Category: Feature
Armed with a talented squad that includes a number of Singapore internationals, promising foreign players and young talents, the Lion City Sailors Women set an ambitious goal for themselves in their maiden Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign – they did not just want to win the league, they wanted to do it in style, with an entertaining brand of attacking football.
And they delivered, in emphatic fashion, passing and moving to the WPL title in their maiden season.
The road to being crowned champions of the first post-pandemic WPL season was paved with various pitfalls: from players leaving the country and the club to pursue work and academic goals, injuries, and challenging conditions at the Yishun Stadium, to inspired performances from stubborn opposition.
But the Sailors women were rooted in their united belief that hard work, a firm commitment to the playing philosophy and sheer doggedness would get them to the finish line in what turned out to be a memorable voyage to the WPL title.
Hitting the ground with a sprint
Head Coach Yeong Sheau Shyan and her charges stayed true to their word, getting their season off to a flyer as they dispatched Albirex Niigata (S) 4-1 on 5 June with Nur Izzati Rosni grabbing a brace, before thrashing Hougang United 6-0 courtesy of a couple of goals each from Lila Tan and Dorcas Chu to make it two wins out of two.
A one-month hiatus due to Singapore’s involvement in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women’s Championship failed to halt their momentum as they swept aside Still Aerion FC 4-0 on their return to league action through braces from Izzati and Danelle Tan. They then edged Tiong Bahru 2-1 through another Danelle double to keep their 100% record intact after four matches.
There was no doubt that the Sailors laid down a serious marker from the start, firmly establishing themselves as the team to beat in the early days of the season.
First setback before rediscovering the groove
The Sailors Women hit a snag in their fifth WPL outing, failing to break down a compact defensive block set up by Tanjong Pagar United and had to be content with a 0-0 draw.
There was clear frustration from Sheau Shyan and the players after the result, but they channelled that into positive energy, defeating Balestier Khalsa 4-0 in their next fixture – with Danelle netting in her final Sailors outing before returning to the United Kingdom to resume her studies – and got back to winning ways.
Next up was a tricky task against Albirex – bolstered by a few mid-season arrivals including former Japan international Kana Kitahara – but the Sailors delivered one of their most convincing displays in 2022 to smash the White Swans 4-0 with Izzati starring with her first-ever WPL hat-trick.
The league leaders then overcame Balestier 3-0 before tearing Hougang apart 6-0 – with Canadian teenager Madison Telmer netting a treble – as the Sailors registered four straight wins to remain five points clear at the top with a game in hand on closest rivals Tanjong Pagar.
More importantly, they were at that point, just one win away from sealing the title.
Sealing the crown as Invincibles
The title triumph was then confirmed two weeks later on 10 September as Sheau Shyan’s women recovered from a sluggish first-half display to demolish Still Aerion 4-0 – a result that saw raucous celebrations at the final whistle as players celebrated in unison with fans who made the trip up north to Yishun.
The title was sewn up with two games left to play, but the women were not fully done. They had set their sights on finishing the season unbeaten, and the job still required work.
Their five-match winning run would come to an end against a resolute Tiong Bahru side as they were held to a goalless draw and failed to win for just the second time in 2022.
The final match of the season would not come any easier as they came up against a determined Tanjong Pagar side, who were gunning for a win to seal second spot. Yuki Monden drew first blood for the Jaguars as the Sailors’ goal was breached for the first time in eight matches, but the champions rallied and levelled through Lila before netting a dramatic injury-time winner through Fatin Aqillah to end the season on a high note.
As the Sailors lifted the WPL trophy and were presented with the S$25,000 winners’ cheque after the game, there was little doubt that it was a thoroughly deserved triumph.
The Sailors were the only team to beat every other team in the league, they ended the campaign with the best attacking and defensive record, scoring 39 and conceding just three, they finished seven points clear of eventual runners-up Albirex and Izzati picked up the top scorers’ award with 10 goals to top it all off.
Over the course of the season, the players showed their ability to break down stubborn defences and display the brand of progressive football that they set out to achieve from the get-go.
While plans are still being firmed up for the 2023 WPL season, one thing is for certain: the Sailors women will return for the new campaign with the same desire and increased motivation to retain their spot as the Queens of Singapore football.
There was no letting up for the Lion City Sailors after their Asian Football Confederation Champions League (AFC) sojourn, with three Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches lined up in the month of May.
The champions edged Hougang United 4-3 and Geylang International 1-0, before trouncing Tampines Rovers 4-0 to equal the club record of six successive SPL wins – first achieved between April to May 2021.
As the team goes off for a much-needed break before their next SPL match on 19th June, we look back on the three major talking points from their three successful outings this month.
Head Coach’s focus has had a tangible Kim-pact on the Sailors
Ever since the Sailors returned from the ACL, Head Coach Kim Do-hoon has emphasised that the team must show further improvement in their game-play and maintain the same level of intensity even in the SPL. The 2020 ACL winner remains adamant that his charges cannot afford to be complacent despite having already demonstrated that they can be competitive against Asia’s big boys.
The Sailors showed up in their first post-ACL match against Hougang with an enterprising attacking performance that cut the Cheetahs’ defence up at will, but proceeded to put in a flat display against Geylang and were perhaps lucky to get the three points against the Eagles.
That prompted Coach Kim to dish out some harsh words – words that stung – and the players responded and reaffirmed their commitment to the cause with a wonderful all-round display against Tampines. It was a tough task against one of the league’s most in-form sides, but the Sailors applied whatever they worked on in training to tear the Stags apart with some well-constructed, slick moves.
His words and focus on continual development have certainly had a tangible impact on the team, and fans can be assured the Sailors will continue in the same relentless manner when they return to the SPL.
Maxime’s proving he’s the real deal
His quality was never in doubt from the day he signed, and the scary thing is, Maxime seems like he’s just getting started.
There were some quizzical looks from the fraternity when Maxime was sparingly used in the first SPL round, but Coach Kim and the coaching setup clearly knew what they were doing – slowly bedding him in and allowing him time to acclimatise to the weather and football in Singapore. The former PSV Eindhoven man has not looked back since returning from the ACL, starting and making a goal contribution in all three games.
