Category: News
Few players embody what it means to wear the Lion City Sailors badge quite like Song Uiyoung.
Closing in on 125 appearances in all competitions, the midfielder remains a joy to watch when in full flow.
However, it has been a disrupted 2025/26 season for the 31-year-old, with just six appearances in the ongoing Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign due to injury setbacks. Nonetheless, there were encouraging signs last weekend, though, as Song marked his return to the starting line-up in a 4-1 win over Hougang United with an assist.
“I was happy to play the match from the start. The most important thing for me is not about being a starter, but that I can play again after my injury. Finally, I can focus on football and my team again,” said Song.
The Hougang clash was only his second start since the turn of the year, following January’s Singapore Cup final triumph over BG Tampines Rovers, as he continues his gradual return to full fitness.
Behind the scenes, the Sailors’ medical team have played a key role in his recovery.
“I follow all the programmes and instructions of our physios and rehab trainers. It has helped me regain my match fitness and recover from injury,” he shared.
A central figure in the Sailors’ journey, Song has been part of both the club’s SPL title-winning campaigns in 2021 and 2024/25, with brief overseas stints in Thailand and Indonesia in between.
Amongst the current squad, only Hafiz Nor and Hariss Harun have made more appearances than Song, underlining his importance to the team.
“The previous title wins are very good memories, and I want to continue winning as many trophies as possible here. To clinch the SPL title this season, the most important thing is to focus game by game and put in the effort in every match.”
Since the arrival of Head Coach Jesús Casas, the Sailors have adopted a more attack-minded approach, scoring 18 goals in five league matches.
“If I simplify Coach Jesús’ philosophy, it is about attacking football. The most important thing is that the players are enjoying this style of play and adapting well,” said Song.
That approach will be on show again when the Sailors face Young Lions on Monday, 20 April at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Young Lions head into the fixture on a high after a 1-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United, with Brazilian forward Sérgio Mendonça netting his sixth goal of the season. On-loan Sailors goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud described it as a “win that we wanted for so long”, but Song is clear on his side’s focus.
“Once I step onto the field, I always try to give my best and enjoy the game. Our target is always three points in every SPL match.
“I will give maximum effort and try to play my part in this final stretch of the season. That is the most important thing now.”
With five crucial fixtures remaining, the Sailors remain in control at the top of the table, keeping their title rivals at bay.
For Song, the goal is simple: to rediscover his best form and contribute when it matters most.
“I need to put in good performances in every training session and the remaining matches of the season,” he said.
“I’m really motivated, and these upcoming matches are important for my ASEAN Hyundai Cup and next year’s Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup dreams (with the Singapore national team).”
The Lion City Sailors continued their push towards a second straight Singapore Premier League (SPL) title with a 4-1 comeback victory over sixth-placed Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (12 April) night.
Goals from Lennart Thy, Shawal Anuar, Toni Datković and Anderson Lopes helped the Sailors overturn an early deficit, as the champions claimed their 14th win in 16 matches to extend their unbeaten run.
The result keeps the Sailors eight points clear at the top, albeit having played a game more, and marks a fourth consecutive victory under Head Coach Jesús Casas.
Speaking after the match, the Spaniard was pleased with how his side responded after a difficult start.
“I’m very happy today because we overcame a new challenge. Hougang are one of the best teams in the league in terms of tactical transition, so it was hard for us to win,” he said.
“We started by conceding a goal, but the team continued with our style of football and kept pressing. We adjusted a few things at half-time in attack and in defence, and that changed the game for us.”
Since joining the Sailors in February this year, Jesús has not shied away from rotating his squad, and he continued that approach here. Hafiz Nor was handed his first start of the season on the right wing, while Song Uiyoung returned to the starting line-up for the first time after a near three-month injury layoff.
The Sailors, however, made an ominous start as they fell behind inside nine minutes, with Huzaifah Aziz rifling a long-range effort past Ivan Sušak.
That brought an end to their run of three consecutive clean sheets, and while the Sailors tried to respond immediately, Hougang proved difficult to break down in the opening exchanges.
