Category: News
It was business as usual for the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team on Saturday (2 May) night as they swept aside seventh-placed Tanjong Pagar United 11-0 at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium to stay firmly in pursuit of Women’s Premier League (WPL) leaders Albirex Jurong.
Japanese forward Ami Takeuchi stole the spotlight once again, as she scored a remarkable six goals to power the Sailors to a 10th win in 11 league matches this season.
Eri Kitagawa and Dhaniyah Qasimah added a brace each, while Raeka Ee opened her account for the campaign, as the three-time WPL champions surged past the century mark to reach 109 goals for the season.
Speaking after the game, defender Irsalina Irwan heaped praise on Takeuchi, who has enjoyed a sensational debut campaign with 40 goals to her name.
“It’s fantastic to have a player of Ami’s calibre in the team. We can learn so much from her day in, day out in training, from the way she thinks on the pitch to the movements she makes to become such a threat,” said the Singapore international.
“She not only drives the team on the pitch, but is also a proper role model off it. We hope she can continue this form until the end of the season.”
Head Coach Daniel Ong made just one change to the side that thrashed Still Aerion 9-0 the previous week, as Beatrice Tan marked her return from a posterior cruciate ligament injury with her first WPL appearance in 230 days.
But the veteran goalkeeper had little to do, with the Sailors in complete control from the outset.
The Sailors’ breakthrough took just 10 minutes to arrive when Dhaniyah’s speculative effort slipped past Vanessa Tan, before Eri doubled the lead 11 minutes later after reacting quickest to a spilled cross for the Sailors’ 100th goal of the campaign.
To their credit, Tanjong Pagar held firm for long spells of the first half, as they sat deep and limited clear openings. But the Sailors gradually found their rhythm, increasing the tempo and precision of their passing in the final third.
The Sailors’ relentless pressure eventually told late in the half, when Takeuchi pounced on a loose ball in the 37th minute after Farah Nurzahirah’s volley rattled the crossbar, before she linked up with teenage namesake Ami Kawase to score twice more in quick succession to send the Sailors into the break with a commanding 5-0 lead.
Reflecting on the challenge posed by the Jaguars, Dhaniyah said, “It wasn’t easy to break through as Tanjong Pagar played a very compact block and the spaces were tight. We had to be quicker in our decision-making, and I’m pleased we kept trying to play our football and combine well to find openings.
Takeuchi showed no signs of slowing after the restart, and she soon completed her hat-trick before adding two more goals from a pair of pinpoint Irsalina crosses in the 49th and 59th minutes.
Venetia Lim then made an impact off the bench, delivering a deep cross for Eri to head home her 20th goal of the season on 64 minutes.
Dhaniyah struck again from distance in the 74th minute to cap off a fine individual display, before Takeuchi wrapped up her six-goal haul with a thunderous volley six minutes later to make it 10-0.
The 20-year-old’s tally now stands at 40 goals for the season, putting her six clear of Albirex’s Ruriko Takashima in the race for the Golden Boot.
There was still time for one final flourish, as Raeka slotted home late on to become the Sailors’ 14th different scorer this season.
The Sailors have now hit double figures in six of their 11 matches, underlining the cutting edge required in a title race that could yet be decided on goal difference.
They currently hold the advantage in that regard with a +107 differential to Albirex’s +99, although the White Swans remain three points ahead with five rounds to play.
The two sides will meet again on 12 June in a potentially decisive clash, but the Sailors must first negotiate fixtures against BG Tampines Rovers and Geylang International on 9 and 15 May respectively.
Nonetheless, Irsalina is confident her side can maintain their momentum as they chase a return to the summit.
“I see a very hungry squad, and we just want to keep improving and pushing as a team. Of course we’re chasing Albirex, but the key is to focus on our own performances and take each game as it comes.”
Just two months after declaring that the Sailors are “the project” for him, Head Coach Jesús Casas now stands on the brink of history.
After all, the Sailors need only a draw with BG Tampines Rovers this Sunday (3 May) to retain their Singapore Premier League (SPL) title for the first time.
Jesús’s men head into the pivotal clash eight points clear at the top of the table after an accomplished 3-0 win over Geylang International, coupled with BG Tampines’ defeat to Albirex Niigata (S) on Thursday (30 April).
Reflecting on the Sailors’ victory over Geylang, Jesús said, “When you win a match, everything seems perfect, but there is still room for us to improve in all aspects. The team’s confidence is growing, but it would be a big mistake to become complacent now. Our focus is on the big match this week, and we will prepare well for it.”
