Category: News
The Lion City Sailors today bid farewell to Sporting Director Badri Ghent, who has left the club to take on the significant role of General Secretary at the Football Association of Singapore (FAS).
Since the Sailors’ inception in 2020, the 36-year-old has been pivotal in shaping the club’s direction both on and off the pitch. His vision and leadership raised the level of professionalism, strengthened the football structure, and cultivated a culture of excellence that will serve the Sailors well for years to come.
Badri’s journey began with the Sailors’ predecessor, Home United, where he rose through the ranks to become the youngest-ever Team Manager of a professional football club in Singapore in 2014, before being appointed General Manager in 2017.
He was instrumental in the club’s privatisation in 2020, which saw the birth of the modern-day Sailors. In his role as Sporting Director, Badri spearheaded the club’s sporting strategy and player recruitment processes, while continuing to oversee its broader direction.
Under his steady leadership, the Sailors broke new ground for Singapore football and beyond. Notable milestones included the opening of the country’s first integrated football training facility in 2022, and the historic achievement earlier this May of becoming the first Singapore club to reach the final of a continental competition, the AFC Champions League Two.
“It has been a tremendous journey, from the Home United days to the exciting transformation into the Lion City Sailors. I am deeply grateful to everyone at the club – management, staff, players, and fans – for their unwavering commitment and belief in the vision we set out together. It has been a real honour to serve and represent this club, and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved over the past few years,” said Badri.
“While I now step into a wider role to serve Singapore football, I am confident that the Sailors will continue to push forward and thrive in my absence, with the solid foundations built on professionalism and ambition.
“I will always cherish the memories I’ve made here, and I wish the club all the best for the future.”
The Sailors are deeply grateful for Badri’s leadership, passion, and tireless work over the years. His appointment as FAS General Secretary comes as no surprise, and reflects the trust placed in him to help steer Singapore football forward.
While we are sad to see him leave, we take pride in knowing that Singapore football will now benefit from his expertise. His new role gives him the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the sport we all love, and that is something worth celebrating.
Badri departs with a strong legacy, and the Sailors remain committed to driving his work forward with the same ambition and dedication, as we continue our pursuit of success both domestically and on the continental stage.
We thank him sincerely for his immense contributions, and wish him nothing but the very best in his new chapter at the FAS.
Technical Director Luka Lalić will now step in as Acting Sporting Director for the Sailors.
Eight Lion City Sailors players have been called up to Gavin Lee’s 26-strong Singapore National Team squad that will face Malaysia and Myanmar in ‘A’ International Friendlies during the upcoming September international window.
Loan signing Safuwan Baharudin, along with Hami Syahin, Song Uiyoung, Akram Azman, Lionel Tan, and custodian Izwan Mahbud, have kept their spots from the previous June window, during which the Lions defeated Bangladesh 2-1 away in Dhaka in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Cup™ Saudi Arabia 2027 qualifiers.
Meanwhile, forwards Shawal Anuar and Abdul Rasaq Akeem return to the fold to boost the striking options for Lions interim head coach Lee.
Sailors and Lions captain Hariss Harun misses out on selection due to injury, but will nonetheless link up with the squad in a non-playing role throughout the window.
The Lions will face Malaysia away at the Bukit Jalil Stadium on Thursday, 4 September, before returning home to take on Myanmar in a closed-door friendly five days later (9 September).
The matches are aimed at gearing the Lions up for a crucial AFC Asian Cup qualifying double-header against India in October.
With back-to-back victories that sealed their place in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) group stage, the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have defied expectations—transforming from underdogs into history-makers.
They now head into their final Preliminary Stage Group C fixture against Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal on Sunday (31 Aug) at the Hang Jebat Stadium knowing their ticket to the AWCL proper is already secured, but are nonetheless determined to finish the round on a high.
Having endured straight defeats in last year’s AWCL, Sailors attacker Dorcas Chu admits it still feels surreal that the team have engineered such a turnaround this campaign.
“I never imagined calling a club from Singapore undefeated, especially when we came into the tournament as underdogs. It’d be amazing to claim that title this year,” she said.
“We made history by being the first club to win a game in the AWCL. Then we made history again by becoming the first from Singapore to qualify for the AWCL proper. In the third game, we want to be the first to go unbeaten.”
Forward Sarah Zu’risqha, who started both victories against Etihad Club and Kelana United, echoed her teammate’s determination.
