview series, settled into his seat, and delivered firm answers at the first time of asking. Perhaps more importantly, he did not flinch in the face of tough questions.
While this is his first foray into Southeast Asian football – he has spent his entire coaching career in Holland – he is already fully on board with the Sailors project.
Known as Ranko to his colleagues, the 44-year-old is looking to make an impact that goes beyond just the first team.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t believe in this project, and it’s not just the facilities we have here. More importantly it is the people in and around the club who are contributing in different roles and the way that things are organised here,” he said.
“It is really like a European organisation and I think there is a lot here at the Sailors for a lot of clubs in Holland to envy,” said the 44-year-old Serb, who holds a UEFA Pro coaching license.
“I’m really proud to be part of the Lion City Sailors; I think I’m going to enjoy working here because I have the same vision about the game as the people here – that is not just limited to things in the first team, but also in the Academy.”
Having carved out a career in a country where Total Football originated, Ranko – who held coaching positions in Eredivisie first teams including Vitesse Arnhem, Sparta Rotterdam and FC Utrecht – looks set to implement a style of football to excite Sailors’ fans.
“Obviously my origin is Serbian, but I always say that I’m a Dutch coach since I spent most of my career – both as a player and as a coach – in Holland,” said the former ADO Den Haag head coach.
“What fans can expect to see from my team is one that plays very attacking and dominating football; creating a lot of chances while on the other hand, not giving our opponents a lot of space to hurt us.”
Ranko already has a vision of how he wants the Sailors to play, but he is acutely aware of the critical balancing act between the short-term goal of getting results to stay in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title race and the long-term objective of growing into a force to be reckoned with in the region.
“To achieve success here, I have to make the players understand exactly how we want to play; it’s not so much the system, but more of the principles of play. The system may change from game to game, but the principles are a constant and that’s something I want us to always display on the pitch,” said the Belgrade native, who worked under experienced Dutch trainer Henk Fraser at three different Eredivisie clubs.
Ranko has big ambitions for his version of the Sailors, and while he is especially enthusiastic about the club’s second foray into the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL), Ranko understands the importance of the immediate goal – to reclaim the SPL title.
“I know how the club did in the ACL last season and we have to build something to do even better this time around. Especially when we’re playing at home, we have to be very hard to play against – even against the top teams in Asia.
“But I’m not looking too far ahead now, the main priority is the SPL. There’s still a gap between us and the top of the table and I’m coming in during the middle of the season, but we’re going to fight for the title till the last day,” he declared.
With a young and hungry squad that has soldiered on despite some teething problems, Ranko is firm in his belief that the club has all the tools to achieve success.
“I’ve watched a few matches of the team and now that I’ve been here for a few days, I can see that we have a very good squad and a real positive energy around the team. There’s no doubt about it – we have to challenge for the league title and play a significant role in the ACL,” he said.
“We want to be the best and the only place to earn the tag of being the best is on the field. We’ve a great setup here to help us, so it’s our job now to push the club towards achieving these objectives.”
Lion City Sailors have appointed Aleksandar Ranković as Head Coach as the club looks to strengthen its challenge for the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title and plot an improved second foray into Asia’s top-tier club competition: the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL).
The 44-year-old joins the Sailors on a two-year contract from Eredivisie side FC Utrecht – the club that launched the career of Belgian international Dries Mertens and former Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt – serving as assistant coach to Henk Fraser. He steps into the role vacated by Risto Vidaković.
Ranković started his coaching career in the youth squads of ADO Den Haag, before moving to coach various Eredivisie first teams including Vitesse Arnhem, Sparta Rotterdam and ADO Den Haag, where the Serb was head coach.
“What the Sailors are trying to build in Singapore is very exciting, and I’m delighted to be a part of this ambitious project I believe will be something quite special,” said Ranković.
“I know that I can bring a little spark to the first team, but I’m not going to make wild claims that everything will be much better the moment I take charge – that would be disrespectful to my predecessors at the club.
“I also know that it will take time for things to change, but I am confident that step by step, we will be a better team.”