It is this winning mentality that has served Jesús well throughout his illustrious career — one that has seen him work at top-level institutions such as FC Barcelona and the Spain national team before arriving in Singapore.
“I am very competitive and always want to win every title possible. Our goal at the Sailors is not just to win the league, but also to succeed on the continental stage and help develop football in Singapore,” he said.
Jesús’s journey with the Sailors began with a dramatic 3-3 draw against Albirex in his first game back on 28 February, when his side recovered from a two-goal deficit inside the opening 15 minutes.
Since then, cohesion has steadily improved, with Jesús unafraid to rotate his squad and foster healthy competition across the team.
“We want every player to feel important because we need all of them throughout the season. Whether they start or come off the bench, each of them plays a crucial role in pushing the team forward,” he explained.
Indeed, this has led players such as Chris van Huizen and Nur Adam Abdullah to flourish, while the team has struck a balance between attacking fluency and defensive solidity, keeping five clean sheets in their last six matches.
“There are many talented players in this team, such as Bart (Ramselaar), Hami (Syahin), and Kyoga (Nakamura). Our job is to bring out the best in them, and we are working on different patterns and movements, especially when we have the ball.”
This Sunday, however, the Sailors will have to navigate their way past a BG Tampines side that has put up a creditable title fight in 2025/26. The Stags have lost just twice in 18 matches this season, with both coming against Albirex in April.
“Tampines have had an excellent season domestically and in Asia. It will be difficult, but ultimately it is just another match, and we will approach it as we always do,” said Jesús.
“The team is calm and focused on playing our football, and we are ready to give everything to win the title.”
Beyond the immediate target of domestic success, Jesús has his sights set on stronger performances in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, after the Sailors exited both competitions at the group stage this season.
“I had the privilege of being part of a team that competed in the Champions League in Europe, and I want to use that experience to help us take on this challenge,” he said. “Expectations are high, but that is normal. Pressure pushes us to improve. Without it, it is difficult to keep moving forward.”
Off the pitch, Jesús has embraced life in Singapore, and is particularly enjoying its accessibility, which allows him to indulge in one of his favourite pastimes, cycling.
Having also built a strong connection with fans during his time in Iraq, he hopes to replicate that same bond here.
“I watched the Singapore national team at the National Stadium in the AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers, and the atmosphere was amazing. It’s clear there is a lot of passion in the sport here.
“I want to build that connection with fans here, especially fans of the Sailors, and I hope more people will come down to watch SPL matches. We’re working towards a big project to compete on the Asian stage, and I am confident we can win titles both locally and internationally.”
Still only 14, Ami Kawase has not just stepped into senior football; she has made it her stage.
And as the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team prepare to face Tanjong Pagar United on Saturday (2 May) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, her rapid rise has been one of this season’s defining stories.
Having previously played in youth leagues with JSSL FC and Albirex’s U13 side, Ami’s introduction to top-flight football could hardly have been more emphatic. Initially signed to the Sailors’ B team for the Women’s National League (WNL), she was handed her Women’s Premier League (WPL) debut in the season opener against Balestier Khalsa back in January.
She marked the occasion with a brace, offering an early glimpse of what was to come.
“Making my WPL debut at 14 was exciting but also quite nerve-wracking. I tried to contribute to the team as much as possible, listening to the coach’s instructions, and not overthinking things. Once I got into the game, I wanted to prove I could handle the level,” said the teenager.
“Scoring on my debut felt unreal. When the chance came, I knew I had to take it. After it sank in, I felt really happy, and it gave me confidence.”
That confidence has only grown. Now a regular presence in the Sailors’ attacking third, Ami has scored nine goals so far this season. Beyond her output, it is the assurance and clarity in her play that have stood out, particularly for someone so young.
“I think my composure comes from focusing on making the right decision rather than rushing, as well as scanning before receiving the ball. I’ve played a lot of football growing up, so staying composed under pressure is something I’ve learned over time,” explained the 2011-born midfielder.
“I try to keep things simple and focus on what I can control. I reset quickly and trust my preparation.”
While her foundation was built in youth football, stepping into the WPL has demanded greater awareness and consistency, something she has had to adapt to quickly.
“Compared to youth competitions, the biggest difference is the understanding of the game, especially when it comes to reading the play and being consistent. The intensity was manageable since I’ve played with boys before, but the physicality and quality in every action are much higher. You have to stay switched on and make the right decisions all the time,” said Ami.
