Category: News
Coming off a blistering 2024/25 campaign, Shawal Anuar has picked up where he left off this season.
With nine goals to his name already, the 34-year-old has carried his rich vein of form into the new year, scoring in four of his last five domestic outings, including the recent 7-0 demolition of Tanjong Pagar United.
“The team did well overall and we are happy to come away with the win. We followed what the coaching team had planned and were efficient at both ends of the pitch,” said Shawal.
“My target is to score or assist in every game, as that is my job. I want to contribute and make an impact in every game, so I always give everything on the field.”
That comprehensive victory saw the Sailors equal a club record of 10 consecutive league wins, and they now sit seven points clear of second-placed BG Tampines Rovers — albeit having played a game more.
“All of us are very clear on what we want to achieve. After how things have gone for us in other competitions, we are out to extend this winning streak in the league as much as we can and make more history for the club,” Shawal added.
However, the Sailors will face what is arguably their sternest test of the campaign when they meet BG Tampines in a top-of-the-table clash at the Jalan Besar Stadium this Sunday (22 February).
The Stags are unbeaten in nine Singapore Premier League (SPL) matches this season, including winning their last six.
“I think this is the game of the season for us,” said Shawal. “Tampines have quality foreign players and play good attacking football, but we have been preparing well.”
BG Tampines are blessed with plenty of firepower at the other end of the pitch, with forward Hide Higashikawa leading the scoring charts with nine goals — one more than Lennart Thy, while playmaker Koya Kazama is joint-top of the assist standings along with Bart Ramselaar with seven.
“It will be a game that comes down to fine margins, so we need to stay focused right from the first whistle,” said Shawal, whose stunning halfway-line strike against the Stags last season was named Goal of the Year.
“Winning this game will put us in a strong position, and we are ready and driven to go for the three points.”
The tenure of interim Sailors Head Coach Varo Moreno, who took charge of the team following the departure of head coach Aleksandar Ranković earlier this month, has begun brightly, with the Sailors scoring nine goals and conceding none in his first two matches.
Shawal believes that Varo’s familiarity with the team has played a key role in ensuring continuity on the pitch.
“We achieved a lot with Coach Ranko, and we were all sad to see him go. But Coach Varo is a familiar face and knows many of the players, so it was easy for us to adapt to his methods,” explained Shawal.
“All of us are professionals, so it does not matter who is in charge. We just have to keep giving our best for the coach and the club.”
With the reigning SPL champions intent on protecting their lead at the summit, Shawal has called on the Sailors faithful to turn out in full force.
“We’re very grateful to the love shown by our fans throughout our highs and lows, and we need their presence in the stands again for this big game,” he said.
“Their support gives us extra motivation to push on in the pitch, and we’re looking forward to seeing them again on Sunday.”
The Lion City Sailors Women rose to the occasion on Friday night in the Women’s Premier League (WPL), as they produced a commanding 6-0 victory over Geylang International at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium to register their fifth consecutive win.
Facing a Geylang side renowned for their defensive resilience, the Sailors knew patience would be key to victory on the night. And so it proved with the Sailors initially struggling to break down the visitors, who had goalkeeper Nurul Illyanis and former Sailor Nadia Nuraffendi to thank as they repelled wave after wave of attacks.
But once the breakthrough arrived, there was no looking back.
Ami Takeuchi led the charge with another clinical hat-trick to take her tally to 15 goals in just five league matches. Farah Nurzahirah, Nur Ain Salleh and Eri Kitagawa also found the net to cap a comprehensive display.
For Farah, who joined the Sailors from Geylang last August, the fixture carried extra meaning.
“Geylang is harder to play against because of their strengths and to add to that, they’re my former team, so there is always a bit of pressure there. But a game is a game so no matter the opponent, I just have to give my all,” said the 22-year-old.
“Our passes, our finishing and combination play all went according to the game plan and I’m really happy to have notched my ninth goal of the season. Scoring is my favourite thing about the game so there’s no other way to describe that feeling of seeing the ball go in each time.”
The deadlock was finally broken in the 26th minute through a moment of quality from Ami. Receiving a cushioned pass from Sailors Girls Academy graduate Amelia Tan, Ami skipped past Hamizah Talib with a neat feint before driving a low effort into the bottom corner.
Ami then turned provider 10 minutes later when she threaded a perfectly weighted pass through Geylang’s backline for 16-year-old Ain, who raced clear and calmly slotted beyond the advancing goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
Despite her composed finish, Ain admitted that there was an element of good fortune to her goal.