After a Man-of-the-Match display against Hougang in which he produced one goal and one assist, he then laid on Diego Lopes’s matchwinner against Geylang before yet another goal and assist to destroy Tampines. Stats and thrilling displays aside, his European experience has also been integral to the team’s development with the likes of Haiqal Pashia learning from Maxime as he grows into a more accomplished player.
Maxime’s rise mirrors that of Diego, who has now firmly established himself in the first eleven and appears to be at the heart of every good Sailors’ move. With the two dovetailing well and showing an uncanny chemistry on the pitch, there is surely more for Sailors fans to savour in months ahead.
A solid core making the difference
The numbers tell a story: the Sailors kept one clean sheet in Kim’s first 10 SPL matches in charge in 2021, but this season they have five shutouts to their name in the same number of games.
It all appears to stem from a solid core that makes the team so difficult to break down. Having played in midfield for virtually his whole career, Hariss Harun has now grown into his new role and is clearly a first-choice centre-back option for both club and country. Having played every minute for the Sailors in both the SPL and ACL, the indefatigable skipper is often exactly where the team needs him, either putting his body on the line or sweeping up the danger as the last line of defence.
The blossoming partnership between Hariss and Pedro Henrique is, of course, another reason why the Sailors are thriving, with the latter now showing exactly why the club went all out to secure a left-footed centre-back who is both strong in the challenge and comfortable on the ball.
Behind the dominant pair is Hassan Sunny who seems to age like fine wine. His superb command of the penalty area has seen him chalk up four consecutive clean sheets for the first time since a six-match streak in August 2010.
With a solid defensive core in place and in form, the Sailors have a sturdy platform from which to launch a charge for the SPL title when the league resumes in June.
In their first-ever Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) campaign, the Lion City Sailors gave a good account of themselves as they fell just short of a historic qualification for the competition’s last 16.
The Sailors quickly bounced back from an opening 4-1 defeat to J League powerhouse Urawa Red Diamonds with a stunning 3-0 thrashing of K League side Daegu FC, before a 0-0 draw and 3-2 win over Chinese Super League champions Shandong Taishan.
A 6-0 loss to Urawa thereafter was followed by a narrow 2-1 defeat to Daegu as they eventually finished third in Group F, but there were plenty of positives to take away for the Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions as they set a few records along the way.
Here we look back on the five major talking points from a memorable maiden voyage.
Singaporean clubs can compete at this level
Most points, most wins, most clean sheets and most goals scored by a Singapore club in a single ACL campaign – the Sailors showed that with the right investment and strategy, an outfit from this tiny island can be competitive against Asia’s big boys.
To go into the final group game with qualification hopes within reach, the Sailors demonstrated that Singapore clubs are not as far off from a historic last-16 finish in the ACL as it was initially believed. And it is a journey that has hopefully inspired – and galvanised – the Singapore football community. The mindset now has to shift from participating in this competition for experience to going in and driving to get beyond the group stages.
The Sailors’ good run this year serves as a catalyst for the club to double down on its efforts to drive further improvements in the local game – be it fine-tuning structures or investing in the up-and-coming generation of young footballers so that the Singapore flag can continue to be flown high on the continent.
The team’s ability to adjust to tactical demands
Eyebrows were raised when Kim Do-hoon tinkered and experimented with the team a little in the first round of SPL fixtures, but the South Korean tactician knew what he was doing as he geared his charges up for the ACL.
Against the cream of the crop in the continent, the Sailors showed that they can mix it up and switch to differing modes against varying opponents. In the two matches against Daegu, the team excelled with five at the back with the solidity of the structure giving the attackers the licence to roam forwards in counter-attacks utilising the pace of Maxime Lestienne and Faris Ramli alongside Song Ui-young. Against Shandong, they lined up in their more accustomed 4-2-3-1 where they displayed their dominance in possession and controlling the tempo of the game.
Coach Kim’s tactical know-how and the players’ ability to adapt truly came to the fore as they put up several creditable performances.
Song showing that he can elevate his game
There were a few impressive performers for the Sailors in this campaign – Hassan Sunny was his usual steady self in goal, Pedro Henrique was a rock in defence, Shahdan Sulaiman showed his class in midfield, but Song was undeniably the Sailors’ star pupil in the Class of 2022.
The 28-year-old did not even start the first game against Urawa, but never looked back once he was handed the chance against Daegu in Matchday 2 with his majestic header leading the Sailors to that sensational 3-0 win over Daegu.
Finishing the campaign off with a long-range scorcher against the same opposition meant he became the all-time Singaporean top scorer in the ACL with three goals. But beyond getting on the scoresheet, Song led the line superbly with his infectious energy that meant the Sailors always posed a threat on the counter-attack.
With the same desire and work ethic that saw him battle back from being on the periphery to a key member of the 2021 title-winning squad, Song gave everything in Buriram and proved his worth to not just the team – but also to the continent that he truly belonged on this stage.
On the right track, but patience needed
The Sailors showed glimpses of what they are capable of, backing up that 3-0 triumph over Daegu with another creditable display in the unlucky final-day loss against the same opponents – proving that the previous victory was no fluke.
However, there were games and instances that also showed the inexperience or gulf in class that still exists between them and Asia’s big guns – and there is no hiding from that. This was the Sailors’ maiden ACL voyage and it will take more games for Singaporean footballers to get properly accustomed to the intensity and concentration required to consistently compete at this level.
Looking not far beyond Singapore shores, Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim have bossed their domestic league for the past decade but it was on their fourth try when they managed to qualify for the ACL’s last 16 for the first time.
Focus is now on earning the ticket back into ACL
After jostling with Asia’s best on the continent’s top table, the Sailors must quickly recalibrate and focus on the club’s bread and butter – the SPL – starting from this Friday’s (6 May) clash against Hougang United.
Kim’s men are four points clear of the rest, but there should be no letting up with still three rounds of fixtures (21 more games) left to be played.