“Honestly, to start both games has been unreal. I’m just happy to show what I can do,” said the 19-year-old, who came close to scoring on two occasions against Etihad.
“We’re very eager to attain all nine points. We want to wrap this up on a high. It’ll mean a lot to the team and show what we can do not only in Singapore, but on the regional stage.”
Facing quality opposition like Etihad and Kelana has sharpened the Sailors’ play and strengthened their chemistry, according to Dorcas, who is determined to carry that momentum into their next game.
“The victories have boosted our confidence and strengthened our unity. Though we’ve qualified, it’s easy to be complacent, but we haven’t switched off,” said the 23-year-old, who featured off the bench in both matches.
“There are still gaps in how we defend and press as a team. We tend to struggle more in the first half but regroup in the second. On Sunday, I hope we can start strong right from the whistle.”
For Dorcas, the Sailors’ AWCL journey so far has been an incredibly emotional and rewarding experience on a personal level.
“My favourite moment? Definitely the first game. I cried my eyes out when the referee blew the final whistle. All the emotions from last year’s loss to Etihad — feelings of hopelessness and defeat — came rushing back. To finally achieve that win, especially after coming back from a minor injury, was surreal,” she recalled.
“I got emotional because I thought about everything we went through to achieve that result. It was unbelievable.”
For Sarah, the highlight has been more about soaking up the journey with her teammates.
“My favourite part of the tournament has been just being out there with the team — playing together, making history together, and enjoying every moment.”
The Lion City Sailors Women have made history by becoming the first Singaporean club to qualify for the Group Stage of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL).
A 3-1 victory over Kelana United on Thursday night (28 August) at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka sealed top spot in Group C, with goals from Miyu Inayama, Ami Takeuchi, and 15-year-old Nur Ain Salleh ensuring back-to-back wins for the Sailors.
Following their 2-0 triumph over Etihad Club earlier in the week, the Sailors are now uncatchable, as they boast a superior head-to-head record over the second-placed Jordanians, who secured a 3-1 win against Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in the day’s earlier kick-off.
“We are a young team, but the players and backroom staff are always very supportive and give their best for the team,” said Head Coach Daniel Ong, who could scarcely contain his pride. “There are no words to describe the feeling right now, and I’ll always work for the betterment of the girls.”
Another fast start rewarded
Just as they had in their opening fixture, the Sailors Women — unchanged in their starting XI — seized the initiative early against Malaysian champions Kelana United.
Centre-back Sakurako Ohashi nearly opened the scoring for the Sailors in the fourth minute, but her header from a corner flew narrowly wide.
The breakthrough, however, came soon after. In the 11th minute, Ami’s shot was parried by Kelana goalkeeper Nurdiana Syafiqah, only for Miyu to pounce and tap home from close range.
Kelana responded with efforts from Sheva Imut and Helsya Maeisyaroh, but both were comfortably dealt with by goalkeeper Izairida Shakira.
The Sailors then came agonisingly close to doubling their lead when Riari Kitaoka’s strike struck the upright in the 34th minute.
Enter Nur Ain Salleh
Looking to inject more energy and impetus into his side, Daniel turned to the bench early in the second half and brought on 15-year-old Ain in the 53rd minute.
The substitution paid off in style just 10 minutes later.
Capitalising on a goalmouth scramble, Ain swept the ball in from close range to etch her name into the history books as one of the youngest goalscorers in AWCL history at just 15 years, 7 months, and 233 days old.
“I feel very honoured. This will be a memorable goal in my career,” said Ain, who is the first female scholar of the Sailors Football Academy.
But the teenager was not done yet.
Moments later, she showed superb awareness with an intelligent give-and-go with Ami, and the latter proceeded to curl a deflected shot beyond Nurdiana from inside the box to make it 3-0.
“I panicked a bit when the ball came to me, but I knew I had to think fast,” Ain admitted with a grin. “I just played it into space, and Ami finished brilliantly.”
Winger Putri Alyiah Seow then came on in the 82nd minute to a warm reception from her family in the stands as she made her first AWCL appearance, before Viny Silfianus struck a consolation for Kelana in stoppage time with a speculative effort from the halfway line that bounced awkwardly over Shakira.
A night to remember
With the victory, the Sailors Women have joined their men’s side in blazing a trail for Singapore football on the continental stage.