“I was surprised by the physicality in the WPL. I know my body will develop over time, but to adapt quickly, I’ve been working on my core strength so I can stay balanced and hold my ground better.”
Even for a player who always dreamed of reaching the top, the speed of her progress has caught her slightly off guard.
“It has always been my goal to play at this level, but I didn’t expect it to happen so early. At the start, I was just focused on improving and taking the next step. As I kept working, it started to feel closer, and I began to believe it was possible.”
Off the pitch, Ami remains grounded, even as she balances the demands of school and football.
“My friends and teammates would probably describe me as easygoing. I’m quite relaxed off the pitch, but during games and training, I’m more serious and focused,” she said.
“Balancing school and football is tough, especially during exam periods, so I make sure to stay organised. I wake up early and use my time well to keep on top of everything.”
Her development has coincided with a strong run of form for the Sailors, who head into Saturday’s clash on the back of a 9-0 win over Still Aerion, a result that underlined their attacking strength.
However, the bigger picture remains unchanged. The Sailors continue to chase league leaders Albirex Jurong, with every match, including this weekend’s encounter with Tanjong Pagar, carrying added weight.
For Ami, however, the focus remains straightforward.
“The team has been working on finishing our chances, combination play in the final third, and improving our teamwork overall. Personally, I want to stay involved, make good decisions, and contribute to the team in every way, in both attack and defence.”
The Lion City Sailors moved to the brink of back-to-back Singapore Premier League (SPL) titles with a composed 3-0 victory over 10-man Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (26 April) night.
Goals from Anderson Lopes, Rui Pires and Lennart Thy capped a dominant display from the reigning champions, who now need just one more win against BG Tampines Rovers from their remaining three matches to retain their SPL crown.
Head Coach Jesús Casas praised his side after they secured a sixth consecutive league victory, as they expertly navigated what had been expected to be a tricky test.
“We deserved to win as we had the match under control. We created a lot of chances and pressed well, but we can still improve our finishing. These are three very important points, which put us in a strong position as we are now one game away from winning the title,” said the Spaniard.
“Things are in our hands, so it’s normal there will be pressure. We hope to seal it in the next match, so we need to stay calm and play as we normally do.”
Jesús made four changes from the side that beat Young Lions 2-0, with Anderson, Song Uiyoung, Diogo Costa, and Lionel Tan coming into the starting XI.
It was a cagey opening, with few clear chances, but the Sailors began to find their rhythm approaching the half-hour mark.
Their first real chance of the game came in the 29th minute when stand-in skipper Toni Datković surged forward to set up Lennart, whose tight-angled effort struck the outside of the post.
Three minutes later, Bart Ramselaar capitalised on a loose pass from goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah, but sent his effort over the bar.
At the other end, Ivan Sušak produced a sharp save to deny Riku Fukashiro at the near post in the 35th minute. The Sailors responded immediately, breaking forward through Bart, who slipped Anderson through on goal for a composed chipped finish to open the scoring.
The visitors carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their lead within a minute of the restart. Rui reacted quickest to a loose ball after Geylang failed to clear their lines from Diogo’s corner to slot home only the second goal of his professional career.
The Sailors continued to threaten, with Lennart striking the woodwork again in the 49th minute, before Song rattled the same upright with a volley shortly after.
Further chances followed, including a well-worked move that saw Kyoga Nakamura find Anderson, but the Brazilian forward could only drag his shot wide.
Geylang then thought they had pulled one back in the 59th minute when Fukashiro found the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
However, any hopes of a Geylang comeback were effectively ended in the 67th minute when Shahdan Sulaiman was sent off for handling Toni’s goal-bound header. Lennart stepped up to convert the resulting penalty for his 14th league goal of the season and keep his hopes of attaining the SPL Golden Boot alive.
The German nearly added a second late on, but his header was kept out by Rudy.
At the back, Lionel delivered a standout performance in his first start under Jesús, and was named Man of the Match as the Sailors recorded their 11th clean sheet of the season.
“We took a while to get the first goal, but we came out strong in the second half,” said Lionel, who made his 103rd appearance for the club. “This season hasn’t been easy for me, as every professional player loves to play more. But for me, it’s all about staying disciplined, keeping the hunger, and being ready when the opportunity comes.”
“I’m thankful we have top players at the club who push each other. Training can be tougher than matches, so it’s about having the right mentality and continuing to improve.”