Luka Lalić asserts that this grounded, realistic approach is one of the things that makes Ranković a strong candidate for a Sailors side chasing to win the SPL title.
“He brings a lot to the table, including experience with teams that have competed in UEFA competitions, and that will be invaluable for us as we look to build a team that can deliver on our football vision with a blend of experience and young players,” said the Sailors Technical Director.
“I think his pragmatic and straightforward manner will help us efficiently get to where we want to be.”
Ranković, who was a defensive midfielder in a playing career that saw him pull on the shirts of Vitesse, ADO Den Haag and Partizan Belgrade, brings with him a football philosophy that is set to excite the Sailors’ faithful.
“I’m a native Serbian, but as a coach, I’m Dutch,” said Ranković paying tribute to the influence of the country in which he has spent his entire coaching career. “I like my team to dominate possession and play attacking football.
“I’m confident that we can do this well with the players that we have in the squad,” added the father of three, pointing to the quality that the Sailors foreign contingent – including the likes of former PSV Eindhoven winger Maxime Lestienne and Brazilian playmaker Diego Lopes who joined from Portuguese top tier side, Rio Ave in 2020 – bring to the team.
It is an optimism shared by Lalić.
“We are very much aligned with Aleks, in terms of football philosophy, approach to training and vision for the first team and club,” said the 36-year-old. “We can’t wait for him to get started and for the team to take on board his brand of football, and eventually to embrace the spirit and energy he brings to the training ground and pitch.”
Ranković has already met with Hariss Harun and company and will take charge of his first training session as Sailors Head Coach this evening.
“Everyone at the club has been superb in helping me settle into Singapore, and I can’t wait to get started,” said Ranković.
“I believe in the vision of the Sailors, I see the commitment and work that has gone into the project, and I must say that I’m proud to be a part of this club.”
Rudy and Arshad join Geylang on loan
Lion City Sailors duo Rudy Khairullah and Arshad Shamim have joined Geylang International on loan for the remainder of the 2023 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
Rudy goes on his second loan stint after doing so at Balestier Khalsa in 2022.
A dependable custodian with great reflexes, Rudy was part of the Lion City Sailors squad that won the Singapore Premier League title in 2021.
A winger with bags of pace to burn, Arshad joined the Sailors in the club’s inaugural SPL season, and went on to play for the Young Lions for the next two campaigns before returning to the club at the tail-end of 2022 upon the completion of his National Service obligations.
Arshad has scored two goals across 14 appearances for the club across the two stints.
We wish them all the best with the Eagles.
The inaugural Tasek Sailors Charity Football fundraiser that brought together 24 corporations and organisations as well as 14 boys and girls teams on Sunday, 25 June saw a total of S$265,000 raised from all sources.
Funds raised will go towards empowering and uplifting disadvantaged youth across Singapore through a holistic development program put together by the Tasek Sailors, a joint initiative of the Lion City Sailors and Tasek Football Academy.
Sunday’s Charity Football tournament that was hosted at the Lion City Sailors Training Centre saw the enthusiastic participation of corporate supporters and schools that came together in the spirit of friendly competition and community interest.
“It’s wonderful to see such strong support for the Tasek Sailors initiative. It’s part of how we must help everyone discover their strengths, including the talents they never knew they had, and to gain respect for each other’s strengths. Sports brings that out in so many of the young people we have been working with,” said Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is also Patron of Tasek Jurong.
SM Tharman was one of the three Guests of Honours who graced the event along with Members of Parliament, Ms Tin Pei Ling and Mr Shawn Huang.
The event showcased Singaporeans’ passion for football – and just how effective the sport can be in bringing the community together – and also demonstrated the collective commitment to supporting young individuals who face challenging circumstances.
Deloitte won the Open category tournament beating UB Morgan 2-0 in the final.
Sailors B10 were the champions of the Boys Under-11 category, while Sailors White ended the day as champions of the Girls Under-14 tournament.
A Celebrity Exhibition match, featuring the likes of local footballing legends Fandi Ahmad and Aleksandar Duric as well as local actors Elvin Ng and Ian Fang, was also played out to much fanfare.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and sponsors who contributed to the success of our fundraiser,” said Lion City Sailors Academy General Manager, Tan Li Yu. “There are also several supporters who worked hard behind the scenes to breathe life into the event.