For Sailors striker Raeka Ee, who only made her senior debut last year, the team’s journey over the past year has been remarkable.
“We are very proud and honoured to have represented Singapore positively on the continental stage,” she said. “Coming into this competition, we were seen as underdogs, but we never stopped believing. We pulled this off together, and we’ll keep backing each other to go further.”
The Sailors are the first club from the Preliminary Stage to officially secure progression to the 12-team AWCL Group Stage scheduled for 9 to 23 November, with the draw set for 11 September.
Before that, Daniel’s charges face one final Group C clash against SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal on Sunday (31 August), where they will look to finish with a perfect record.
25 August 2025 will forever be etched in Lion City Sailors Women’s history — and in Izairida Shakira’s memory.
That evening at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka, the Sailors defeated Jordanian champions Etihad Club 2-0 in the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary Stage clash to become the first Singaporean side to win a match in the region’s most prestigious women’s competition.
Two goals from new Japanese signing Ami Takeuchi sealed the victory, but just as crucial was the team’s defensive resolve, with 18-year-old Shakira marking her AWCL debut with a clean sheet. It was a remarkable turnaround, given the Sailors had conceded five unanswered goals to the same opponents in last year’s campaign.
“It was such a special experience. Being on the pitch for my first AWCL match felt a bit surreal at first, but once the game started, I just focused on giving my best,” Shakira reflected. “Of course, there were nerves, but more than anything, I felt excited and grateful to finally be a part of it.”
Baptism of fire
Despite clinching the Women’s Premier League (WPL) Golden Glove with seven clean sheets last season, Shakira knew her continental debut would be a major step up. After all, Etihad had humbled the Sailors in the previous campaign, and the Jordanians came from a nation ranked 73 places above Singapore in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
This time, however, the teenager was determined to make sure history did not repeat itself.
Naturally, she sought guidance from the vastly experienced Beatrice Tan, who had been between the posts for the Sailors in last year’s AWCL campaign as well as many high-pressure international games for the Singapore national team.
“I asked Beatrice for advice during the preparations because she’s been there, done that before. She told me to stay calm, not to overthink, and to enjoy the match. It was simple advice, but it helped a lot,” Shakira shared.
That advice clearly paid off as she looked assured throughout the game, producing key saves and displaying safe handling in the box.
Rock solid at the back
Shakira was also quick to credit the Sailors’ defensive unit, who worked in unison to deny Etihad any clear-cut opportunities. Captain Umairah Hamdan was in imperious form, as she marshalled the backline alongside Syazwani Ruzi (pictured below) and new Japanese arrival Sakurako Ohashi, who impressed on her debut after arriving from Toyo University.
“It was nice to keep a clean sheet. Umairah and Syazwani were rock solid the whole game. They talked to me a lot and made things so much easier at the back,” Shakira said. “Honestly, they gave me a lot of confidence out there.
“Playing with Sakurako also felt quite natural. She was calm with the ball, and I fully trust her abilities.”
Winning the mental battle
At this level of football, mentality often makes the difference, and Shakira admitted it was an area she focused heavily on before stepping onto the continental stage.
“For me, it was mostly about the mental side (of the game),” she explained. “Playing in big games like the AWCL comes down to preparation, so I just tried to calm myself, not overthink, and remind myself to trust what I can do. Getting into that mindset helped me feel ready.”
Her growing confidence was evident in the second half when she pulled off an acrobatic stop in the 58th minute to deny Etihad forward Cidalia Daniel Cuta. It was a stunning save reminiscent of her idol, former England and current PSG goalkeeper Mary Earps.
The Sailors’ landmark win, coupled with Kelana United’s 0-0 draw against SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in the other Group C fixture, means Daniel Ong’s charges top the group after Matchday One.
Next up for the Sailors is Kelana on Thursday (28 August), with the battle to progress from the group stage heating up.
The Malaysian champions boast several Indonesian internationals in their ranks, but confidence is running high in the Sailors camp.
“We know that Kelana is a strong team, but we are ready,” Shakira asserted. “We will follow what Coach Dan prepares for us and approach the game accordingly.”
History was made in Melaka on Monday night (25 August).
The Lion City Sailors Women etched Singapore’s name onto the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Champions League (AWCL) record books by becoming the first club from the nation to win a match in the region’s most prestigious women’s competition.
And they did it in style.