“I think the goal was lucky to be honest. Most of my other goals have always been placed with purpose but this one felt like a lucky one for me,” she said shyly, adding that she was simply in the right place at the right time.
The Sailors picked up where they left off after the restart. In the 49th minute, Geylang failed to clear Dhaniyah Qasimah’s delivery into the box, which allowed Ami to cut the ball back for Eri, who finished clinically for 3-0.
The contest grew increasingly physical as Geylang attempted to disrupt the Sailors’ rhythm, but the league leaders remained composed.
“I think the team did really well in keeping possession and finding the gaps. The physicality was definitely up there, and that was the main challenge we faced today,” said Ain, who was frequently targeted as Geylang sought to contain her quick footwork.
“This game was definitely one of the hardest games I’ve played in the WPL, but I was already expecting the fouls and tackles from Geylang because they’re a really strong team.”
The fourth goal arrived in the 71st minute when substitute Nur Izzati Rosni saw her effort deflect into Farah’s path. With the goalkeeper off her line, Farah showed composure to lift the ball over and into the net.
“In that moment, when the ball came to me suddenly, all that went through my head was to take the chance and shoot,” she explained. “Whether it’s 0-0 or 5-0, I make sure to stay alert and score as much as I can to help with the goal difference, which is really important this season.”
Barely a minute later, a defensive lapse allowed Ami to pounce and slot home her second of the night. She subsequently completed her hat-trick in the closing stages after Sarah Zu’risqha headed the ball into her path, as the Sailors sealed an emphatic 6-0 triumph.
Beyond the scoreline, it was a performance built on cohesion and relentless work rate. With four goals already to her name this season, Ain was quick to emphasise the collective over individual accolades.
“My assists matter more than my goals to be honest. I want to prioritise the team first and not myself so I feel really proud to contribute to them in that way.”
With a two-week break in the league ahead, the Sailors will look to maintain their intensity in training as they prepare for what promises to be their toughest test yet against Albirex Jurong on 13 March at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
After an impressive start to their 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) campaign, league leaders Lion City Sailors Women return to Choa Chu Kang Stadium this Friday (20 February) for what promises to be their sternest test yet against third-placed Geylang International.
The Sailors have scored more than 10 goals in three of their four matches so far while keeping four clean sheets, underlining both their attacking fluency and defensive solidity. However, with Geylang boasting quality across the pitch, greater control and discipline will be required to secure another three points.
That emphasis on discipline has been echoed within the squad this week, particularly by forward Nur Izzati Rosni.
Rejoining the Sailors this year after two seasons away, the 26-year-old has embraced her role as an impact substitute. She has featured off the bench in all four matches and found the net in three of them.
“I’m grateful to be back with the team. I just focus on working hard, learning and doing my part whenever I’m needed,” she said.
Her influence has been built on careful preparation and sharp tactical awareness from the sidelines.
“I always prepare as if I’m starting. I pay attention to the spaces around my position and how they can turn into attacking opportunities. When I come on, I bring intensity and aim to be decisive in front of goal.
“I also look at how the game is unfolding, the timing of movements and where chances might appear. I try to communicate quickly with the midfielders and wingers so they understand the runs I’m making. Sometimes, one small detail can create a big chance.”
Her contributions reflect a collective ethos within the squad this season.
“Football today is about the entire squad, not just the starting eleven. The starters set the platform, and the substitutes must maintain or raise the level. Training intensity, the coaching staff, the energy on the bench, everything matters. A strong team is built on shared responsibility.”
Off the pitch, Izzati has also taken on a mentoring role for the club’s emerging talents. This includes 14-year-old Ami Kawase, who has made a remarkable start to her debut senior campaign with five goals.
“The step up in intensity and quality has made me think and react faster, both in matches and training, and I’ve really enjoyed that,” said Ami. “I’m happy with the goals, but my main role is to help build up play, so I’ve focused on doing that well.
“It means a lot to me. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I want to keep improving and helping the team.”
Drawing on her experience with both the Sailors and the Singapore national team, Izzati believes discipline and consistency will be crucial for the younger players’ continued development.
“Talent is everywhere, but professionalism keeps you performing at a high level. I try to show them that discipline and focus are essential, and that every drill has a purpose. The standards in training carry into matches. Small habits, like your concentration, communication, and work rate, make the difference.”