Kim has already told his charges that the focus must be retaining the levels of intensity they have demonstrated they can attain, and consistently achieving results to get their hands on the SPL title again.
Only the top Singapore side gains entry into the ACL and the Sailors have to go out there to earn the right to compete at the highest level again in 2023 as well as the subsequent years to come.
Winning the SPL is a milestone on the Sailors’ lofty target of becoming one of Asia’s elite clubs, and the club must continue to consistently prove that it deserves the spot at Asia’s top table.
His driving runs and insatiable energy down the left flank have been a constant feature domestically, culminating in team and personal triumphs in 2021 – the Lion City Sailors’ first-ever Singapore Premier League (SPL) title and a Young Player of the Year (YPOTY) gong.
But Nur Adam Abdullah is not satisfied – he is out to test his ability against Asia’s cream of the crop as the Sailors embark on their maiden Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) campaign this week.
Ever since the team confirmed qualification to the 2022 ACL at the end of last season, his mind has never strayed away from making his mark on the continent’s biggest club competition. Even an unfortunate pre-season medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in February did nothing to quell his ambitions.
“I wasn’t too worried after Kak-Fizah (Sailors’ Head of Physiotherapy, Nurhafizah Abu Sujad) briefed me about the duration of recovery, and the thought of playing in the ACL was a big driving force for me to come back stronger. The key was just to get some playing time and match fitness back before the competition,” said the defender who turns 21 today (13 April).
Nur Adam has since recovered quickly with the help of the Sailors’ medical department, getting a couple of SPL games under his belt, and is set to make a splash on the continental stage where the Sailors are placed in Group F with powerhouses from Japan, Korea and China.
The young full-back is most looking forward to the matches against Urawa Red Diamonds, and possibly a duel against seasoned Japanese international, Hiroki Sakai, down the Sailors’ left flank.
“Sakai’s a top player who has played in Europe and at World Cups. I know he was out injured (at end March), but I really hope he can come back in time so that I can test myself by playing against such top players to see the level I’m at and improve,” he said.
Nur Adam has already had a taste of Japanese football, having gone on training stints with J-League clubs Matsumoto Yamaga and Omiya Ardija in 2015 and 2017 respectively, and he was left impressed by the strong work ethic and technical ability.
A constant in Singapore’s national age-group squads, the 2018 Dollah Kassim Award winner’s career has gone from strength to strength, and he capped off an amazing 2021 by making his competitive debut for the Lions at the AFF Suzuki Cup.
The tenacious Nur Adam has always set his sights high – he holds ambitions of becoming one of Southeast Asia’s top full-backs and knows the ACL is the perfect platform to propel his football, and his career, to the next level.
“I want to be the best in my position, just like any other player. People are starting to notice me after the Suzuki Cup and I know there will be even more eyeballs on me – and us – at the ACL. It’s an opportunity for me to show that although I’m still young, I have the ability to compete and perform at this level,” said a deadpan Nur Adam.
But he is acutely aware that the ACL is a whole different ball game.
He has done a bit of homework, getting advice from his good friend Ryaan Sanizal, who played in last season’s competition with Tampines Rovers, as well as Sailors teammate Diego Lopes, who played in the UEFA Europa League with Portuguese club Rio Ave.
“I watched most of Tampines’ ACL games – honestly they played some beautiful football, but were punished by some small mistakes. In SPL, we can still get away with those, but against high-quality opponents in the ACL, boom and it’s gone! Ryaan and I spoke and agreed – it’s definitely a game of concentration and trying to minimise mistakes.” analyzed Nur Adam.
“Coach Kim Do-hoon has also emphasised the small details – not to do this or that because we will bring these mistakes or habits into the ACL, and will be punished.
“Diego also shared with us that at this level, we have to play smart. It’s not so much about running up and down, instead we should play one or two touches, get some quick passes and combination plays going, to break through opposition defences.”
Six games played over 15 days in the Ramadan period will be a real test of resolve of the Muslim players in the Sailors’ ranks, but Nur Adam believes it is not an excuse for the Sailors not to perform at the ACL.
“If top players like Paul Pogba and Mo Salah can fast and still perform, there should be no excuses for us. It’s all in the mind and I believe we can cope with it,” he said.
Nur Adam knows the bigger issue of national pride intertwined with the Sailors’ performances in the ACL and has already set a personal goal for himself.
“We’re representing Singapore, so our results in the competition matters to the image of our country’s football. So we have to go out there and give a good account of ourselves to show why we deserve that spot in the ACL,” he elaborated.
“I’ve been working very hard to improve my all-round game, and I’m aiming for at least one assist, hopefully for (Kim) Shin-wook to score!”
It has been a meteoric rise for the Lion City Sailors since their official inception in 2020.
From making history as the first privatised football club in Singapore, to smashing the Singapore Premier League (SPL) transfer record with the purchase of Diego Lopes, then winning the SPL title in 2021, the Sailors have gone from strength to strength over the last two years.
The Sailors, however, will have their mettle well and truly tested later this month, when they take on their biggest challenge to date at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL). They will line up in Group F, alongside Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds, South Korean outfit Daegu FC, and Shandong Taishan from China.
This will be the first time that the club will be taking part in the ACL, where only Asia’s top clubs play.
Club captain Hariss Harun is acutely aware of the significance of this milestone in the Sailors’ ongoing quest to become a dominant team of the region.
Hariss, who has experienced success on the continental stage with his 2015 AFC Cup triumph in Johor Darul Ta’zim colours, said: “This is the premier club competition in Asia, featuring top players from Asian footballing powerhouses like Japan, Korea, and Australia, so it’s a great honour for us to be involved as a club and representing Singapore.
“I’ve always believed that it’s important for us to play in the ACL if we want to grow the club as a whole. Only by playing in such a prestigious competition can you make a name for yourself on the continent.
“This is also a good chance to find out where we stand against the best teams in the region.”
In preparation for the ACL this year, the Sailors invested in strengthening their squad with top-quality players, including foreign stars Maxime Lestienne, Pedro Henrique, Kim Shin-Wook, and Singapore internationals, M. Anumanthan and Izwan Mahbud.