A brace from Japanese teenager Ami Takeuchi sealed a 2-0 triumph over Jordan’s Etihad Club at the Hang Jebat Stadium — a result that not only avenged last year’s heavy defeat to the same opponents, but also signalled the Sailors’ intent to truly compete on Asia’s grand stage.
“This victory means a lot to the players, especially after losing 5-0 to them in the last campaign,” said Head Coach Daniel Ong. “The team has trained really hard to correct those areas, and most importantly, to believe in themselves and their abilities. As long as they stuck to the game plan and had each other’s backs, I knew they could do it.”
A dream start
The Sailors bolstered their squad for the Group C Preliminary Stage with five Japanese signings – all of whom started the match – while local duo Izairida Shakira and Dhaniyah Qasimah made their continental debuts.
Etihad, by contrast, fielded five players who had featured in their 5-0 win over the Sailors in last year’s edition, though talismanic forward Maysa Jbarah, who scored four goals that night, has since departed for Saudi Arabia.
With a refreshed squad and renewed determination, the Sailors flew out of the blocks, and took the lead inside 10 minutes. From a free-kick on the edge of the area, Ami stepped up confidently and curled the ball home to spark wild celebrations on the Sailors’ bench.
“I expected to score today. I’ve been in good form during our friendlies in Malaysia and Singapore, and I felt good momentum,” said Ami, who had also found the net for Urawa in their 17-0 win over India’s Odisha FC in last season’s AWCL. “The moment the ball left my foot, I was confident it was going in.”
Ami’s compatriot Eri Kitagawa almost doubled the Sailors’ lead in the 18th minute, before Singaporean winger Sarah Zu’risqha forced a fingertip save from Jordanian goalkeeper Sherin Al-Shalabi.
Sarah and Al-Shalabi went head-to-head again in the 33rd minute, but the 19-year-old forward was denied once more from close range.
But the Sailors did not have to wait long for their next goal, and it came just six minutes later, after a flowing move involving both local and overseas recruits: Riari Kitaoka started the play, Syazwani Ruzi combined with Eri down the flank, before Riari’s low cross was turned in by Ami.
It was a goal that showcased the team’s chemistry, despite this being their first competitive outing together. And Ami was quick to credit her teammates.
“The Singaporean players contributed to my goals. They defended well, so I just had to do my job as an attacker,” said the 19-year-old, who recently joined from Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies.
“Everyone here is willing to help each other. It’s a very positive atmosphere, and I wanted to do my best without letting my guard down. I feel included in the team. Even when I cannot fully communicate in English, my teammates are always encouraging and supportive.”
Holding firm
Despite their two-goal cushion at half-time, the Sailors knew they had to stay focused, with Etihad expected to come out stronger after the break.
But it was the Sailors who carved out the first chance of the second half, as Ami rattled the crossbar just a minute after the restart.
Etihad responded quickly, with Rouzbahan Freij striking the woodwork with a looping effort in the 53rd minute, before Cidalia Daniel Cuta forced Izairida into a brilliant save five minutes later.
After weathering the storm, the Sailors nearly extended their lead through Ami once again, but her 61st-minute strike was well-held by Al-Shalabi.
Nur Ain Salleh and Dorcas Chu then came on to give the team some fresh legs in the last half-hour, while captain Umairah Hamdan stood out on the night, as she marshalled the Sailors’ defence with authority to shut out Etihad.
“The marking and identifying of the runners, as well as the composure to keep the ball under pressure, made the difference today,” reflected Head Coach Daniel.
Etihad substitute Lydia Krampah then came close in stoppage time, but sent her volley over as the Sailors stood firm to keep a clean sheet and see out a famous win.
A growing belief
The Sailors’ historic victory, combined with Kelana United’s 0-0 draw against Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal in Group C’s other match of the night, means they sit top of the group after Matchday One.
The Sailors next face Kelana on Thursday (28 August), and Daniel’s charges will head into the clash brimming with belief.
“The new players have lifted the overall standard of the team, and we now believe we’re here not just to participate, but to compete,” he declared. “We’ll play to our strengths and continue to build belief in the squad.”
The Lion City Sailors kicked off their Singapore Premier League (SPL) title defence with a narrow 2-1 win over Hougang United at Our Tampines Hub on Monday (25 August).
A Maxime Lestienne brace proved decisive in a closely-fought contest, with the Belgian striking in each half to hand the Sailors an important victory to begin the 2025/26 season.