The Sailors now have the opportunity to seal the title away against BG Tampines this coming Sunday (3 May), before hosting Albirex Niigata (S) in their final home game of the season on 10 May.
“Winning the league title has been our goal from the start,” Lionel added. “We have three games left, and all of them are finals for us. We will continue to play our football and fight for victory in each match.”
Jesús echoed that message, emphasising composure as the title race nears its conclusion.
“Our next match will be very exciting, but we must control our emotions because the job is not done. We are very competitive and want to win all remaining matches while staying true to our football, regardless of the opponent.”
Few could have predicted the sheer scale of dominance on display, as the Lion City Sailors Women turned a traditionally tight contest into a one-sided spectacle with a resounding 9-0 victory over Still Aerion in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) on Saturday (25 April) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
With the title race entering its decisive stretch, the Sailors are on a relentless push for goals, and now sit just two shy of 100 for the season.
Ami Takeuchi led the charge on the night with yet another hat-trick to take her tally to a remarkable 34 league goals in 10 matches, while Nur Ain Salleh, Eri Kitagawa, Venetia Lim and Syazwani Ruzi all found the net as well. Ami Kawase added a brace to round off the scoring.
Coming into the clash, Aerion had traditionally been one of the Sailors’ sternest tests. Indeed, they had conceded only nine goals in seven matches prior to this encounter, and the Sailors needed a last-gasp effort to edge a 1-0 win in their previous meeting earlier this year. The Sailors had also failed to beat Aerion in both encounters last season.
This time, however, it was a completely different story. Despite the presence of experienced names such as Sunisa Srangthaisong, 2025 WPL Golden Glove winner Lutfiah Hannah and former Sailor Nicole Lim, the Sailors found their rhythm and produced a commanding display to make it two wins from two against Aerion this season.
Remi Ogawa was influential at the heart of the Sailors defence, and the 15-year-old, who made her WPL debut in the 1-0 win over Aerion in January, relished the challenge of going up against older, more experienced players.
“It was really fun playing against a team with many experienced players, and it was an amazing opportunity to compete in that environment,” said Remi.
“Today we gained three points, kept a clean sheet and achieved our training goals, so overall I think we did well as a team. The team’s chemistry has improved a lot throughout the season, especially the combination plays.”
Another player whose performance caught the eye was Ain. Introduced in the 17th minute after an early reshuffle due to an injury to Farah Nurzahirah, Ain orchestrated the attacking onslaught with a goal and four consecutive assists. However, the 16-year-old was quick to credit the rest of the team for the dominant performance.
“It feels really great to help the team rack up the goals. I’m happy I could contribute in this way today against a tough team, but overall it was a team effort,” she said.
“We were a lot more confident with and without the ball this time. We also worked better as a team compared to our previous matchups against Aerion.”
With Sunisa marshalling the Aerion defence, the Sailors initially found it difficult to find the breakthrough. But it eventually came in the 20th minute when Irsalina Irwan’s dangerous delivery caused chaos in the box, and Priscille Le Helloco pounced on the loose ball to tee up Takeuchi to open the scoring.
“The first goal gave us a big boost of confidence to keep pushing and attacking,” said Ain. “At the start, I was a little nervous as the Aerion attackers were quick and technically gifted, but as the game went on and we scored, we built momentum and confidence.”
The Sailors doubled their lead in the 25th minute through relentless pressing. Priscille forced Angelyn Pang into an error, and Ain drilled a first-time finish into the bottom corner.
Four minutes later, Ain turned provider, slipping a pass to Eri, who beat her defender with neat footwork before slotting home her 18th goal of the season to make it 3-0. The fourth arrived in the 36th minute on the counter, with Ain threading a precise through ball for Kawase, who rounded the goalkeeper to score.
Just before the break, Ain lifted a clever pass into Takeuchi’s path for the latter’s second of the night in the 43rd minute.
There was no let-up after the restart.
In the 49th minute, Ain laid the ball off for Syazwani, whose long-range effort struck the underside of the crossbar and went in. Three minutes later, Irsalina capitalised on a misplaced pass and fed Takeuchi, who showed great composure to complete her hat-trick and make it 7-0.
Venetia, who was introduced in the 58th minute, made an immediate impact with a well-directed shot three minutes later. 14-year-old Kawase then scored the Sailors’ ninth of the night — and her ninth goal in what has been an impressive debut season — in the 71st minute to cap off a dominant display.