The former three have experience playing at the highest level – Maxime has played in the UEFA Champions League, and, like Pedro, has also featured in the Europa League, while Shin-wook is a two-time ACL winner.
Hariss believes these new signings will go a long way in helping the Sailors cope with the demands of the competition.
In particular, the 31-year-old hailed Shin-wook as the key to the Sailors’ ACL campaign, saying: “Shin-wook is a natural goal-scorer. As you can see from the first few games, if you give him the ball where he wants it, he’s going to finish it off.
“He’s captained the South Korea National Team, played in World Cups, played and won in ACL finals, so he comes with a lot of experience at a very high level. I have no doubt he’s going to be instrumental for us in the ACL.”
While acknowledging the enormity of the task ahead, Hariss is quietly optimistic that the Sailors can spring a surprise or two in the competition.
At the very least, the Lions’ skipper wants the Sailors to prove themselves worthy of their spot alongside Asia’s best.
He said: “Personally, the best gauge of success is when people watch our games, they recognise that we belong at this level. So we have to go out there to compete, and not be cowed by the opposition.
“All the players are excited to test ourselves against some of the best in the region, and we’re going to try to play our game. We’ve worked hard in pre-season specifically with the ACL in mind, and I think we’re ready for what’s to come.”
When asked how many points he was hoping the Sailors could garner in the group stage, Hariss joked: “The target is 18 points, of course! But really, it’s about going out there to be competitive, and most importantly, enjoy our football, because that’s when we’ll tend to play at our best.”
The Lion City Sailors will be making their first-ever appearance in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) this year, but there are some among their number who are no strangers to the region’s top-tier club competition – including a pair who have not only amassed experience playing and managing in the ACL, but have also won the competition itself: Sailors Head Coach Kim Do-Hoon and 33-year-old striker Kim Shin-wook.
The older Kim – whose name is already carved into the annals of ACL history as the first player to ever score a hat-trick in the competition in 2003 – coached South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai to the ACL title barely two years ago.
Shin-wook’s achievements in the ACL are equally, if not more impressive. The deadly poacher has played 52 games in the competition so far, with 20 goals and 10 assists to his name, and crucially, has won the ACL title twice, with Ulsan Hyundai in 2012 and again in 2016, as part of Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors.
It is no surprise, then, that all eyes will be on the two Kims when the Sailors make their long-awaited appearance in the ACL later this month.
Despite their familiarity with the ACL, however, both Do-hoon and Shin-wook are expecting a vastly different experience in the tournament this time around.
Shin-wook said: “Each ACL campaign is already unique, but this year, playing for a new club, it’s going to be completely different to what I’ve experienced in the competition with my previous teams.”
Do-hoon is relishing the experience of being the man in charge of the Sailors for their first-ever ACL tournament, as he said: “I’m privileged and honoured to be able to lead this club in the ACL. It is the most prestigious tournament in the region, and we are proud that we’re not just representing the Sailors, but also Singapore.
“I’ve played in the ACL as a player and led teams as a coach, so it is a tournament I’m familiar with. But each tournament, with different teams taking part, is a different experience, so I’m not taking anything for granted.”
While there is a buzz around the club ahead of their ACL debut, Do-hoon emphasised the importance of staying grounded, and warned his players to brace themselves for difficult battles ahead.
“It’s going to be tough,” Do-hoon declared. “I want to be realistic, I don’t want to be building any false hopes.
“For starters, we want to score our first goal of the tournament. Then, we’ll look to win our first points. More importantly, we want to play the Sailors way, and give our all until the final whistle.
“So I need to create the atmosphere, the environment for the players to help us stay focused and be ready for whatever challenges come our way.”
Agreeing, Shin-wook urged his team-mates to seize the moment, and go into every game ready to fight for every ball.
“We have to toughen up, and bring a strong will and aggression to every game,” said the man who captained South Korea just last year. “Our opponents in the group have quality, so we will need to do our best to nullify their strengths. That is something that really made the difference when I was with Jeonbuk, and that is how we won the tournament.
“Every player will need to go into each match as if it’s their last, and be prepared to give more than their 100 per cent. That is the key to success in the ACL.”
Ultimately, though, Do-hoon hopes his charges will be able to emerge from their maiden ACL campaign with their heads held high.
The 51-year-old mused: “There’s every chance that some of our results might be difficult to take, but we’ll just have to stay humble, keep working hard in training, and put out the best performance we can.
“We have to try and play our football, show who we are, and do the club, as well as Singapore football as a whole, proud.
“If we just stay focused and take things step-by-step, I’m sure we can pull off a surprise or two.”
It is the duty of every Singaporean son, and a vital facet of the nation and our nationhood.
Embracing the importance of National Service (NS), both to the country and its citizens, the Lion City Sailors Football Academy have taken a somewhat unusual approach to ensure that the national cause and football dreams continue to burn brightly, side-by-side – its Early Enlistment Bond.
The bond that was launched in December 2020 will see trainees enlist after completing secondary education, under Singapore’s Voluntary Early Enlistment Scheme.
The aim: for young footballers in the Academy’s scholarship programme to fully immerse themselves in the rite of passage for Singaporean males before turning their full attention towards pursuing lofty football dreams.
It is an approach that aspiring professionals Yasir Nizamudin, Marcus Mosses and Uvayn Kumar have embraced, as they enlisted as full-time National Servicemen (NSF) on Monday (28 March).
The trio who were all born in 2005, have taken up the Academy’s Early Enlistment Bond and have moved to enlist immediately after completing secondary school to commit to their duty as Singaporeans for the next two years.
The Academy has put in place personal training programmes aimed at ensuring their enlisted trainees maintain a level of physical conditioning that will ease their eventual return to the elite level of the sport, while staying engaged with the various NS units to monitor the progress of these NSF-athletes.
When they return to football, they are assured two-year professional contracts with the club, and will train for and compete in competitions stipulated by the club, including the Singapore Football League, as they knock on the door of the Sailors’ first team – all this while they continue tertiary studies sponsored by the Sailors.