Ami, who joined from Albirex Jurong’s youth ranks, acknowledged the value of that guidance.
“From the senior players, I’ve learned a lot about handling pressure and communicating well with teammates off the pitch.”
Friday’s clash, however, will require more than attacking flair. With rising talents such as Naureen Qadriyah and Rayna Balqis, alongside veteran Farhanah Ruhaizat, posing significant threats, Geylang’s ability to strike quickly in transition has been a key focus in preparations this week.
“Geylang have quality players who will give us a real fight,” said Izzati. “They’re dangerous in transition, especially when they win the ball and move forward quickly. For us, it’s about staying compact and managing spaces well. Small mistakes can be punished.”
For Ami, balancing attacking instincts with tactical discipline will be vital.
“I try to understand what the team needs in each situation. I want to contribute in attack by creating chances, but I also have to track back and fulfil my defensive responsibilities.”
Ultimately, Izzati believes the message is simple as the Sailors prepare for a sterner examination of their title credentials.
“We must control the game and be clinical when chances come. Whether I start or come on, I want to bring energy, make positive movements and help the team get the result.”
The Lion City Sailors secured a club-record 10th consecutive Singapore Premier League (SPL) victory as they swept aside 10-man Tanjong Pagar United 7-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (15 February) night.
Bart Ramselaar led the charge with a brace, while Anderson Lopes, Shawal Anuar, Akram Azman and Lennart Thy also found the net as the Sailors delivered a commanding performance from start to finish.
The result, which came a day after the club marked their sixth anniversary, set a new benchmark for successive league wins, and interim head coach Varo Moreno was full of praise for his side.
“I’m very proud of the boys, not only because of the result but also because of their attitude on the pitch,” said the Spaniard after the game. “We did a lot of good things tonight. Everyone was excellent, including the players who came off the bench.”
Varo made three changes to the side that beat Young Lions 2-0 the previous weekend, with Bart, Rui Pires and Hami Syahin replacing Lennart, Tsiy Ndenge and Hariss Harun in the starting eleven.
And it took just four minutes for the Sailors to assert control, with Bart cutting in from the flank and drilling a precise low shot into the bottom corner to beat Zaiful Nizam and open the scoring.
Tanjong Pagar threatened a response in the 13th minute when Emilio Estevez raced through on goal, but Ivan Sušak stood tall to deny him in a crucial one-on-one.
That was about as good as it got for Tanjong Pagar as just four minutes later, the contest swung decisively in the Sailors’ favour when Shodai Nishikawa was shown a straight red card for a rash challenge on Akram.
“After the red card, the game slowed down a bit, but in the second half we did a great job,” said Bart. “It was a very good team performance from us.”
The Sailors quickly capitalised on their numerical advantage, and in the 19th minute, Bart turned provided as he teed up Anderson, who found the back of the net with a clinical finish to double their lead.
Anderson, who scored his first Sailors goal against the Jaguars back in September, continued to pose a constant threat, while Tanjong Pagar’s new Italian forward Junior Djile was left isolated up front. Nonetheless, former Sailor Naqiuddin Eunos did test Ivan with a curling effort, but the Croatian custodian dealt with it comfortably.
The hosts pressed hard for a third before the break and almost found it when Kyoga Nakamura’s inviting cross picked out Shawal, but his header drifted wide.
Moments later, however, the Sailors got the goal their attacking intent deserved, as Shawal’s dangerous low ball across goal forced Kim Li-kwan to turn it into his own net under pressure to make it 3-0.
The second half resumed in much the same fashion, and within a minute of the restart, Akram rattled the crossbar after reacting quickest to a loose ball.
It did not take long for the Sailors’ fourth goal to arrive, and in the 51st minute, Bart’s clipped pass found Anderson, whose intelligent knock-on across goal was met by Shawal for a neat headed finish.
On the hour mark, Varo introduced Lennart and Hafiz Nor, with Anderson and Shawal afforded a breather ahead of sterner tests to come. The reshuffle also allowed Kyoga to operate centrally for the first time since joining the club.
The Sailors scored their fifth goal not long after in the 69th minute, as Hami surged through the heart of the defence before forcing a save from Zaiful. Bart reacted quickest to the rebound and calmly slotted home for his seventh league goal of the season.
Bart was subsequently replaced by Tsiy, which ended his hopes of a hat-trick, but the Dutchman was simply pleased to have played his part in the Sailors’ emphatic victory.