After the game, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković praised his charges for securing three points against a spirited Hougang side, just four days after their gruelling ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup clash away against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).
He was, however, quick to highlight the growing competitiveness of the SPL.
“I’m satisfied with the three points, but not with the way we played,” said Ranko. “We had a tough game a few days ago, but that’s no excuse, as we sometimes played seven or eight matches in a month last season.
“We have some new players and need to settle better at the start of games. This isn’t the same SPL everyone is used to, because the league is much stronger now. I like it, but nobody can expect to win easily anymore.”
With a point to prove after back-to-back defeats, the reigning league champions started brightly and nearly struck inside four minutes. Diogo Costa whipped in a teasing cross from the left that was met by Anderson Lopes’ diving header, only for Sailors loanee Zharfan Rohaizad to tip the effort away.
The Sailors’ fast start paid off just six minutes later. Pouncing on a miscued clearance from Ryaan Sanizal, Maxime bent a precise shot into the bottom corner to open his account for the season.
Hougang, however, hit back in the 28th minute through young winger Farhan Zulkifli who showed brilliant pace to fire home from a tight angle.
The Sailors almost responded immediately through another Diogo cross, but Tsiy Ndenge’s flick-on evaded Anderson at the far post.
The Cheetahs then thought they had gone ahead just before the break when Yotsakon Burapha fired past Ivan Sušak from close range, but the offside flag quickly cut short their celebrations.
Looking to seize back control, Ranko turned to Song Uiyoung and Bart Ramselaar at the break, and the move reaped immediate rewards. Within two minutes, Bart slipped a perfectly-weighted pass into Maxime’s path, and the Belgian delivered with a trademark curler into the bottom corner.
“There’s no doubt about Max’s ability and mentality,” said Ranko. “We have to manage him carefully at times, but he always delivers. He’s the difference-maker for our team.”
Hougang continued to probe and thought they had levelled again on the hour mark, but Ryohei Yoshihama’s close-range finish from a Yuma Suma cross was once again ruled out for offside.
That proved a turning point as the Sailors controlled the rest of the half, though Hougang still carved out one final chance in the 87th minute when substitute Settawut Wongsai raced through on goal, only to be denied by Ivan’s vital fingertip save.
As nine minutes of stoppage time ticked away, Bailey Wright made his much-anticipated return from injury as he came on to shore up the backline. And the Australian stood firm as the Sailors repelled late pressure from Hougang to seal the all-important opening-day win.
Speaking post-match, Man-of-the-Match Maxime emphasised the significance of the team starting with three points to set the tone for the title defence.
“It wasn’t an easy game, but winning the first match of the league is always important to build confidence. I’m happy with the two goals and with how we responded after the two defeats,” he said.
As the Sailors gear up to compete in four different competitions this season once again, Maxime is embracing the challenge of another gruelling campaign.
For now, the team will head into the international break, before returning to SPL action at Our Tampines Hub against Balestier Khalsa on Sunday, 14 September.
“It will be a long season, but we have a squad of top players this year, and Coach knows how to keep everyone fresh. I’m confident in our quality and I’m looking forward to see how we perform in the next few matches,” concluded Maxime.
Armed with the lessons of last season’s AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL), the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team are primed to deliver a stronger showing in their second tilt at the tournament.
Daniel Ong’s charges will kick off their Group C Preliminary Stage campaign against reigning Jordan Women’s Pro League champions Etihad Club at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Melaka on Monday (25 August), before facing hosts Kelana United on 28 August and Kyrgyz Republic’s SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal on 31 August.
Ahead of the Sailors’ game against Etihad, Sailors captain Umairah Hamdan spoke of the pride in flying the flag for both club and country once again.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, the 23-year-old said, “The girls are all very excited to be part of this competition again. To have the chance to represent not just our club, but also Singapore, on this prestigious stage is something we don’t take lightly. Especially for myself as a Singaporean, it’s very meaningful and fulfilling.
“Our preparations have gone smoothly and we’re bracing ourselves for three tough matches against strong opposition.”
Last season, the Sailors fought valiantly, but ultimately fell to defeats against Etihad and India’s Odisha FC.
This year, the mission is clear: to secure their first-ever points on the continental stage and give themselves a fighting chance of qualifying for the tournament proper. Only the group winners and the best runner-up across the five centralised groups will progress to the next round.