“While we are delighted to witness such an outpouring of support, we know the real work for us starts now, channelling funds raised to where they can effectively help – and we are looking forward to getting properly started.”
The funds raised will be utilised to provide a comprehensive programme of football training and mentorship – through the Tasek Sailors Football Academy, Financial Assistance for female footballers as well as outreach programmes – for young boys and girls, empowering them to develop both as individuals and footballers.
A key facet of the Tasek Sailors initiative that Dr ‘Ain Azman is looking forward to is the support that Tasek Sailors will give to girls’ football.
“We’ve already seen the effect that our programme has had and we’re excited to see how much we can further the development of girls,” said the Tasek Jurong Senior Manager.
“There are several girls under the Tasek umbrella who are looking forward to the programme being set in motion, and we also witnessed in the girls’ tournament today that we are not short on talent either. It will be fantastic to see just what more Singaporean girls can do with more structured support.”
The Tasek Sailors will start with a scaling up of the Tasek Sailors Academy, before getting outreach programmes underway across the island, to deliver professional football coaching and structured mentorship programs to empower more Singaporean youth.
The Lion City Sailors Women’s team recorded a resounding 8-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Sunday (25 June) evening to go top of the 2023 Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) table.
They now lead the 10-team WPL table with 16 points, one ahead of Albirex Niigata (S) who dropped points in a 1-1 draw with Police Sports Association in a concurrent match. Hougang United are close behind in third with 14 points.
This was the largest-ever winning margin for the Sailors Women and it brought a little smile to forward Nur Izzati Rosni, who starred with a clinical hat-trick.
“We have struggled to score goals this season and to fix that, we’ve been working hard on ways to penetrate opponents’ defences and create chances in training – and it paid off today,” said the 24-year-old. “It is a very nice feeling to convert many of our chances into goals.”
Izzati opened the floodgates for the Sailors as early as in the third minute when she headed in a rebound after the ball was parried away by Balestier’s custodian Tan Eng Chiu.
The Sailors doubled their advantage through a Madison Telmer tap-in on 17 minutes, this after being set free on the right wing by a brilliant Lila Tan pass.
Wide forward Miray Altun extended the lead to three in the 45th minute, unleashing a scintillating shot that curled beyond the reach of the outstretched Balestier goalkeeper.
The Sailors carried on in the same vein in the second half, slamming a plethora of goals past Balestier.
18-year-old Miray turned architect in the 48th minute with a well-crafted pass that found Izzati, who put the ball into the back of the net with consummate ease.
Even after four goals, the Sailors were still not done.
The irrepressible Izzati was determined to claim her hat-trick, and did so in lightning fashion. Clean through on goal, she slotted past the Balestier custodian in the 62nd minute.
Izzati was jubilant after the game and gave credit to her team.
“It is an amazing feeling to score three goals and I’m really happy, but this is a team effort, that’s for sure – from the goalkeeper to defenders and the forwards, everyone,” said Izzati, who is now up to six goals for the season – three behind Albirex’s league-leading scorer Kana Kitahara.
“Scoring goals involves all of us: to win the ball, to make the crafty pass, and then to score. As an attacking player, it is my duty to help the team by putting the ball in the back of the net, but this is a whole team effort.”
In the 70th minute, Madison scored her second on the night, pouncing to block a Balestier defender’s pass before providing an instinctive finish, for the Sailors’ sixth goal of the evening.
Substitute Chloe Koh then came on to great effect, the 16-year-old providing a pair of assists to her older teammates. First for Lila’s 83rd-minute goal, and then to help Julia Farr score what was her first ever Sailors goal in the second minute of injury time.
Chloe was one of six 16-year-olds who took to the pitch against Balestier, alongside Tia Foong, the pair making their debut for the Sailors’ women, while Ardhra Arul Ganeswaran was included in the Sailors WPL starting XI for the first time.
The Sailors Women will take on Geylang International on Saturday, 22 July at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium when the WPL resumes after the international break.