These trainees may also be sent abroad for training stints and professional trials.
The trio are the second batch of the Academy’s elite trainees to do so under the programme, and they took time out to discuss their big decision before they enlisted on 28 March.
“Actually my mum would have preferred me to go to a junior college (JC) first because she’s worried I would lose interest in studies after NS, but I convinced her that I will continue to pursue academics after my ORD (operationally-ready date),” said Yasir, who graduated from Victoria School with an L1R5 (first language and five relevant subjects) score of 12 in his O-levels, a score that would qualify him for a local JC.
“No matter which pathway I take, I’m certain I’ll eventually still study and get a degree because it’s clear how important qualifications are in our country.
“Coach (and Academy Technical Director) Luka Lalić spoke to my parents and me, and that’s when we realised that if I opt for early enlistment, I will have more time and focus to grab football opportunities that come my way later,” he added.
In a similar vein, Marcus and Uvayn chose early enlistment instead of entering the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) after completing their N-levels as originally planned.
“The main goal of doing this is so that I can fully focus on my football from when I’m 19 years old onwards. My parents were initially reluctant, to be honest, but when I explained how it would help me, they readily gave me their fullest support,” explained Uvayn.
“At age 21 or 22 where people are starting to enlist, we’ve already done our duty to the nation. It frees us to take overseas opportunities with both hands and fully commit to football,” added Marcus.
But taking the road less travelled comes with its own challenges – and fears.
“Coach (and Academy General Manager) Tan Li Yu spoke with us and shared how the previous batch of boys are managing things. There will always be that element of fear going into a new environment, but we’re also excited and keeping an open mind to learn new things while we’re in NS,” said Yasir, a central midfielder.
“There is a common gripe that NS hampers the development of a professional sportsman. But we believe there can be several positive effects too. For example, these two years of NS can help the boys mature, go from boys to men as it were, as well as instil more discipline in them,” said Academy General Manager, Li Yu.
Yasir, Marcus and Uvayn have grown as young footballers at the Academy, and are determined to make sure that all the hard work put into football will continue – even if NS takes prime spot in the next two years.
“Every Singaporean male will have to go through NS, and I don’t think it should be an excuse for our football development to stop. With the support of the club – along with our own discipline and motivation – we can use the time we have outside of our duties to practice and maintain our levels – and maybe even improve,” said Yasir.
“The coaches at the Academy have cultivated the mindset of continuous improvement in us, and I intend to lean on this while I’m doing my duty to Singapore.”
Marcus, a left-footed centre-back, scouted from the ActiveSG academy, agreed. He said: “I’ve been at the Academy for only slightly more than a year (since February 2021), but the support that we’ve received in terms of training, development, and even allowances, has been tremendous.
“We don’t take things for granted. I give it my all every single day in training and put on my best performance because I want to benefit and learn from our coaches who come from the best academies in Europe.
“This is the same approach I believe Yasir, Uvayn and I will take with us when we enlist.”
Said Li Yu: “We have taken this approach, in alignment with the existing National Service system, to give the Academy’s best talents the best possible chance of pursuing a career in football abroad.”
“We are very clear to these players: during these two years of full time NS, they are soldiers first and footballers second. It’s a duty to our nation they must fulfil, before going full steam ahead in football when they are done.”
It has been a mixed start to the 2022 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season for the Lion City Sailors as they accumulated seven points from their opening four matches to sit in third in the eight team standings – a point behind leaders Tanjong Pagar United.
Starting their title defence with a 3-1 win over Hougang United, the Sailors suffered a setback in the following outing with a 1-0 loss to Geylang International – their first loss in 21 matches in all competitions. Kim Do-hoon’s men then bounced back with a 1-0 defeat of Tampines Rovers, before battling to a 1-1 draw against four-time champions Albirex Niigata (S).
As the Sailors gear up to face Balestier Khalsa on Friday in their first match after the FIFA international break, we look back on the five major talking points from the team’s first four league outings of 2022.
Hassan’s evergreen excellence in the Sailors’ goal
Hassan Sunny has arguably been the Sailors’ best player this season so far. In the three matches that he has played – missing only the Geylang defeat – the Singapore international has proved that he is still one of the best in the business – if not the best.
His overall command of the area has been impeccable, and he has been virtually unbeatable in one-on-one situations – pulling off numerous point-blank saves especially against Tampines and Albirex. Hassan has conceded two goals this season, both top quality blinding strikes from distance.
Turning 38 in April, Hassan is evidently ageing like fine wine and not going away any time soon. Dedication to his craft and leadership are two of his qualities that drive the rest of the team to step up. With him and Izwan Mahbud pushing each other hard on a daily basis, the goalkeeping situation at the Sailors – as well as on the international front – is in safe hands.
The Covid-19 situation has not helped
Head Coach Kim Do-hoon has yet to be able to field a consistent starting eleven, with various members of his squad falling victim to the coronavirus on separate occasions.
Faris Ramli missed the opening win over Hougang, then it was Tajeli Salamat and M Anumanthan’s turn against Tampines, with Kim Shin-wook also stuck in isolation prior to the Albirex fixture.
The Covid-19 situation remains fluid with players possibly testing positive the day after playing a game or even in the week leading up to the next game, requiring the Sailors’ technical team to react fast and adapt to such situations, redeploy their chess pieces or even rejig the game plan.
Iqram Rifqi is the latest one to be struck by the virus which led to him reluctantly withdrawing from the Singapore squad at the Football Association of Singapore Tri-Nations Series against Malaysia and the Philippines.
While this is hardly ideal, it is a situation that will affect every club, and will need to be managed throughout the season. Fortunately the Sailors have both strength and depth in the squad Kim has assembled.
We’re beginning to see the real Diego
Olá, Diego! The Brazilian playmaker is now starting to show what he can do, and why he deserves to be a regular starter for the Sailors.