“I’m delighted to get 70 minutes tonight as I build my fitness,” said Bart, who was named Man of the Match. “I’m always happy to help the team with goals and assists. “We’ve managed to keep a lot of things the same. Varo told us to enjoy the game and play the way we usually do.”
The substitutes continued to make their mark, and in the 82nd minute, Hafiz’s clever cut-back found Akram, who curled home a brilliant shot against his former side to make it six.
The rout was completed a minute later, as Kyoga slipped a neat pass into Lennart inside the box, and the German striker made no mistake with his eighth league goal of the season to seal a resounding 7-0 triumph.
The Sailors ended the night with 30 attempts on goal and recorded their sixth SPL clean sheet of the campaign, with four of them kept by Ivan.
It also matched the 7-0 scoreline against the Jaguars earlier this season, and underlined the Sailors’ relentless form as they chase what could yet be a historic domestic campaign.
Sterner tests await in the final two fixtures of the month, with title rivals BG Tampines Rovers and third-placed Albirex Niigata (S) up next, and Varo believes the team will be up for the challenge.
“We have to keep training hard, doing the right things as a team and always be ready for anything that comes our way,” he stated.
The Lion City Sailors Women delivered another ruthless attacking performance in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) as they swept aside BG Tampines Rovers 12-0 at the Yishun Stadium on Friday (13 February) night.
Back at the venue for the first time since April 2024, the Sailors reached double figures for the third time in four matches this season with a statement result that propelled them to the summit of the WPL standings.
A hat-trick for Eri Kitagawa and braces from Amelia Tan, Farah Nurzahirah, Ami Takeuchi, and Ami Kawase, alongside a solitary Nur Izzati Rosni strike, sealed a memorable night, particularly for teenage forward Amelia, who opened her WPL account just three minutes into the contest.
A graduate of the Sailors Girls Academy, Amelia made her first WPL start at 14 years, four months and four days old, becoming one of the league’s youngest-ever starters. Just six days on, she has announced herself with her first two senior goals.
Reacting quickest after BG Tampines failed to clear their lines in a scramble involving Takeuchi and Eri, Amelia kept her composure to slot past former Sailors goalkeeper Nurul Haziqah Haszman.
“It felt awesome,” she beamed. “The senior players always guide me. Whenever I make a mistake, they teach me how to correct it and be better. And when I score, they celebrate with me.”
Head Coach Daniel Ong was delighted to see the club’s youth pathway bearing fruit on the big stage.
“It’s definitely exciting to watch them combine and create chances up front, that’s what the Sailors Girls Academy is all about,” said Daniel. “Seeing players progress through the pathway and now contribute to the senior team shows how much hard work they’ve put in.”
Amelia’s early opening goal set the tone for the rest of the evening, with the Sailors’ attacking fluency evident from the outset. And in the ninth minute, neat interplay between Nur Ain Salleh and Takeuchi ended with the latter teeing up Eri, who rifled a superb effort from just outside the box into the top right corner to make it 2-0.
Seven minutes later, Ain and Takeuchi combined again, with Takeuchi squaring unselfishly for Amelia to tap home her second. Farah then added a fourth a minute later with a composed finish.
Amelia nearly completed a hat-trick in the 18th minute, but her effort drifted wide.
“I would’ve loved the hat-trick, but I’m just happy to contribute,” she said. “Even if I don’t score, I want to help by making runs, creating space and delivering good balls.”
Eri grabbed her second in the 20th minute, shrugging off her marker to convert Ain’s driven cross to make it five. This was followed by Takeuchi opening her account on the night in the 28th minute, before Eri completed her hat-trick eight minutes later.
Ami Kawase then rose to the fore with a clinical double to make it 9-0 to the Sailors at the break, as the teenage Japanese took her tally for the season up to five goals.
“We had a lot of good movement today and that contributed to the scoreline,” reflected Amelia. “If someone drops deep, another makes the run in behind. With two strikers, when Ami dropped, I tried to run beyond to create space.”
Daniel added: “We worked all week on attacking patterns from the middle third into the final phase. Today, they showed what they’ve taken on board. There’s always room to improve, but the first half was very pleasing.”
The Sailors maintained their intensity after the restart, though BG Tampines proved more resilient. Nonetheless, the Sailors found the back of the net again in the 57th minute when Farah drove into the box and teed up super-sub Izzati for a first-time volley.