Indeed, the hosts’ first clear chance came only in the 27th minute when Lennart carved out an opening for Tsiy Ndenge, but the midfielder fired inches wide from the edge of the area.
But the Sailors’ persistence paid off five minutes later when Hafiz was brought down by Hougang goalkeeper Ridhuan Barudin after Bart Ramselaar’s teasing cross caused chaos in the box.
Following a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, a penalty was awarded, and Lennart stepped up to convert confidently in the 37th minute.
The Sailors then had to stay alert to avoid conceding again, with Akram Azman producing a crucial tackle to deny former Sydney FC forward Jaushua Sotirio a clear run on goal.
Level at the break, the Sailors introduced Shawal in place of Hafiz, and the substitution paid immediate dividends.
Within 40 seconds of coming on, Shawal reacted quickest after his initial effort was saved, swivelling sharply to fire home and give the Sailors a 2-1 lead.
By then, the momentum had firmly swung in the hosts’ favour, with Hougang struggling to cope with the increased tempo.
“We changed some things tactically at half-time. We were more on the front foot, played more aggressively and were more active. That caused problems for the opponents,” said Tsiy, who was named Man of the Match.
Lennart was denied in a one-on-one by Ridhuan in the 58th minute, before seeing his header from Kyoga Nakamura’s corner deflected wide.
From the resulting set-piece, Toni rose highest to head home Kyoga’s delivery and make it 3-1 on the hour mark, scoring in back-to-back home matches.
The Croatian had also netted twice in the Sailors’ previous outing at Jalan Besar, a 4-0 win over Geylang International on 7 March.
With control firmly established, Jesús introduced fresh legs in Anderson Lopes, Hami Syahin and Rui Pires as the Sailors managed the closing stages.
Anderson eventually got on the scoresheet in the final minute of regulation time, tapping in Shawal’s low cross to seal a comprehensive victory.
The result leaves the Sailors three wins away from securing the league title, with the squad determined to maintain their focus to see it through to the end.
Next up are fixtures against Young Lions and Geylang International on 20 and 26 April respectively, before a potential title decider against BG Tampines Rovers on 3 May.
“Since the start of the season, we’ve been a very hungry team, and we want to fight for titles for the club. In the dressing room, we’re all pushing each other because we know how much the league trophy means to this club,” stressed Tsiy.
Echoing that sentiment, Jesús added, “I came here because I believe in the Sailors’ project. This is a team with a winning mentality and I’m very happy to be here to drive the club forward.
“The objective now is simple: to stay focused and win the title at the end of the season.”
What could make a 33-year-old feel like an 11-year-old?
For Christopher van Huizen, the answer is simple: football.
Indeed, his return to the Lion City Sailors starting lineup against Tanjong Pagar United on Monday (6 April) brought that feeling rushing back, as he marked his first Singapore Premier League (SPL) start since last October with an assured display in a commanding 4-0 win.
“Honestly, I was missing football a lot, and trying to get my position back in the team was really difficult because I had to deal with injuries along the way,” said Chris. “It felt good to start in the Singapore Cup against Balestier and against Shan United in the Shopee Cup in December.
“Then I had another ankle injury which kept me away for quite some time. So getting the opportunity to start again, I felt like an 11-year-old boy. It was an amazing feeling.”
Deployed as a left winger rather than his usual full-back role, Chris made an immediate impact, providing the assist for Lennart Thy’s opener before making way just before the hour mark.
“The last time I played as a winger was back in 2021 with Geylang International,” he recalled. “It reminded me of my time there, which was the last time I was regularly starting matches in that position.”
His thoughts also drifted further back to 2019, when he enjoyed a standout campaign, registering a joint-high 10 assists in the SPL while operating out wide.
Those experiences continue to shape his game today, with Chris drawing on his understanding of both winger and wing-back roles to contribute effectively in different systems.
“When I play as a wing-back, I focus more on defending, especially against stronger teams who attack a lot,” he explained. “I pick my moments to go forward.
“As a winger, you still defend, but when attacking, you need the energy to keep making runs and deliver crosses into the box.”