To that end, Sailors Head Coach Daniel has thrown down the challenge to his squad to play without fear.
“It’s our second year in the AWCL and it’s interesting to face Etihad again. Last season gave us valuable lessons, and we’re confident of doing better this time,” said the 36-year-old.
“Of course it won’t be easy, but we want to be as competitive as possible and give a good account of ourselves. Playing in the AWCL is something we’ve aspired to, and I know the girls will give their utmost over these three matches.”
Despite their domestic dominance, the Sailors enter the AWCL as underdogs, with all three of their opponents hailing from nations ranked above 149th-placed Singapore in the FIFA Women’s World Rankings: Jordan at 76th, Malaysia at 92nd, and Kyrgyz Republic at 139th.
Etihad, in particular, will be formidable opposition. The Jordanian champions won all 15 league matches in 2024, scoring 72 goals and conceding just twice to clinch a second consecutive title and a first-ever cup triumph.
Led by experienced internationals including goalkeeper Shireen Al-Shalabi, defender Lana Feras, midfielder Enas Al-Jamaeen, as well as forwards Rouzbahan Fraij and Mai Sweilem, Etihad have further sharpened their squad with the Ghanaian trio of Anima Naomi, Zakaria Takia and Eugenia Tetteh, with the latter finishing as the AWCL’s third-highest scorer last season.
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Kelana, champions of the 2024 Malaysia National Women’s League, will be no pushovers as well. Their squad includes six Indonesian internationals, among them Shalika Aurelia – the first Indonesian female to sign for a European club with Roma CF in 2022 – and Helsya Maeisyaroh, who had a stint with Japan’s FC Ryukyu.
Little is known about SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal, though their dominance at home is unquestionable. With four straight domestic titles and just one defeat across the past three league campaigns, they feature several Kyrgyz internationals led by Baktygul Toktobolotova, who has experience in the Turkish Women’s Super League.
Despite being underdogs, the Sailors are quietly confident of springing a surprise, with five new Japanese signings strengthening a core led by Singapore internationals Nurhidayu Naszri, Dhaniyah Qasimah and Farah Nurzahirah.
“I feel that this year, we’re ready to compete, and not just show up,” Daniel asserted. “Our new signings bring not only technical ability, but also hunger and desire. The squad have gelled well over the past two weeks, and it’s been a positive, healthy environment where players are eager to learn and push each other.
“This is a highly motivated group fuelled by the chance to break new boundaries for Singapore women’s football. To be the first Singaporean club to win in the AWCL would be a huge milestone.”
Since arriving in Melaka on 21 August after a four-hour journey from their Mattar Road base, the Sailors have settled in well. They sharpened their match fitness with a closed-door friendly against the Melaka Under-14 Boys the following day, and later bonded off the pitch with a relaxed evening at Jonker Street, where they immersed themselves in the local culture.
And Umairah believes the bonding off the pitch will be just as important as their efforts on it.
“It’s an honour to be part of this team; everyone’s motivated and has made sacrifices to be here. We’re a closely-knit group, and we’ll fight for each other on the pitch,” she said.
“We’re prepared and steadfast in our objectives. We know it’ll be difficult, but we’re determined to push for the next round.”
As the Sailors strode out onto the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium pitch last week, they knew they had to be flawless to stand a chance against regional heavyweights Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
The night, however, began in ominous fashion, with the Sailors falling two goals behind early on.
Despite a spirited second-half fightback that saw them carve out several chances, the Singapore outfit eventually succumbed to a 3-1 defeat.
At the heart of the Sailors’ second-half improvement was midfielder Hami Syahin. Deployed at the right full-back position against the likes of João Figueiredo, the 26-year-old stood out with his composure and technical quality under pressure.
“JDT are one of the strongest teams in Southeast Asia, and we knew it was going to be a huge test,” reflected Hami. “But that didn’t stop us from competing and sticking to our football. Even at 2-0 down, we believed that if we could score one, we were back in it.”
While Shawal Anuar’s stunning late strike proved only a consolation, Hami believes the experience of facing one of Southeast Asia’s top sides will benefit the Sailors in the long run.
“Our second-half performance is the benchmark, we cannot dip below that,” he insisted. “Against a team of JDT’s quality, every mistake is punished. We have to refine our game and learn quickly so those errors don’t happen again.”