There was also time for 13-year-old Sofia Rusi (pictured above) to make her second WPL appearance following her record-breaking debut few days ago, while Raeka Ee continued her return from injury with another outing off the bench.
“I think we kept the ball well and made many good forward runs to create those chances,” said Ain. “Personally, I just tried to stay focused and make the right decisions on the ball.
“This victory will definitely boost our confidence and chemistry. Beating a team of this calibre shows what we are capable of.”
The Sailors will now turn their attention to their next assignment against Tanjong Pagar United next Saturday (2 May) at the same venue.
At just 21, midfielder Lucas Agueiro has already taken an unconventional path in football.
From the streets of Brazil to the cold of Moscow, he now finds himself in the heat and humidity of Singapore with the Lion City Sailors.
Just three months into his stint with the club, Lucas has already settled in well as he prepares for the final stretch of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title race.
“When the opportunity to come here arose, it immediately piqued my interest. The league is growing and attracting quality foreign players, and I wanted to test myself,” he said.
“I’m happy to be playing for one of the best clubs in the country and competing for the title. The environment here is very good, and being around these players and staff will only help me develop further.”
Lucas’ formative years were spent in Brazil, where he featured in the youth setups of top-flight clubs Flamengo and Grêmio, before a stint with Hercílio Luz’s Under-20 side.
In February 2025, he made a bold move to Russia, joining Broke Boys Moscow in the Media Football League (MFL), a competition that features teams made up of celebrities and prominent personalities.
But beyond the spotlight, Lucas saw it as a chance to grow both as a footballer and as a person.
“I moved there for the exposure and the experience of playing in Europe. Some of the clubs had strong backing and good players, so the level was competitive. It was very cold, but I adapted well and managed to stand out,” he said.
One of his standout memories was playing in the MFL grand final against FC Amkal Moscow at Luzhniki Stadium, the venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, in front of more than 30,000 fans in July 2025.
Being more than 11,800km away from his hometown of São Paulo strengthened his resilience, something he had already built from a young age.
“I’ve lived away from my parents since I was 13, so I was calm about moving abroad. I’m used to being independent, and I wanted to pursue my dream of playing outside Brazil,” he explained.
That mindset carried into his next move to Singapore, where he joined the Young Lions in July 2025.
Named one of the team’s captains, Lucas played a key role in guiding a youthful side. He also scored a memorable long-range goal against the Sailors in October 2025, before making the switch to the reigning champions in January 2026.
Training alongside top-quality players has accelerated his development. He has also formed close bonds within the squad, naming Anderson Lopes, Diogo Costa, and Rui Pires among the players he looks up to.
While competition for places is intense, Lucas has made an impact off the bench with his energy and tenacity. In his most recent outing against the Young Lions, he thought he had scored a late goal, only for it to be ruled out for a foul in the build-up.
“I was disappointed, but that’s part of football. The most important thing was that we got the win, which we deserved,” he said. “Everyone performed consistently, and these three points are very important for us.”
Under Head Coach Jesús Casas, however, Lucas has quickly adapted to a high-intensity, attacking style of play.
“Coach Jesús speaks to me every day. He’s a great leader with a lot of experience. It was easy to adapt to his style, as it’s similar to what I’m used to in Brazilian football,” said the midfielder, who has featured in all six games under the Spaniard.
With the Sailors closing in on back-to-back league titles, Lucas is eager to add another trophy to his collection after lifting the Singapore Cup earlier this year.
Nonetheless, he remains focused on the task at hand, starting with Sunday’s (26 April) clash against Geylang International.
“We are all motivated to win the league, and we’re working hard every day to improve. Our focus is to get the three points on Sunday and move closer to the title,” he said.
“Geylang is a good team, but we’re largely focused on ourselves and how we can perform better in each match. They key to victory is hunger — we have to show our mentality and why we deserve to be champions.”
Off the pitch, Lucas has embraced life in Singapore. In his downtime, he enjoys exploring the city and heading to the beach to play footvolley.
“Singapore is beautiful. Everything here runs smoothly, and the food is great. My goal is to win titles and achieve big things here,” he said.
“I want to become a better player to support my family, and it would be an honour to one day represent this country.”
With the second round of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) underway, captain Umairah Hamdan is relishing her return to the team as she looks to guide the Lion City Sailors Women in a defining stretch of the title race.
Having missed a significant portion of the opening round through injury, the defender is now back leading preparations as the Sailors gear up to face Still Aerion on Saturday (25 April) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
Umairah made her long-awaited return in the Sailors’ 2-0 defeat to league leaders Albirex Jurong on 13 March. Despite the disappointing result, it marked a personal milestone after months of hard work in her recovery.