That versatility will be key once more this Sunday (12 April), when the Sailors take on Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Cheetahs head into the clash on the back of a narrow defeat to Geylang International and sit sixth in the table. Notably, they are the only side yet to draw a match this season, underlining their unpredictable nature.
“These kinds of matches can be tricky,” Chris noted. “On their day, Hougang can be a really good team. We just need to stay consistent with our game plan and keep pushing forward.”
Having recently returned from injury, Chris is also clear about where he can improve.
“There’s still a lot of room for improvement. My decision-making could have been better in the last match, and my fitness is not yet at its best,” he said. “I could have linked up more with the forwards, especially with Bart (Ramselaar) playing in the middle, which makes my job easier.”
With 98 appearances for the club, Chris is also closing in on a century in Sailors colours, a milestone he is determined to reach.
“Playing 100 matches for one club is something I’ve always wanted in my career,” he shared. “I never managed to reach it elsewhere, so now that I’m close, I really want to achieve it here with the biggest club in Singapore.”
Under Head Coach Jesús Casas, wide players such as Diogo Costa and Nur Adam Abdullah have continued to thrive, and Chris sees that as a positive sign for the team’s future.
With experience on his side, he is also embracing a mentorship role within the squad.
“Nur Adam is definitely a player for the future. He’s very promising, and all I can do is push him and help him improve,” said Chris.
“I’m at a stage where I may have a few more years left, so I want to share my experience with the younger players and help the team in the long term.”
The Lion City Sailors made it three straight wins under Head Coach Jesús Casas with a composed 4-0 victory over 10-man Tanjong Pagar United at the Jurong East Stadium on Monday (6 April) night.
Goals from Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar, Bailey Wright and Diogo Costa ensured the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions moved eight points clear at the top, while remaining unbeaten with six matches left to go in the 2025/26 season.
And while Jesús was pleased with a professional display, he stressed that higher standards will be needed as the title race intensifies.
“I’m very happy with the win. There were quite a few positive aspects, such as the clean sheet, and how players like Song (Uiyoung) and Chris (van Huizen) were able to feature, and they were at a good level,” said the Spaniard.
“However, we need to keep improving in all areas. I thought our pressing was good today, but we dropped off a bit towards the end. We need to maintain our intensity throughout, because a game can change in an instant if we concede. I hope we can perform even better in the next match.”
With nearly a month since their last league outing, Jesús made one notable change, handing Chris his first start since 18 October, while Diogo retained his place on the right wing after an impressive showing against Balestier Khalsa.
The Sailors controlled proceedings from the outset, with Lennart testing Matt Silva early on, before forcing another save with a sharp volley from Bart’s cross minutes later.
Diogo then came close to opening the scoring in the 24th minute with a curling effort that drifted just wide, as the visitors continued to probe down the flanks.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 33rd minute. Deployed on the left wing, Chris delivered a precise cross for Lennart to guide home his 11th goal of the season.
The Sailors nearly doubled their lead before the break as Shodai Nishikawa produced a goal-line clearance to deny Lennart, while Diogo was unable to convert the rebound.
Jesús introduced Shawal Anuar during the break, and the change paid immediate dividends, as three minutes into the second half, the Singapore international surged to the byline and picked out Bart, who scored his first headed goal for the club.
Another Sailors substitute, Lucas Agueiro, also made his mark in the 65th minute, when his flicked header from a corner fell kindly for Bailey, who powered home a thumping volley for his fifth goal of the campaign.
Tanjong Pagar’s task became even harder in the 77th minute when Faizal Roslan was sent off following a VAR review for a reckless challenge on Diogo.
Despite the healthy lead, the Sailors continued to push forward and were rewarded deep into stoppage time, as Diogo sealed the win with an acrobatic first-time volley off Bart’s searching cross.
While the Sailors’ attack impressed, their defensive unit proved to be just as assured, with the Jaguars failing to register a single shot on target and allowing Ivan Sušak to claim his seventh clean sheet of the season.
And it was centre-back Bailey, who delivered at both ends, who was deservedly named Man of the Match.