With the result coming on the back of a 4-1 Community Shield defeat to BG Tampines Rovers, the Sailors enter the new Singapore Premier League (SPL) season in search of their first win of the campaign.
But Hami remains unfazed, and has backed his team to bounce back sooner rather than later.
“In difficult moments, the most important thing is to stay united,” he said. “If we keep working hard and stick to what we’ve prepared in training, the results will come.”
Much has been expected of the Sailors’ new signings — Brazilian striker Anderson Lopes, Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak, and Cameroonian midfielder Tsiy Ndenge — and Hami is backing them to shine once they find their feet.
“They’re all top-quality players,” he noted. “It’s just a matter of time before they show their best and really help the team.”
That time could come as early as Monday (25 August), when the Sailors begin their Singapore Premier League (SPL) title defence at Our Tampines Hub against Hougang United.
For Hami, the clash is more than just an opening fixture — it is a chance for redemption and a springboard for momentum.
“Everyone is fired up for this game,” Hami declared. “We want all three points to build confidence and set the tone for the season. Whatever it takes, we’ll get the job done.”
Standing in their way is a new-look Hougang outfit boasting of several new faces such as Canadian winger Victor Blasco and American defender Sam Strong, as well as Sailors loanee Zharfan Rohaizad and Thai international Yotsakorn Burapha.
“Every team has new faces this year, so you never fully know what to expect,” said Hami. “But as Coach Ranko always reminds us, it’s about us, our game, our preparation, and how we execute our plan.”
Coming off a historic 2024/25 season in which they reclaimed the SPL title, Hami knows the Sailors will have a target on their backs this campaign. But he is determined to embrace the challenge head-on.
“We know every team will be out to beat us. That’s what comes with being champions,” he said. “It won’t be easy, but we’re professionals. Whatever comes our way, we’ll deal with it. We’re determined to defend our title.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have added significant firepower and depth to their squad with the signing of four Japanese players, as they aim to secure a spot in the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage this season.
Defensive reinforcements
Capable of operating both in central defence and at full-back, Sakurako Ohashi joins from Toyo University to strengthen a backline led by captain Umairah Hamdan and anchored by local talents Qarissa Putri and Syazwani Ruzi.
A Japan Under-19 international in 2023 and a member of the Japan University All-Star team earlier this year, the 21-year-old is known for her astute reading of the game and tight man-marking ability.
Midfield maestros
Also arriving from Toyo University is Riari Kitaoka, a technically gifted central midfielder who is recognised as one of the top university players in Japan.
The 22-year-old is lauded for her vision, defence-splitting passes, and ability to strike the ball accurately from distance.
Joining her in the middle of the park is Miyu Inayama, a versatile midfielder who is capable of playing across the midfield.
The 22-year-old honed her skills at JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies, and progressed through the youth ranks to feature in Japan’s fully professional Women’s Empowerment (WE) League. Known for her nifty dribbling and ability to unlock defences, Miyu is set to add another creative dimension to the Sailors’ midfield.
Proven attacking threat
Rounding off the quartet is Eri Kitagawa, an agile, left-footed forward from Omiya Ardija Ventus who boasts three seasons of WE League experience.
The 24-year-old is a former Toyo University standout who led the team to the Kanto University Women’s League and All Japan Women’s University Football Championship titles in 2022, scoring the decisive goal in the final of the latter.
Her double MVP honours from both tournaments underline her pedigree, and she will partner 2024 WPL second-top scorer Raeka Ee to spearhead the Sailors’ attack.
Japanese influence grows
The new arrivals follow the recent signing of former Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies midfielder Ami Takeuchi, bringing the Sailors’ Japanese contingent for the AWCL to five.
Drawn in Group C alongside hosts Kelana United, Etihad Club and SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal, the Sailors must either top the group or be the best-placed runner-up amongst the five centralised groups to qualify for the tournament proper.
And Head Coach Daniel Ong believes the squad now has the quality and depth to compete at this level.
“We learnt some harsh lessons in our debut AWCL campaign last season, and we’ve worked hard to address the gaps in the squad,” said the 36-year-old.
“Our talented local players now have the chance to train and play alongside top Japanese professionals, who will not only raise our level of play but also be fantastic role models for the team.
“Having already seen good camaraderie within our squad, I’m confident we can achieve something special in this year’s AWCL and make Singapore proud.”