“Being injured is never an easy journey. However, knowing that my team was training hard and giving their all for each game gave me the motivation and determination to come back stronger,” she said.
Even while sidelined, Umairah remained a key presence within the squad, as she adapted her leadership role to support co vice-captains Syazwani Ruzi and Dhaniyah Qasimah in maintaining standards.
“While I couldn’t play, I supported the girls when they were in doubt about their roles. I also communicated with Coach Dan (Daniel Ong) to help get the right solutions for them,” she explained.
“I’d check in with Wani and Dhaniyah from time to time. They are very self-sufficient and stepped up well, leading the team and supporting the coaches.”
That period on the sidelines also gave her valuable new perspectives on the game.
“I was able to better understand how players adapt to different situations and support one another. Even though I wasn’t on the pitch, I stayed engaged and contributed by encouraging the team and sharing observations when appropriate,” said the 24-year-old.
Now fully fit, Umairah’s focus is firmly on driving the Sailors forward in what is shaping up to be a tightly contested title race. At the same time, she has taken on the added responsibility of guiding the next generation of players.
With more Sailors Girls Academy graduates stepping into the senior setup, Umairah has embraced a mentorship role to help ease their transition.
“While we’re pushing for the title, giving younger players exposure is important for the future of the team. I’ve been making an effort to include them, help them settle in, and guide them during matches, especially in positioning and decision-making,” she said.
“The goal is for the whole team to perform consistently, beat Albirex to the title, and secure qualification for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League.”
Next up is a tricky test against third-placed Still Aerion, with the Sailors entering the match on the back of an encouraging 15-0 victory over Balestier.
“One of the biggest positives was that we were able to play our style of football, which is something we’ve been working on all season. Our connections on the pitch were better, and you could see the growing chemistry as we understood each other’s strengths and weaknesses more,” she noted.
“To stay grounded, we remind ourselves that there’s always room for improvement. Even in strong performances, there are lessons to take away.”
Their previous meeting with Aerion on 31 January required patience, with the Sailors needing a late goal to secure a narrow 1-0 win, and Umairah knows improvements will be needed.
“One key lesson is to be more clinical in front of goal and make the most of our chances. We also need to be sharper in getting to the ball first and better at maintaining possession so we can control the game,” she said.
“With the work we’ve put in during training and recent matches, we’ve improved our understanding on the ball. Now, we want to show that with a more complete performance.”
The Lion City Sailors Women produced a ruthless attacking display to open the second round of the Women’s Premier League (WPL) in style, as they swept aside Balestier Khalsa 15-0 to keep the pressure on at the top of the table.
With goal difference set to play a decisive role in the title race, and the Sailors sitting second, three points behind leaders Albirex Jurong, they wasted no time asserting their intent.
Eri Kitagawa and Ami Takeuchi led the charge with four goals apiece, while Farah Nurzahirah struck a rapid hat-trick. Dhaniyah Qasimah, Syazwani Ruzi, Venetia Lim and Nur Ain Salleh (pictured below) also got on the scoresheet in a commanding team performance.
“Our main goal coming into tonight’s game was to play our style of football and maintain high intensity. If we do that consistently, the goals will come,” said Dhaniyah.
Priscille Le Helloco, handed her first start of the season, echoed that approach. “We wanted to be aggressive in attack and make the most of every opportunity. My role was to deliver quality crosses and keep creating chances, so I focused on doing that throughout the game.
“As a team, we played really good football. Our chemistry and combinations were strong, and we created a lot of chances. There are always things to improve, but overall it was a great performance.”
The Sailors needed just five minutes to break the deadlock, as Dhaniyah’s teasing delivery slipped past the Balestier goalkeeper and into the net, making her the club’s 12th different scorer this season.
“I was surprised to see the ball go in. It was meant to be a cross, but I think I hit it too hard. Still, a goal is a goal, and I guess I was a bit lucky,” she said with a smile.
Ami doubled the lead four minutes later with a sharp turn and finish inside the box, before the floodgates opened.
In the 14th minute, Farah turned provider with a precise ball into the area for Syazwani to tap home her first goal of the season. Eri then made it 4-0 shortly after with a powerful strike, before Farah took centre stage with a thunderous finish and two more quick goals to complete her hat-trick.
The hat-trick meant Farah has now chalked up 12 goals in 2026 and is the first local player to reach double digits for the Sailors Women this season.