Arriving with a sizable price tag in 2021, the former Benfica man exploded into life in the SPL with a hat-trick in an 8-0 win over Geylang and a wondrous match-winning volley in a 1-0 defeat of Hougang under Aurelio Vidmar, but subsequently found it hard going.
With a solid pre-season under his belt and honest chats with the Head Coach about expectations for 2022, the 27-year-old Diego has begun this campaign well. He came off the bench to score against Hougang, before being entrusted to start the Tampines and Albirex matches – marking the first time he started and completed the full 90 minutes since May 2021. In those two outings, he provided a real treat for the fans with silky close control and an ability to dictate play from the middle of the park.
The Sailors – and fans – are certainly looking forward to seeing him pick up where he left off when the SPL restarts, and hopefully hitting the right notes in the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) campaign.
Resurgence of 2011 Lion City Cup stars
They were breakout stars in the 2011 Lion City Cup at the age of 15, and the pair of Adam Swandi and Iqram Rifqi have enjoyed some good times, but have also struggled through rough injury-riddled periods in their professional careers. Both of them are now starting to reap the rewards of their hard work and persistence.
A horrific anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in July 2019 saw Adam missing more than a year of action and he had to be content with being an impact substitute on several occasions since his comeback. In Kim’s first game in charge in July 2021, the playmaker was given his first start in over two years but lasted just 14 minutes due to another injury setback. The 26-year-old kept working hard behind the scenes, and is now trusted to start regularly in central midfield alongside Shahdan Sulaiman, impressing with his industry and smooth passing ability.
Iqram was also an ACL victim that led to him missing the majority of the Sailors’ inaugural season in 2020 and a hamstring injury meant he made only a handful of appearances on loan at Geylang in 2021. However, he has come back with a vengeance this season – netting in the opening win against Hougang and is the only player along with captain Hariss Harun to start all four league games this year. Iqram’s sparkling form means there will be tough competition for Nur Adam Abdullah to regain the left-back position that he owned last year.
Still perfecting the Sailors’ art
The Sailors will be first to admit that their performances in the first four league matches of 2022 could have been better. The coaching team and players have been hard at work trying to fine-tune the Sailor’s offensive rhythm and fluidity in their football. And slowly but surely, things are coming together for the Sailors.
Against Albirex, the side that pushed the title race to the final match last season, the Sailors showed especially in the opening half-hour that they can dictate the tempo of the play and deprive the opponents of the ball by constantly pressing from the front.
On the numbers front, things are looking healthier as well. Gabriel Quak and Nur Adam Abdullah have worked their way back to full fitness and made quite an impact as second-half substitutes against Albirex, with the former showing the nerve to net an injury-time penalty equaliser. Pedro Henrique will return for the SPL restart after completing a two-match suspension, while Maxime Lestienne is also chomping at the bit and working doubly hard to get his first start in a Sailors shirt.
All these bodes well for the Sailors as they gear up for an important April – with SPL fixtures against Balestier, Young Lions and Tanjong Pagar to navigate before travelling to Buriram, Thailand for their maiden ACL campaign.
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the globe on 8 March, commemorating the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women.
In this special feature, we look behind the veil of Sailors women who continue to drive the club forward, to better understand their struggles, challenges and inspiration as they make their mark in the male-dominated Singapore football industry.
With firm eyes gazing over the green of the Mattar Road fields, Chloe Alphonso barks out instructions with an air of authority that belies her slight figure. She demands nothing less than 100 percent focus from her trainees, because commitment and discipline are critical in sport, and it is also what she demands of herself.
The 25-year-old is one of the roses amongst the thorns at the Lion City Sailors Football Academy, and like for every trainer – or administrator – in the organisation, football is accepted as serious business, and every member must play their part for the team to succeed.
Football is a largely male-dominated industry in Singapore, but there are those like Chloe who stride freely in and carve out a space for themselves, breaking the bias with their personality, perspective, and commitment to the cause they have chosen.
The Sailors are blessed to have several such women in the club’s ranks, and on International Women’s Day, the Sailors celebrate their spirit and effort.
Chloe is a performance trainer who specialises in strength and conditioning (S&C). She assists the Academy’s Head of Performance Mark Onderwater and Lead S&C Coach Callum Liddle, and also has the responsibility of leading both gym and on-pitch sessions for the boys from the Under-10 squad all the way through to the Singapore Football League (SFL) team that will participate in Singapore’s amateur league.
The Sailors women
Chloe admits her presence does draw attention and quizzical looks from some surprised parents, but she is confident that her presence is well-merited.
“Whenever I tell someone about my role in the Academy, their first instinct is “wow!” Jaws start to drop with eyes wide open, but I don’t take that as a bad thing,” said Chloe, chuckling.
“It’s good that people are impressed that more women are coming into the field and there are many others who are doing the same thing as I am at the elite level.”
Football remains a male-dominated sport, but the ground is shifting.
More and more females are getting into the game, at all levels, and in varying roles, and it is no different at the Sailors, a club that has embraced the expertise and contribution of women in the organisation.
Nurhafizah Abu Sujad is the Sailors’ Head of Physiotherapy, and also widely celebrated as the Florence Nightingale of local football, while Suzanna Foo is the acting Team Manager for the Sailors’ star-studded Singapore Premier League (SPL) team. And then there is Yeong Sheau Shyan who is perhaps the leader of the largest group of women within the club, she is the Head Coach of the Sailors Women’s Team.
Breaking through the wall
These ladies differ in areas of expertise, in personality and age, but have all faced similar barriers on their road into the sport, but they also share a similar commitment to push past obstacles to drive towards their goals.
Sheau Shyan struggled to land job opportunities when she first came into the scene in 2006 and only switched to full-time coaching some years later.
“There weren’t actually any coaching opportunities for female coaches, perhaps because schools and academies would rather have some “old uncles” who have a little bit of football experience than to trust a female coach – because they’ve never seen one before,” said the 44-year-old.
“It was difficult to make coaching a full-time career choice because you only had one or two coaching jobs to try and make enough to survive.”