“It’s always important to start the first game after a break with a win and a strong performance. We created many chances and could have scored more, but we showed clear signs of the style we want to play and were comfortable throughout the 90 minutes,” he said.
The Sailors return to action this Sunday (12 April) against Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium, before facing Young Lions at the same venue the following Monday (20 April) in a crucial stretch of the run-in.
“Tampines are strong contenders and there are still plenty of games left, but we are focused on ourselves,” Bailey added.
“We’ve been in this position before, so it’s nothing new. Everything is in our hands and we know what we need to do. We just have to take it one game at a time.”
Fresh off an unbeaten Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup qualifying campaign with Singapore, Lion City Sailors captain Hariss Harun is already turning his focus back to the next task at hand — defending the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
While the Lions’ final qualifier against Bangladesh was billed as a celebratory occasion, it still required grit and discipline, as Hariss and his teammates battled to a 1-0 win in front of a partisan 30,105 crowd at the National Stadium.
“It was amazing to see the fans come out in huge numbers to support the team, and to end the campaign unbeaten is a fantastic achievement,” said Hariss.
“Performance-wise, there’s still a lot of work ahead of us. But overall, it’s a positive for Singapore football, and we’ll go forward with our hearts and minds in the right place.”
(Photo: Football Association of Singapore)
That same mindset now carries into club duties, with Hariss one of four Sailors involved in the match. He also reserved special praise for teammate Nur Adam, whose resurgence has been one of the standout stories in recent weeks.
“Having seen Nur Adam grow from a young player, he is much more mature and settled now,” Hariss said. “Ever since he returned from National Service, he has been putting in full effort into every training and match.
“He has earned his place for club and country, and he has the potential to hold on to that spot for many years. I’m glad to see his hard work paying off.”
With international football now behind him for the season, Hariss is fully locked in on the Sailors’ domestic ambitions. The reigning champions remain five points clear at the top of the SPL table, but the skipper is taking nothing for granted.
“We are ahead at the moment, but we cannot take anything for granted. The other teams are chasing us, and we still have to play them.
“To maintain that gap, we need to collect as many points as possible. That means full focus in every game until the end of the season, as defending the title is our top priority.”
Having previously enjoyed sustained success in the Malaysia Super League with Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Hariss knows what it takes to stay on top. Yet, retaining the SPL crown would mark a new milestone in his career.
“Defending titles is always difficult, and it gets harder with each passing year. Every season brings new challenges,” he said.
“It will be special for me and everyone at the club to defend the title, and it will give us valuable experience to push on in the years to come.”
Leading that charge is Spanish head coach Jesús Casas, who has made a steady start with two wins and a draw from his first three matches in charge.
“Coach Jesús brings a different style of football compared to what we’ve been used to. He has fresh ideas and is working to implement them into the team,” said Hariss.
“We faced some difficulties in the first game against Albirex, but there’s still a lot of adapting to do. With time, we will get there.”
Next up for the Sailors is a clash against bottom side Tanjong Pagar United, who are enduring a difficult campaign. But Hariss is wary of complacency, despite his side’s dominant recent record in the fixture.
“It may seem like a straightforward match on paper, but these are the games that can surprise you,” he cautioned. “Tanjong Pagar are most dangerous when teams take it easy, so we must stay focused.
“We have seven cup finals left, and we’ll give it our all to keep the SPL trophy with the Sailors. Our goal is to entertain the fans and bring the three points home.”
It was an evening to remember for Lion City Sailors Women as they made Women’s Premier League (WPL) history with a 20-0 victory over Hougang United at Bukit Gombak Stadium on Saturday (4 April).
The result set a new record for the largest winning margin in WPL history, overtaking the previous record of 18-0 set by the team against Balestier Khalsa in May 2024.
Ami Takeuchi led the charge with a remarkable nine-goal haul, while Eri Kitagawa and Nurhidayu Naszri both struck hat-tricks. Ami Kawase added a brace, with Venetia Lim, Wan Nashirah (pictured below) and Remi Ogawa all netting their first goals of the campaign to add gloss to the scoreline.
“It’s a good feeling to set a new record, but we didn’t focus on the scoreline,” said vice-captain Syazwani Ruzi. “Our focus was on ourselves, our playing style, keeping the ball and controlling the tempo.”