Priscille’s dangerous deliveries from the right wing continued to cause problems, and in the 35th minute, her cross led to Eri heading home. Ami then added another with a header of her own to send the Sailors into the break nine goals up.
“It felt great to be named in the starting eleven,” said 19-year-old Priscille. “It was nerve-wracking at first because of the high standards in the team, but I focused on my role and once I settled in, I really enjoyed it.
“It meant a lot to contribute. As an attacking player, you always want to impact the game, but it also comes from the guidance of the coaches and the movement of my teammates.”
The intensity did not drop after the restart. Dhaniyah was again involved in the 50th minute, her cross finding Eri, who controlled well before finishing for her third. She added a fourth from range in the 65th minute, before turning provider for Ami to complete her hat-trick.
Raeka Ee then came on in the 68th minute to mark her return from a foot injury, while Aria Romano and Sofia Rusi (pictured below) — both from the Sailors Women ‘B’ Team — then made their WPL and senior debuts in the 81st minute.
Sofia duly made an immediate impact, delivering a pinpoint cross a minute later for Ain to finish.
“I was really excited and even surprised to be called up and experience this with the senior players,” said the 2012-born midfielder.
“I’m happy to contribute. I’ve been working on my crosses and my left foot, so I’m proud of that.”
With that, Sofia also became the 20th Girls Academy graduate to feature for the Sailors in the WPL — and doing so as the youngest debutant ever at 13 years, 7 months and 17 days old.
There was still time for more late goals, as Venetia struck from range in the 87th minute, before Ami rounded off the scoring in stoppage time with a composed penalty.
The four-goal hauls from Ami and Eri also meant they took their season tallies up to 31 and 17 respectively, reflecting their importance to the team.
With the second round of the WPL now in full swing, the Sailors remain focused on maintaining their style and momentum.
“I’m happy to see that what we worked on in training translated into the game,” said Dhaniyah. “We achieved our aim of playing good football, and the goals came when we combined well instead of rushing forward.
“We can still improve on being more clinical and making the most of our chances, and that’s something we will keep working on,” added Priscille.
The Sailors will be back in action again this Saturday (25 April) at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, where they will face third-placed Still Aerion as they continue their push for the title.
The Lion City Sailors were made to work for all three points on Monday (20 April) night, as they eventually saw off a resilient Young Lions side 2-0 in their Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Goals from Lennart Thy and Anderson Lopes ensured the Sailors extended an impressive unbeaten run that has now yielded 15 wins from 17 league matches. The result also keeps them eight points clear at the summit, albeit having played a game more than second-placed BG Tampines Rovers.
Played in torrential rain, the contest was disrupted early on when the Lightning Warning System (LWS) forced a stoppage after just eight minutes. Action only resumed following a 50-minute delay, with Sailors Head Coach Jesús Casas admitting the unusual circumstances posed an added challenge for his team.
“The match was a bit strange with the heavy rain and interruption at the beginning,” he said.
“The Young Lions also surprised us. Usually, they play short passes, but under these conditions they relied on long balls, and that caused us problems.”
Jesús rang the changes from last weekend’s win over Hougang United, handing starts to Rui Pires, Hami Syahin, Christopher van Huizen and Nur Adam Abdullah.
Meanwhile, Young Lions Head Coach Firdaus Kassim made two changes from his side’s previous outing, with captain Amir Syafiz leading the line and Andrew Aw Yong returning from suspension.
And it was the Young Lions who threatened first, as Henry Spence tested Ivan Sušak in the 17th minute, before the Sailors goalkeeper was called into action again soon after from a well-worked set-piece.
Chris, making his 99th appearance for the club, responded with an effort that drifted off target, before Hami’s incisive pass released Kyoga Nakamura, who was denied by Izwan Mahbud.
At the other end, Bailey Wright produced a crucial sliding challenge in the six-yard box to keep the score level on the half-hour mark. Former Sailor Abdil Qaiyyim then denied Bart Ramselaar’s header on the goalline to ensure both sides went into the break level.
However, the Sailors stepped up the pressure after the restart, with Bailey and Lennart both going close, while the latter clipped the crossbar with a header in the 56th minute.
And the turning point of the game arrived just after the hour mark, when Ajay Robson was sent off for a second bookable offence for bringing down Bart just outside the area.
Reduced to 10 men, the Young Lions reshuffled, while Jesús introduced Anderson, Shawal Anuar, Song Uiyoung and Diogo Costa as the Sailors pushed for the breakthrough.