For Chloe who started coaching at the LCS academy some five months ago, after graduating with a Masters in Sports and Exercise Medicine from a UK university, the stigma came earlier when she was a young aspirant in a local polytechnic and was often made to feel she did not belong in this field.
“People often go like “women in sport? Those don’t exist, oh, surely you should pick someone else”, or “women aren’t capable of doing the things that men are doing”. Even in university in the sport science setting, the ratio between women and men was quite obvious,” she revealed.
Suzanna’s struggles kicked off in the last millennium – the very year Singapore got its first professional league – but appear to sprout from the same roots.
Since the S.League (now rebranded as the Singapore Premier League) was established in 1996, she has worked in football administration roles at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) as well as at various local clubs’ senior teams and youth teams.
“Back in those days, fewer women were working in football so it was normal for the boys to think that we don’t understand this sport and they tend not to open up to women. They used to always believe that men should be the one in leadership roles and not women,” said the 47-year-old.
“Even my mum thought it was not suitable for me to work in football, so we needed to be very strong in our character and be firm in our beliefs. It required a lot of patience and endurance to handle all the issues that came our way in this line of work.”
Challenges still remain
The challenge of balancing motherhood and career exists for women across every industry, and it is no different in sport. Fizah is well familiar with the bias mothers have had to face in the working world.
“When I first started as a physiotherapist in football – with the FAS – there were already preconceived judgments being thrown at me. I was a mother of two toddlers, and my prospective employers seemed to believe that I would find it challenging to work in the football environment because it would see a lot of travelling, and I would have difficulty managing work and family,” said the 40-year-old.
“I wanted to prove them wrong, that despite having a family, I can continue to do well at work while continuing to be a good mother to my children, and wife to my husband.
“Of course you miss birthdays and important events like sports days and kindergarten graduation when you’re travelling, but you make up for all that by being present whenever you have time with your family,” added Fizah.
For Suzanna, there is the obvious disadvantage of not being able to walk into the changing room as freely as she would like to and have a deeper conversation with her male players, but she works around this.
Chloe has found a method that has helped her along her own journey: to derive strength from lifting other females who are involved in sport.
“Whenever I see someone, for instance a personal trainer in a different organisation, I always talk to them and give them support like: “hey, don’t doubt yourself! You can do it!” It’s important not to let anyone else tell us otherwise, we’re more than capable of doing the same thing – if not better than men.”
“Just by being around other females and giving them the motivation does a lot because I do need that from others at times as well,” she said.
Support from allies
On this path less trodden, these Sailors women find inspiration from varied sources, renowned female figures and people who matter most to them.
Chloe is driven by females working hard to succeed at the top level in various capacities, while Sheau Shyan’s coaching philosophy is very much shaped by experienced Dutch coach Hesterine De Reus, who came to Singapore a few years ago as a UEFA technical consultant to support the FAS’ Women’s Department.
In difficult moments, Suzanna always turns to her late father’s advice – to always be responsible at work.
“My dad was the one who inspired me to work in football, he brought me to the National Stadium to support the national team when I was young. He was the one who kick-started my love for football and encouraged me to stay on in the sport,” she said.
“He has passed on, but whenever I face any obstacles, I always remember what he said and will fight on.”
Fizah’s biggest role model is her mother.
“To help support our large, extended family with at least three generations living in the same household, she worked as a babysitter for extra income. She assumed so many roles at the same time, in addition to being a mother, and that perhaps prepared me for what I was to face as an adult.” said Fizah.
“Her perseverance and dedication to serve all of us really inspired me to do the same – to give more than 100 percent in everything that I took and to do better for those I cared about,” said Fizah, who has been blessed with a sturdy support structure at work.
“One of perhaps the most critical aspects of my career as it panned out was that the FAS came to be like my second family,” she added.
“With good rapport and communication with my colleagues, I know I can always depend on someone if I’m down or need to attend to things at home. My team knew when I meant business and what kind of quality of work was required, but they also knew that I was their friend, their sister. It’s this kind of environment that allowed me to succeed.”
Significance of International Women’s Day
As the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD) on 8 March, the 2022 IWD slogan #BreakTheBias means a lot to these Sailors women as they look to go even further in football.
Suzanna and Sheau Shyan are happy that there is more awareness of the issues and challenges facing women in male-dominated environments, while Chloe believes things should go even further.
“Honestly, it’s like Valentine’s Day. Love should be celebrated every day – just like we should celebrate women every day!” she mused. “Having a day to highlight the significance of this just shows how much it takes to change the general mindset.
“I’m not belittling the significance of IWD, I just think it’s super important not for just our generation, but also past generations to slowly chip away and break down the stereotypes that women don’t belong (in various areas). We need all voices to speak up for women.
“For myself, I definitely aspire to become a Head of S&C or Head of Performance in the future. Seeing more and more females in this male-dominated environment, I’ve no reason to tap out and I know I just need to keep pushing to achieve my dreams.”
Fizah, who is already a leader in her organisation, believes the way forward must see females working to lift each other up instead of viewing each other as potential threats.
“We’ve to learn to team up in the spirit of mutual empowerment, to encourage and support one another. That way, we can make it more likely that we are all able to find success together,” said the former youth netballer.
“I live by my alma mater’s (Tanjong Katong’s Girls School) motto of “Moribus Modestus” – to be a modest individual, but still determined and purposeful in the things that I set out to do,” she said.
“The aim is to be the light that helps those around you to see, and to make a difference in their lives. This motto has kept me going, and it has been especially helpful, considering the nature of my work, when positive energy emanating from me can help those around me.”
Every new year brings with it new challenges, and there will be plenty of those ahead of the Lion City Sailors in 2022.
The club’s maiden Singapore Premier League (SPL) title will not be forgotten anytime soon, but Kim Do-hoon’s men will firmly set their sights on breaking more barriers this season as the club charges into not just the league, but two other competitions that the Sailors will compete in for the first time: the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) and the Singapore Cup.
A winning start was made over the weekend with a triumph in the AIA Community Shield – the first time the Sailors have defeated Albirex in six encounters since the club’s inception in 2020 – and excitement levels are building up.