With seven minutes remaining, Takeuchi added another clinical finish to take her season tally up to 12 goals, before Farah capped the night in the 89th minute, latching onto Eri’s pass and firing home to complete the 12-goal rout.
With emphatic victories fast becoming a hallmark of their campaign, the Sailors carry formidable momentum into sterner tests ahead against Geylang International and defending champions Albirex Jurong.
While pleased with how the team has performed so far this season, Daniel believes they will have to continue working hard on improving their fitness in order to go the distance and lift the WPL title.
“As long as the girls continue to play the way we train and show the right attitude, we’re heading in the right direction,” said Daniel. “Fitness is an area we’ll continue to work on as the season progresses.”
Singapore is a place Kyoga Nakamura now proudly calls home.
So naturally, after a brief stint in Thailand, he was eager to return to familiar surroundings.
With six seasons of Singapore Premier League (SPL) experience under his belt, beginning at Albirex Niigata (S) before a five-year stint with BG Tampines Rovers, the 29-year-old had already established himself as one of the league’s standout performers.
As such, when the opportunity arose to join the Lion City Sailors, Kyoga knew the time was right for the next chapter of his career.
“The environment at the Sailors is one of the best in Asia. The training centre facilities here are better than even some top J.League clubs, so I was really surprised the first time I arrived,” Kyoga reflected.
“From food and recovery to training and the gym, they provide us with everything. I’ve really enjoyed it, but it also comes with responsibility.”
Kyoga marked his arrival in style, helping the Sailors lift the Singapore Cup within his first week at the club. One month on, he is even more convinced that the team can achieve greater success, believing their edge extends well beyond what they show on the pitch.
“There are two things that set the Sailors apart,” he explained. “Firstly, this is a champion club. Everyone is hungry, wanting to win every match and defend the title. Secondly, the facilities are top-notch, from recovery to nutrition and everything in between.”
The Sailors have won all five matches Kyoga has featured in so far, even as he gradually adapts to his new surroundings.
Traditionally deployed as a central midfielder, Kyoga has also been tasked with operating on the right, a challenge he has embraced. His willingness to step outside his comfort zone has already paid dividends, with assists in consecutive matches highlighting his growing influence.
“Usually I play in central midfield, but here I’ve sometimes had to play on the right, so I need time to adapt,” he admitted. “I always try my best for the team and I’m confident I can perform even better in the near future.”
Born in Chiba, Kyoga was once regarded as one of Japan’s brightest prospects. A youth product of JEF United Chiba, he represented Japan at the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he played against sides such as Sweden and Tunisia.
That grounding has shaped a player unafraid to express himself, and Sailors fans have already been treated to glimpses of his technical quality and creativity in recent outings.
“I have the confidence to show my abilities during matches. Of course, we want to win every game, but as professional footballers, we also have to show that football is exciting and enjoyable for the fans,” he said.
Kyoga now finds himself in a high-quality dressing room, alongside Singapore internationals he knows well and foreign imports who boast top-level pedigree.
In particular, Kyoga singled out two teammates who have impressed him since he began training and playing alongside them.
“Before I arrived, I already knew about Anderson (Lopes) because he was the top scorer in the J1 League,” said Kyoga. “I’m really impressed by him. He’s not only a great goalscorer, but also a top personality.”
On midfield partner Tsiy Ndenge, he added: “Tsiy is a player who has everything…creativity, dribbling and power. He was a top player in Switzerland and I want to learn from someone like him because my target is always to become a better version of myself every day.”
For Kyoga, who has been named in the SPL Team of the Year on four occasions, humility remains central to his character. Improvement, in his eyes, is a constant pursuit.
That mindset will be vital as the Sailors navigate a period of transition following the departure of former head coach Aleksandar Ranković last week. For Kyoga, however, the focus remains unchanged.
“Ranko was in charge for two and a half years and created a lot of history here,” he said. “But as professionals, even if the head coach and staff change, our attitude stays the same, as we aim to give our maximum every day.”
Next up for the Sailors is a clash with Noh Alam Shah’s Tanjong Pagar United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (15 February).
Having faced the Jaguars 17 times in his career, Kyoga is fully expecting another stern test this weekend.
“Matches against Tanjong Pagar aren’t easy. They can be intense and tough,” he noted. “We should have scored more in the previous match against Young Lions, so I hope we take our chances next time. We want to keep this momentum going until the end of the season.”