It finally came in the 73rd minute. Kyoga was at the heart of it, producing a moment of quality before teeing up Lennart, whose effort took a deflection on its way in for his 13th league goal of the campaign.
“I knew we would get more chances from that point on,” said Lennart. “Of course, it helped to have the numerical advantage because it gave us more space.”
Lucas Agueiro then thought he had doubled the lead on 88 minutes, only for his effort to be ruled out by VAR for a foul in the build-up.
There was no denying the Sailors a second goal in stoppage time, however. Kyoga was again involved, as his deflected shot fell kindly to Anderson, who showed superb control before producing a delicate lob over Izwan from close range to seal the three points.
That was the Brazilian’s 10th SPL goal of the season, while the Sailors kept a 10th clean sheet in 17 games — underlining the team’s solidity at the back throughout this campaign.
“I think we dominated the match and took our chances at a key time,” added Lennart, who was named Player of the Match. “We didn’t score earlier, so we had to be patient, but the win is what matters most.”
The game proved a sterner test than expected in difficult conditions, with the Young Lions, including on-loan Sailors duo Nathan Mao and Henry Spence, producing a spirited display.
“The Young Lions defended very well with many players in the box, so it was not easy to score,” said Jesús. “But this win takes us one step closer to the SPL title.”
The Sailors will now look ahead to back-to-back outings at Our Tampines Hub against Geylang International and BG Tampines Rovers on 26 April and 3 May respectively, as they edge ever closer to the title.
Wins in both games will see them seal a second straight SPL triumph.
It has been a quiet yet remarkable rise for Amelia Tan. At just 14 years, 4 months and 4 days, she is the youngest-ever Lion City Sailors Girls Academy graduate to start for the senior team in the Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Amelia, who made her senior debut on the opening day of the season, has already announced herself with two goals, displaying a composure on the pitch that belies her age.
As the 19th Girls Academy graduate to break into the senior side, her journey is another strong reflection of a pathway that continues to shape the team. Now, with the Sailors set to face Balestier Khalsa on Tuesday (21 April) at the Bukit Gombak Stadium, the spotlight turns once more to the league leaders’ next test.
“Coming through the academy has played a big part in my growth,” said Amelia.
“It has taught me how to deal with the highs and lows and not get carried away by either. Off the pitch, balancing football and studies hasn’t been easy, so I’ve learned how to manage my time better. Over time, I became more disciplined.”
That grounding is evident in her approach to both training and matches, which is underpinned by habits built over years in the academy system.
“One of my biggest takeaways is to give my best in every training session and match, and to stay consistent while focusing on my own development. Even on days when we are not at our best, we still need to put in the effort,” she said.
“Things do not always go our way, and we should not let small setbacks affect us too much. The academy gave me time to develop my basic skills step by step and understand the game better tactically, which helps me make better decisions on the field.”
That preparation has been tested this season. Balancing minutes between the WPL side and the Sailors Women’s B Team in the Women’s National League (WNL) is no easy task, but Amelia has thrived in both environments.
She has already netted twice in the WPL, while lighting up the WNL as its runaway top scorer with 20 goals in just six matches for the unbeaten B Team.
Yet, beyond the goals, it is her humility and hunger to improve that stand out.
“It was definitely a proud moment for me to make my WPL debut. But this is only the beginning and there is still a lot more for me to improve on,” said Amelia.
“I have to keep working harder to earn more opportunities. Playing in the WPL pushes me out of my comfort zone and helps me reflect on my mistakes instead of dwelling on them.
“Being the current top scorer and getting consistent minutes in the WNL is encouraging and reminds me that hard work will pay off. But I know the WPL demands much more, and there will always be stronger opponents.”
With the Sailors returning from the international break, focus has been firmly on maintaining standards ahead of their clash with Balestier, following a record 20-0 victory over Hougang United in their previous outing two weeks ago.
“Our team has been working on our chemistry and our finishing in front of goal, which is very important at this stage,” shared Amelia, who missed the Cheetahs clash due to her involvement in the JSSL 7s.
“I expect Balestier to put up a strong fight. Since we have already played them before, they will be familiar with our style, so we have to maintain our intensity.”
And if called upon, Amelia is clear about the impact she wants to make.
“I hope to contribute as much as I can, whether it is creating chances, finishing, or helping the team in any way,” she said.
“I want to be more direct and effective, especially in the final third where we need goals.”