The Sailors made three changes from their 7-0 win over Tiong Bahru last weekend, while Hougang came into the match rooted to the bottom following a 5-1 defeat to Geylang International.
Hougang head coach Al-Ameen Maricar, a former Sailors assistant, was forced to name just nine starting players due to several unavailable players and that set the tone for what proved a long evening for the Cheetahs.
And the Sailors made their numerical advantage count within five minutes, when Venetia’s mis-hit effort was headed in by Ami Takeuchi. The Japanese forward then added a long-range strike before completing her hat-trick inside the opening 15 minutes.
Eri made it 4-0 in the 27th minute after capitalising on a goalkeeping error, before turning provider for Takeuchi to add another. Eri then got her second of the night soon after.
Ayu then joined in the party as she opened her account for the season with a close-range finish to make it 7-0, before Venetia headed in Dhaniyah Qasimah’s cross for her first goal of the campaign.
“I was determined to contribute and make a real impact,” said Ayu. “Now that I’m back in the starting lineup, I need to step up and prove my worth.”
Takeuchi then scored with a superb long-range effort to send the Sailors into the break 9-0 up.
The Sailors picked up where they left off after the restart, as Venetia set up Ayu to bring up double figures in the 52nd minute, before teenage substitute Ami Kawase struck almost immediately to make it 11.
Takeuchi then added three more in quick succession to extend the lead to 14-0, before Ayu completed her hat-trick in the 69th minute after neat work from Venetia.
“I’m really grateful to have scored a hat-trick today,” said Ayu. “I’ll keep working hard to improve, especially when it comes to taking my chances.”
The goals kept coming, with five coming after the 80th-minute mark.
14-year-old Kawase grabbed her second in the 82nd minute to bring her goal tally to seven for the season, before Nashirah lashed home to make it 17-0.
Substitute Remi added another and Eri then completed her hat-trick, before Takeuchi sealed the 20-goal victory deep into stoppage time with her ninth goal of the night.
The glut of goals meant Takeuchi brought her season tally up to 27 as she continued her strong bid for the WPL Golden Boot.
The emphatic victory meant the Sailors kept pace at the top of the table, while also boosting their goal difference to +72 ahead of Albirex’s clash with Tiong Bahru on Sunday (5 April).
Despite the one-sided contest, the Sailors were quick to acknowledge their opponents’ resolve with a depleted squad.
“Kudos to Hougang for their determination and resilience,” said Ayu. “It’s not easy playing with nine players from the start, and we wish them all the best for their other matches ahead.”
The Sailors Women will next be in action on 21 April against Balestier Khalsa as they continue their push for the WPL title.
There was renewed energy about the Lion City Sailors Women as they returned to winning ways in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) last weekend.
But for one player, it meant far more.
Making her first appearance for the Sailors since 2023, midfielder Venetia Lim marked her long-awaited return in style as she made her presence felt in the 24th minute with a well-weighted assist for Ami Takeuchi in a dominant 7-0 victory over Tiong Bahru.
The 22-year-old had spent the past two years studying and competing in Australia before returning to Singapore at the start of 2026. However, a frustrating patella tendon injury delayed her comeback, ruling her out for the opening two months of the season.
Now, as the Sailors prepare to face Hougang United on Saturday (4 April) at the Bukit Gombak Stadium, Venetia’s return has provided a timely lift to a side looking to build momentum in the title race.
For Venetia, stepping back onto the pitch was a moment shaped by patience and perseverance.
“There was a mix of emotions. I felt so thankful to be back on the pitch, but there’s no denying that I was nervous since it’s been a while,” she shared.
“I really wanted to do well for the team, and I’m glad to have contributed to a goal. But it was a collective effort to finish the move.”
Her performance offered a glimpse of what she brings to the side: composure in midfield, sharp movement, and the vision to unlock defences.
But the road back was far from easy.
“It was a long and challenging journey, with many ups and downs that were out of my control. But it taught me a lot,” she reflected. “I’m very grateful for the support from my family, friends, and physiotherapists, they kept me going throughout rehab.