A perfect 10 wins from 10 in the SPL would mark another significant step in the Sailors’ bid to defend their crown, and Kyoga is fully focused on sustaining that momentum in the months ahead.
“The Sailors are a champion club and we aim to lift the SPL title,” he said. “I know the expectations are high over here, and that’s what motivates me to deliver more. We want to deliver strong performances and enjoy every match with our fans.”
For Lion City Sailors Women’s defender Dhaniyah Qasimah, last weekend’s 12-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United meant more than just three points.
Handed the captain’s armband for the first time in the absence of injured skipper Umairah Hamdan and vice-captain Syazwani Ruzi, Dhaniyah led from the front as the Sailors delivered one of their most emphatic performances of the season.
Now, buoyed by that result, the Sailors will turn their attention to Friday’s (13 February) Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash against BG Tampines Rovers at Yishun Stadium.
Nonetheless, while the milestone was a proud personal moment, Dhaniyah was quick to shift the focus onto her teammates.
“I’m honoured to captain the team, but more than anything, I’m proud of the girls, particularly the younger ones, for stepping up,” shared the 21-year-old.
Taking on the armband came with added responsibility for the naturally vocal wing-back. With both Umairah and Syazwani unavailable, Dhaniyah had to recalibrate her approach on the pitch.
“Wani and I usually share the role of leading the girls in Mai’s absence. Wani is the quieter one and I’m usually the more vocal one,” she explained.
“With Wani not around last week, the challenge for me was finding the balance between encouraging the girls and making sure we stuck to the game plan. Wearing the armband meant I had to be more mindful of how I reacted on the pitch.”
The dominant display against Tanjong Pagar also underlined the rapid growth of the Sailors’ younger contingent. Teenagers such as Nur Ain Salleh have already made telling contributions with assists and three goals this season, while Ami Kawase — who is also on three goals — and Indra Lewin (pictured below) have slotted seamlessly into the senior set-up after stepping up from the Lion City Sailors Women’s ‘B’ team.
“I’m proud of the younger ones for playing with confidence and contributing strongly to the team,” said Dhaniyah. “They’ve fitted in seamlessly despite having limited time to train with the seniors.
“Even though some of them have only just made their WPL debuts, they show real maturity. It’s rewarding to see how much they’ve grown in just three matches.”
As one of the team’s leaders, Dhaniyah knows that guiding the next generation will be vital in what promises to be a demanding campaign, especially with rivals such as Albirex Jurong, Still Aerion and Geylang International stepping up this season.
“It’s important for me and Wani to support the team, especially the younger ones. We faced setbacks last year, but every match is a learning experience. With tougher opponents ahead, new challenges will arise, and we have to guide the girls, whether through advice, encouragement or staying calm under pressure.”
She also credited Head Coach Daniel Ong for shaping the senior players’ approach to mentorship.
“By observing him, we’ve learned how to mentor in a way that builds confidence rather than pressure. He is hard on us in a positive manner that drives us to be better, because he knows we’re capable of more.”
Turning her focus to Friday’s encounter with BG Tampines, Dhaniyah is eager for the Sailors to carry forward the positives from their last outing.
“We want to build on the momentum from the second half against Tanjong Pagar and bring that into the next match. It’s important that we switch on from the start and not wait until after the break to raise our level,” she said.
BG Tampines, however, will pose a different test, particularly with their threat in transition.
“We have to be ready to deal with transitions if we lose possession. They have quick attackers who can punish us if we’re not alert.”
A week of change off the pitch had little impact on matters on it, as the Lion City Sailors returned to Singapore Premier League (SPL) action with a composed 2-0 victory over the Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (8 February) night.
Following a successful spell of almost three years at the helm, Aleksandar Ranković departed the Sailors on Friday, with Varo Moreno stepping in as interim head coach.
First-half goals from Bailey Wright and Lennart Thy gave Varo the perfect start to his tenure, as the Sailors registered a club-record ninth consecutive SPL win in a single season.
“The most important thing for us was to create scoring chances, and I think we had many in this match,” said Varo, who holds a UEFA A Licence. “After the changes this week, the crucial thing was to win and continue our 100 percent record, and we managed to do that.”
The Sailors started on the front foot and nearly took an early lead in the eighth minute, when Kyoga Nakamura’s corner was headed just over the bar by Toni Datković.
Four minutes later, however, Toni’s centre-back partner Bailey was left unmarked from another quality Kyoga delivery, and the Australian made no mistake in front of goal to give the Sailors the lead.