The Sailors are chomping at the bit to get the SPL season underway against Hougang United in the club’s first league match this Sunday.
And below are eight reasons we should all get hyped too!
- Drawing from the bright lights of Europe
Diego Lopes will not be the only Sailor with European pedigree in the squad this season, thanks to the arrivals of Maxime Lestienne and Pedro Henrique.
Set to become the first Belgian to play in the SPL, Lestienne has spent the entirety of his career in Europe’s top leagues. The 29-year-old started off at hometown side Royal Excelsior Mouscron and went on to play for Club Brugge, before moving out to Genoa (Italy), PSV Eindhoven (Netherlands) and Malaga (Spain). The skilful winger joins from Standard Liège, and having represented Belgium at every age-group from the Under-15s through to the Under-21s, as well as possessing UEFA Champions League and Europa League experience under his belt, Lestienne’s quality is undoubted.
Pedro, also 29, began his career in his native Brazil but is no stranger to top-flight football in Europe. The commanding centre-back spent five seasons in Portugal’s Primeira Liga with Vitória Guimarães from 2015 to 2020, amassing 155 appearances and becoming a fan favourite. Like Lestienne, Pedro has played in the Europa League and his experience is sure to benefit the Sailors backline.
- Anu and Izwan bring depth
It is not often that a team possesses two top-class goalkeepers but that is exactly the situation at the Sailors this year. The recruitment of Izwan Mahbud, regarded as Singapore’s best between the sticks alongside Hassan Sunny, means that the Sailors will be in extremely safe hands regardless of who wears the gloves.
Further ahead in midfield, the arrival of M Anumanthan adds never-before-seen depth to the engine room. Fresh off a stellar season with Kedah, the combative midfielder’s homecoming means that the Sailors will possess extra steel and panache in the centre of the park to complement the talents of Shahdan Sulaiman, Saifullah Akbar, Diego Lopes and Adam Swandi.
Both established Singapore internationals who know what it takes to win, Anu and Izwan will play important roles this season.
- Double (K)im-pact
Kim Shin-wook’s move to the Sailors made huge waves – and it looks like the connection between the striker and Head Coach Kim Do-hoon has instantly blossomed.
Wookie, as he is affectionately known, produced a clinical display against Albirex to help the Sailors come from behind to win the Community Shield on his first outing in Singapore. Coach Kim has previously spoken about how the South Korea international’s characteristics suit the Sailors, while the opportunity for Shin-wook to work with Coach Kim was a huge factor in his decision to come to Singapore.
Like Shin-wook, Coach Kim is also an ACL winner and a striker during his playing days – there is no one better-placed to fully draw out the former’s potential as Shin-wook looks to spearhead the Sailors to hunt for glory.
- Back and raring to go
Amid all the excitement about the new boys, it should not be forgotten that there are a handful of returning players who are raring to go.
Hami Syahin, Iqram Rifqi, Zulqarnaen Suzliman and Anaqi Ismit all spent time away at other clubs in 2021 but are poised to be part of the Sailors this season. With the sheer number of matches the team is set to play, particularly with the new quadruple round-robin league format in force this year, there will be opportunities to impress for the quartet.
Hami and Zulqarnaen both featured fairly regularly for the Young Lions and also tasted Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup action last December along with Iqram, who is on the way back to his best after a lengthy injury lay-off that sidelined him for most of his time at Geylang International. Meanwhile, Anaqi will be hoping to get a chance to prove himself after impressing at Tanjong Pagar United, where he scored four times.
- Defending the crown
Common knowledge suggests that winning a title is tough, but defending that title is even harder. The Sailors will be put to the test this season, especially with teams around the SPL strengthening and eyeing the very crown the team will wear in 2022.
But Hariss Harun and company are raring to go. A rigorous pre-season regime has prepared the Sailors well for battle in what will be a long campaign, and while many opponents will take aim, it is clear that there is determination throughout the entire squad to savour the feeling of being champions again. The comeback victory in the Community Shield was a prime example of how the team has the ability to dig deep when the chips are down – this never-say-die spirit outs the Sailors Class of 2022 in good stead to retain the league.
- A shot at the Singapore Cup
The return of the Singapore Cup – the tournament was called off in each of the past two seasons due to the pandemic – offers the Sailors the chance to taste even more domestic success this season. The likes of Shahdan, Song Ui-young and Adam Swandi will relish the opportunity to win this competition again as the Sailors take a crack at winning the Cup for the first time.
- A seat at Asia’s top table
Every footballer dreams of competing against the best – and the ACL is the perfect platform for the Sailors to do just that. The cancellation of the AFC Cup last season robbed the club of the opportunity to taste continental football for the first time, so 2022’s debut at the pinnacle of Asian club football will be even sweeter when the competition kicks off in April.
This will take place in Buriram, Thailand, the centralised venue for Group F with the Sailors facing China’s Shandong Taishan, two-time ACL winners, Urawa Red Diamonds of Japan, and the winners of the playoff stage fixture between South Korea’s Daegu FC and Buriram United.
There is little doubt that these first steps in the ACL will prove a stern test, but it is a tantalising prospect to be able to face Asia’s elite. It is in the Sailors DNA to strive for excellence and stand up against the best in the business – and there is palpable excitement around the upcoming ACL debut.
- More for fans
The sensational support from the stands drove the Sailors across the finish line last year, and there is unanimous agreement within the club that you – the fan – will continue to be vital if the Sailors are to go even further in 2022.
Last year, the club moved to amp up the matchday experience at Jalan Besar Stadium to match the quality on the pitch. The Crew membership initiative was launched last year, and it has proved to be a hit with all of you. It has now been revamped to bring more value to all members with exclusive discounts and perks in 2022.
On top of that, online ticketing has also been introduced to make attending Sailors’ matches a breeze, while plans are also in the pipeline to further enhance the match-going experience at all home games.
Stay tuned to the Sailors’ online channels too – there will be plenty of exclusive and innovative content to get you up close and personal with your favourite players, and a better look below the deck of the Lion City Sailors.
Get your tickets here!