“It has helped me become more resilient, especially in handling the highs and lows that come with playing at this level.”
Her time abroad also played a key role in her development. Turning out for Boroondara-Carey Eagles and Eltham Redbacks in Down Under, Venetia grew both as a player and as a person.
“The experience pushed me to match a higher level of intensity. Being out of my comfort zone also built accountability and discipline, which I carry into how I train now,” she said. “I hope to keep improving and contribute to the team’s goals this season.”
That growth has been evident in how she has reintegrated into a squad that has evolved during her absence.
“More than anything, I’m just grateful to be back. The team has changed, but the environment is still very positive. I’m thankful to be part of a group with so many players to learn from,” she said.
“The team has been very welcoming, and I appreciate the support from the coaches and my teammates, and especially Coach Daniel (Ong) for giving me this opportunity.”
With her minutes being managed carefully, Venetia remains focused on building her fitness and sharpness.
“My focus now is to keep improving each day. Whether on or off the pitch, I want to contribute in any way I can,” she said.
“I approach every game the same way — train well, learn, and be prepared. Hougang will be a tough challenge, and if I get the chance to play, I’ll look to execute my role and help the team get the result.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce that our Women’s Team has entered a strategic partnership with Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, as both clubs look to promote the development of the women’s game in Singapore and Japan.
Focused on raising standards locally, this collaboration will provide the Sailors Women’s youth players with opportunities to experience the Urawa philosophy through structured exchanges and training camps.
A powerhouse in Japanese women’s football, Urawa has long been a breeding ground for top talent in the country. Notably, seven members of Japan’s recent AFC Women’s Asian Cup-winning squad began their footballing journey at the club, including 161-capped Saki Kumagai and forward Kiko Seike, who now plays for Brighton & Hove Albion.
Attacker Ami Takeuchi is also a product of the Urawa system, having progressed through their youth ranks to feature in the top-tier WE (Women’s Empowerment) League before joining the Sailors in February 2026.
The partnership will centre on two key pillars:
1. Youth Player Exchanges
Outstanding players aged 15 to 18 will be selected for overseas stints, with Sailors prospects heading to Japan to train with Urawa, while Urawa players will have opportunities to train with the Sailors in Singapore.
- Coaching Exchanges
Urawa will share their coaching methodologies and technical expertise with staff of the Sailors Women’s Team staff. In return, their coaches will also gain exposure to working in an English-speaking environment, and with a diverse, international squad.
Further initiatives will be jointly developed as both clubs deepen their collaboration, underlining a shared commitment to nurturing the next generation of players and coaches through meaningful international exchange.
The Sailors look forward to building a fruitful and lasting partnership with Urawa Reds.
Normal service resumed in the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) as the Lion City Sailors Women swept to a commanding 7-0 victory over Tiong Bahru at the Bukit Gombak Stadium on Saturday (28 March) night.
Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa led the charge with a hat-trick each, while Nur Ain Salleh added another in a dominant attacking display.
The result marked a swift response from Daniel Ong’s side, who were looking to bounce back after their first defeat of the season against title rivals Albirex Jurong a fortnight ago.
The Sailors set the tone early and needed just nine minutes to break the deadlock. Ami and Eri combined neatly, with the latter lifting a deft finish over Tiong Bahru goalkeeper Larissa Ortmann to make it 1-0.
Ami soon turned from provider to scorer, doubling the lead in the 24th minute with a precise low strike from the edge of the box. Venetia Lim was the architect, marking her WPL return after spells in Australia’s second tier with Boroondara-Carey Eagles FC and Eltham Redbacks with an assist.
“I’m grateful to be back playing for the Sailors after a long time,” said Venetia, who was part of the club’s 2022 and 2023 title-winning squads. “The girls have been welcoming, and I’m thankful for all the support I’ve received from everyone, including the coaching team.
“I’m happy to have contributed with an assist, but my focus now is to keep improving and give more to the team.”
Tiong Bahru grew into the game midway through the first half, with Claris Gan testing Alysha Nasrina in the 32nd minute. Alysha, making her second start, was called into action again just before the break, tipping Lim Li Xian’s effort around the post after a swift counterattack.