It was Bailey’s fourth SPL goal of the campaign, having also found the net against the Young Lions earlier this season in October.
“Every game I play, I’ll do my best for the team. I’m enjoying my football here,” said Bailey, who was duly adjudged Man of the Match. “It’s nice to score, but I value the clean sheet more. It’s a real collective effort to work hard for that.”
“If we keep clean sheets as a defensive unit, we know we’ll always have a chance to score. When I score, it’s just a bonus.”
Indeed, the Sailors’ backline was rarely troubled as they secured their fifth clean sheet in the league this season. And in truth, it was the Sailors who looked capable of running away with the game in the first half.
Anderson Lopes and Tsiy Ndenge both went close to doubling the lead before a moment of route-one football caught the Young Lions defence off guard in the 35th minute.
Ivan Sušak’s long punt forward found Lennart, and the Sailors forward finished with aplomb for his seventh SPL goal of the season to keep pace in the Golden Boot race with BG Tampines Rovers’ Hide Higashikawa, who has the same number of strikes.
There was a brief moment of danger for the Young Lions soon after, when on-loan goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud’s attempted quick throw led to the Sailors regaining possession in a dangerous position, but Kyoga’s eventual effort was cleared off the line.
The Sailors took a two-goal advantage into the break, and judging by the opening 45 minutes, it is business as usual despite the change in Head Coach.
“Honestly, we didn’t have much time to do something different,” admitted Varo, who previously worked as a Málaga youth team coach. “I don’t think we should change a lot because Ranko did quite a good job. We’ll have to wait and see what happens.”
The second half followed a similar pattern, with the Sailors pushing for more goals. Diogo Costa’s free-kick was met by Lennart’s header in the 53rd minute but flew over the bar, before Lennart turned provider with a cut-back for Diogo, who was unable to test Izwan.
Tsiy then tried his luck in the 69th minute, but his effort drifted wide, before Varo introduced Nur Adam Abdullah, Bart Ramselaar, Hami Syahin and Luka Adžić from the bench as the Sailors comfortably saw out the contest.
After the full time whistle, Bailey, who was Ranko’s first signing at the club back in July 2023, reflected on the Serb’s tenure while also adding that the club is now set to make a fresh start in a new era.
“Everyone knows the news of Ranko leaving. It’s been a change at the club, and we can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for us over the last few years,” said Bailey.
“It’s now a new chapter at the club, and today was the start of that. We got the three points with a good performance, and credit to the Young Lions for working hard and making it competitive.”
Next up, the Sailors will face seventh-placed Tanjong Pagar United at the same venue this coming Sunday (15 February) night.
Pride in clean sheets remains a driving force for Bailey, and it is a challenge he will relish against the Jaguars, with Noh Alam Shah’s side having scored in five consecutive league matches.
“From now until the end of the season, we want to continue being the strongest team in Singapore, make more history, and go on to win the league again,” he added.
The Lion City Sailors Women produced a scintillating attacking display to sweep aside Tanjong Pagar United 12-0 in to continue their perfect start to the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Saturday (7 February).
The emphatic victory saw the Sailors close the goal-difference gap at the summit of the table, after defending champions Albirex Jurong defeated Still Aerion 6-2 earlier in the day.
Both sides now boast maximum points from their opening three matches, with the Sailors trailing Albirex by just four goals after a ruthless showing in front of goal.
“It was definitely a strong result for Albirex, but regardless of the outcome, we have our own targets and we knew what we needed to do to deliver while under pressure,” said Sailors forward Farah Nurzahirah, who netted her second hat-trick of the season.
Farah’s strike partner Ami Takeuchi led the charge with four goals, teenager Nur Ain Salleh grabbed a brace, while Ami Kawase and Nur Izzati Rosni were also on the scoresheet as the Sailors overwhelmed their opponents.
Head Coach Daniel Ong made several notable selections, handing 18-year-old Alysha Nasrina her first start of the season in goal, while Dhaniyah Qasimah wore the captain’s armband for the first time in her Sailors career.
There were also first starts of the season for Tyan Foong and Amelia Tan, who made history by becoming the youngest Sailors Girls Academy graduate to start for the senior team at just 14 years, four months and four days old.
And the teenage debutant wasted little time making her presence felt. Inside the opening ten minutes, Irsalina Irwan surged forward before laying the ball off to Amelia, whose neat pass picked out Ain, who rifled her effort in off the underside of the crossbar to open the scoring.