Focused Sailors will soldier on
The Lion City Sailors return to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) after the international break and they will look to pick up where they left off – an eight-match unbeaten run – as they host Hougang United at Bishan Stadium on Sunday (23 June).
Daan van Oudheusden and Pablo Muñiz have been in interim charge of the first team for just a week, but have already seen enough from the Sailors they believe will continue to drive towards the SPL title.
The Sailors are currently three points off frontrunners Albirex Niigata (S) – who have a game in hand – and Tampines Rovers going into the final ten games of the season.
“It is quite hectic right now because it is a time of transition. We need to adapt to the new situation – and I admit it is not easy – but the atmosphere in the team is still positive, and we still have the same fiery desire to win games,” said Daan.
Daan takes charge of the practical aspects of first team coaching, while Pablo focuses more on analysis and preparation.
“I don’t think a lot of things will change, but I think we are well-prepared and confident for the next game against Hougang,” added Daan who asserted that despite the preparations being slightly affected by the international break, the Sailors have been working very hard.
Eight Lion City Sailors players were named in Takayuki Nishigaya’s Singapore National Team’s squad, which faced Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in the recent FIFA international window.
“The national team players just came back from international duty and we had to give them additional time to recover, but it is going to be fine because we have worked hard in our preparations.”
“At the end of the day, there is a very strong bond among the players, so belief and motivation are always very high – we’re ready to take the three points,” said the Dutchman.
It is precisely this drive that Hafiz Nor believes will put his team in good stead.
“Nothing’s going to deter our focus – we’ve done well in recent matches and we want to continue our good form to stay in the title hunt,” emphasised the Sailors vice-captain.
“We’re giving our fullest support to Daan and Pablo, and we have full confidence in them to lead us while the club is looking for a permanent replacement. As a club, we must rally together and fight for each other.”
Hafiz is acutely aware that sixth-placed Hougang could pose a tough test – having won four out of their last five matches – but believes that the Sailors’ tenacious fortitude would give them the edge to push for a win.
“We are really aware of Hougang and it will be a tricky game. Under coach Marko Kraljević, Hougang has been in decent form,and we need to be careful,” said the 34-year-old, who is the longest-serving Sailor with 72 appearances.
“We don’t expect any easy games in the SPL and we are going to be focused on our task ahead: To get the three points.”
The Lion City Sailors were held to a 1-1 draw with a spirited Albirex Niigata (S) side at Yishun Stadium on Sunday (18 June) in the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL), but the women are determined to put that result firmly behind them and return to winning ways against Balestier Khalsa at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium this Sunday (25 June).
Ho Hui Xin is confident that the Sailors will bounce back and the midfielder is backing her side to show a fiery energy to beat a Balestier side that is currently seventh in the 10-team WPL table.
The Sailors are currently in second, level on points with league leaders Albirex, who are ahead on superior goal difference.
“We should have closed the Albirex game with the chances we created, but we didn’t do that, and we were punished. We can’t let that happen again,” said the midfield enforcer.
“Our style of play will be the same against Balestier in the next game and all games in the future, but we need to improve on our finishing – it doesn’t amount to anything if we can’t convert our chances – and I’m confident that moving forward, we will put the ball in the back of the net.”
While she retains a firm belief in the team, Hui Xin has called for the Sailors women to guard against complacency against Balestier.
“They have quite a few experienced players like Defender Siti Nurerwadah and also Mastura Jeilani who has a commanding presence – we need to look out for her. She can take long shots, and usually, Balestier’s play goes through her,” added the Sailors Women vice-captain.
“As a team, they have a strong bond and terrific chemistry, I am sure they will give us an excellent fight. We need to be focused, and we need the three points to maintain our foothold in the league.”
Munirah Mohamad was equally adamant to retain focus for the entire 90 minutes against Balestier.
“We did feel defeated after the draw against Albirex, but we do want to let that affect our morale, and we are determined to improve,” said the defender.
“We cannot let our guard down because Balestier have key players who can change the game. Any complacency can bring us down, so as a team we must keep our head in the game, score goals and get the three points.”
