The Lion City Sailors today bid farewell to Sporting Director Badri Ghent, who has left the club to take on the significant role of General Secretary at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).

Since the Sailors’ inception in 2020, the 36-year-old has been pivotal in shaping the club’s direction both on and off the pitch. His vision and leadership raised the level of professionalism, strengthened the football structure, and cultivated a culture of excellence that will serve the Sailors well for years to come.

Badri’s journey began with the Sailors’ predecessor, Home United, where he rose through the ranks to become the youngest-ever Team Manager of a professional football club in Singapore in 2014, before being appointed General Manager in 2017.

He was instrumental in the club’s privatisation in 2020, which saw the birth of the modern-day Sailors. In his role as Sporting Director, Badri spearheaded the club’s sporting strategy and player recruitment processes, while continuing to oversee its broader direction.

Under his steady leadership, the Sailors broke new ground for Singapore football and beyond. Notable milestones included the opening of the country’s first integrated football training facility in 2022, and the historic achievement earlier this May of becoming the first Singapore club to reach the final of a continental competition, the AFC Champions League Two.

“It has been a tremendous journey, from the Home United days to the exciting transformation into the Lion City Sailors. I am deeply grateful to everyone at the club – management, staff, players, and fans – for their unwavering commitment and belief in the vision we set out together. It has been a real honour to serve and represent this club, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past few years,” said Badri.

“While I now step into a wider role to serve Singapore football, I am confident that the Sailors will continue to push forward and thrive in my absence, with the solid foundations built on professionalism and ambition.

“I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”

The Sailors are deeply grateful for Badri’s leadership, passion, and tireless work over the years. His appointment as FAS General Secretary comes as no surprise, and reflects the trust placed in him to help steer Singapore football forward.

While we are sad to see him leave, we take pride in knowing that Singapore football will now benefit from his expertise. His new role gives him the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport we all love, and that is something worth celebrating.

Badri departs with a strong legacy, and the Sailors remain committed to driving his work forward with the same ambition and dedication, as we continue our pursuit of success both domestically and on the continental stage.

We thank him sincerely for his immense contributions, and wish him nothing but the very best in his new chapter at the FAS.

Technical Director Luka Lalić will now step in as Acting Sporting Director for the Sailors.