Takeuchi and Farah combined soon after for the second, before the Japanese forward got on the scoresheet herself in the 35th minute. Kawase (pictured below) then unleashed a superb strike from the edge of the box, before Farah’s deft loop over Tanjong Pagar goalkeeper Batrisyia Ilya capped a dominant first-half display and sent the Sailors into the break with a 5-0 lead.
“In the first half, we played a bit cautiously,” said Takeuchi, who used to play for Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies. “As the game went on, we wanted to be more dynamic as a team. Personally, I tried to create more space for myself, and that helped me get more chances to score.”
The Sailors emerged after the interval with their sights firmly set on further closing the gap on goal difference, and it took just eight minutes after the restart for them to net their sixth through Ain, who then turned provider moments later as she delivered an inviting cross for Takeuchi to head home.
A lapse in the Jaguars’ defence then resulted in an own goal to put the Sailors 9-0 up, before Farah curled in her third of the night in the 70th minute to complete her hat-trick.
The final quarter of the game belonged to Takeuchi, as she teed up substitute Izzati to score from the edge of the area, before adding two more clinical finishes to bring her WPL tally for the season to 10 and round off the scoring.
“In order to win the league title this season, we know we have to win every game,” said Takeuchi. “I’ll continue to work hard with that determination.”
With 29 goals scored in three matches and the only defence in the league yet to be breached, the Sailors have made a solid start to the campaign.
They will next be in action on Friday (13 February) against BG Tampines Rovers, who will be seeking a response after a 4-1 defeat to Geylang International in their previous outing.
The Sailors, however, have no intention of easing off as they continue their pursuit of the WPL summit.
“At this point, we’re quite confident as a team,” concluded Farah. “But we have to take things step by step, follow the coach’s plans and stay focused on our overall performance.”
The Lion City Sailors return to Singapore Premier League (SPL) action against Young Lions on Sunday (8 February) night, with one clear objective in mind: to set a new club record of nine straight league wins in a single season.
The buildup to this fixture, however, has been markedly different from recent weeks, with a new man at the helm. Following the departure of Aleksandar Ranković, former assistant coach and head video analyst Varo Moreno has stepped into the role of interim head coach, with the 36-year-old Spaniard — a UEFA A Licence holder — taking charge of the Sailors’ first team.
Speaking on the eve of the Young Lions clash, captain Hariss Harun expressed full confidence in Varo’s ability to guide the team through an important period of their title defence.
“Varo has been around the team for the past couple of years, so everyone is familiar with him and he understands the game very well,” said the Singapore international. “With his expertise in video analysis, he sees things differently and has a strong tactical understanding. On top of that, he’s also a good man manager.
“Overall, it’s been positive, and we’re all giving him our full support. Ultimately, we all share the same objective: to keep the club on the right track.”
At the same time, Hariss was keen to pay tribute to the outgoing Ranko, who departs after a highly successful spell in charge since June 2023. Under the Serb’s stewardship, the Sailors enjoyed sustained domestic dominance, made significant strides on the continental stage, and lifted five major trophies.
“We’ve achieved so much under Coach Ranko,” said Hariss. “He played a huge role in shaping our mentality and our success over the past few seasons, and that legacy will not be forgotten.
“We’ve many fond memories together as a team, and it’s sad to see him go. We wish him nothing but success in the future.
“But football always moves quickly. We have a match coming up soon, so it’s important we look forward, keep our heads clear and stay on the right path.”
A leader who sets high standards both for himself and those around him, Hariss was candid in assessing the Sailors’ 2025/26 campaign to date, while backing the side to finish strongly.
“This time last year, we were preparing for back-to-back continental matches and doing a lot of travelling,” explained the skipper. “This season has panned out differently, so our sole focus now is on the league.
“We have to keep our heads, our minds and our focus to steer things in the right direction. It may sound strange to say that when we have a perfect record in the league, but expectations at this club are high. Defending the league title is the bare minimum for us.”
Hariss also acknowledged the unwavering backing of the Sailors faithful and pledged that the team will give everything in the 13 remaining league matches between now and May.
“It’s never easy for supporters when change happens, and there can be uncertainty,” he said. “But our fans have been incredible from Day One. Through the highs and lows, they’ve always stood by us.
“I hope they continue supporting us. We’ll come out of this stronger together. There’s still so much to play for, and we want to finish the season united as one team.”