Any hopes of a contest after the interval were quickly extinguished. Ami struck from range in the 47th minute to extend the lead, before Eri made it 4-0 six minutes later after weaving past defenders following good work from Farah Nurzahirah.
Eri came close to scoring her third on the hour mark, but saw her header from Dhaniyah Qasimah’s cross crash against the woodwork.
Ami, however, completed her treble in the 70th minute, taking her tally to 18 league goals, four behind Albirex Jurong’s Ruriko Takashima in the Golden Boot race.
“My role is to score goals, so I put pressure on myself to deliver in every game,” said the former Urawa Reds Ladies starlet. “That’s how I contribute to the team, and I know I have to keep improving.”
Eri was not to be denied her hat-trick either as she fired into the roof of the net from close range after Ortmann had made two initial saves to reach double figures for the season.
Ain rounded off the scoring in the 82nd minute with her fifth league goal, as the Sailors surged past the 50-goal mark for the campaign.
The victory also saw the Sailors close the gap at the top to three points, while Tiong Bahru remain without a win after six matches.
“To win the title, we have to win every game from now,” added Ami. “We’ve reset our mindset and we’re aiming to win every remaining match.”
The Sailors return to the Bukit Gombak Stadium next weekend to face Hougang United on Saturday, 4 April.
How a team responds to adversity can shape its season, and for the Lion City Sailors Women, Saturday’s (28 March) Women’s Premier League (WPL) clash against Tiong Bahru at the Bukit Gombak Stadium offers the chance to do just that.
A 2-0 defeat to title rivals Albirex Jurong two weeks ago meant the Sailors suffered defeat for the first time in 2026 and they now trail the White Swans by six points, albeit with a game in hand. It was a result that stung, but with time to reflect, the squad has emerged more determined to put things right.
“The loss hit us hard because we had worked really hard over the past few months for that game. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out the way we wanted. But that’s the nature of football,” said midfielder Nurhidayu Naszri.
“We learn and move forward. The team has been working even harder in training, and we see this as a small setback for better results in the future.”
Now, the Sailors find themselves at a delicate juncture, where they will have to balance the pursuit of the title with the need to stay grounded, play their own game, and enjoy their football. For Ayu, in particular, maintaining belief within the squad will be essential.
“It’s very important for us to maintain confidence after the loss. As a team, we need to stay united and move forward together. Instead of seeing it as a big challenge, we treat it as motivation to keep pushing and chasing the title.”
That unity has been evident in training this week, with the squad doubling down on their identity and sharpening the chemistry that has underpinned their campaign.
“The team’s mentality is strong. We’re coming together again, improving our chemistry, and training well. Hopefully, this will translate into good results in the upcoming games,” she said.
At the heart of that cohesion is the Sailors’ midfield, where Ayu plays a key role in setting the tempo and linking play, whether from the start or off the bench.
“We focus a lot on understanding each other’s movements and style of play. This helps us control the game better and set the tone for the rest of the team,” explained the 22-year-old.
That control will be vital against a Tiong Bahru side the Sailors are expected to overcome. But beyond securing three points, goal difference could yet prove decisive in the title race.
After struggling to convert clear chances against Albirex, the Sailors are determined to be more clinical in the final third.
“We want to improve on creating more chances and being more clinical in front of goal, as that was something we lacked in the previous game. We’ve been working on this in training, and we hope to show that improvement against Tiong Bahru,” said Ayu.
“We’re also aware that football is unpredictable. Anything can happen, and that’s what makes it special. We take each game one at a time and focus on improving step by step. For the Tiong Bahru match, we see it as a new challenge and aim to stick to the game plan set by our coach.”
A strong performance would not only boost their goal difference, but also restore momentum heading into the decisive stretch of the season.
For Ayu, the objective is clear — lead by example, influence the game, and help the team rediscover their rhythm.
“My personal goal is to contribute more to the team, whether through creating chances or scoring goals. I also want to stay composed, keep possession well, and distribute the ball effectively.”
