Category: News
It will be a clash of the Deloitte Singapore Women’s Premier League’s (WPL) best defence, against its best attack when the Lion City Sailors face Albirex Niigata (S) on Sunday (18 June) evening at the Yishun Stadium.
The Japanese side have scored a whopping 17 goals in just four WPL matches and lead the 10-team WPL standings with a perfect record of four wins. The Sailors are level on 12 points and have scored eight goals fewer – but go into this fixture as the only team not to have conceded a single goal in all four WPL matches so far.
And that water-tight defence could make all the difference.
“We haven’t conceded any goal yet this season, and we will aim to maintain that status after this Sunday too,” said Sailors’ captain Ernie Sontaril, who acknowledged the fact that her team will have their work cut out for them.
“We are not going to be complacent at all. Albirex have several experienced players, and we all know they have a player who had previously played in the FIFA Women’s World Cup (Kana Kitahara, who is the current WPL top scorer with eight goals). Albirex are very good at set pieces, and we must also be careful about that.”
“But I am confident that our team can break through their back line, score goals, and claim the three points.”
The Sailors last played some three weeks ago on 27 May, notching up a well-deserved 2-0 victory over Tanjong Pagar United, but Head Coach Yeong Sheau Shyan is confident that the break has been well-utilised.
“We have played a few friendlies and it was important for us to do that to keep our momentum going and maintain our form. We have had consistent training sessions as well, and we are well-prepared and confident of our capabilities,” said the 43-year-old.
But like her captain, Sheau Shyan is taking nothing for granted, instead warning her charges of the danger that the White Swans pose.
“Many teams in the WPL can play long balls, but Albirex does it very well and can convert those chances from long balls into goals. Albirex have good attacking options, and it will be devastating for us if they catch us on the counter-attack,” she added.
Ernie remained confident that the Sailors’ Women have put in enough work to secure their backline and the three points, come Sunday – perhaps especially because of the Sailors’ not-so-secret weapon.
“We have been consistently training and working on our game plan that coach Sheau Shyan has set up for the Albirex game, and we have focused on strengthening both our attack and defence – and we are confident,” she said.
“A crucial element to our success so far is the fantastic support we’ve received from our fans – The Crew. We know they will be backing us at Yishun again, and we will play our best for them this Sunday.”
Lion City Sailors and Tasek Football Academy have officially formed Tasek Sailors, a partnership using football to holistically develop disadvantaged youth and uplift their lives.
The initiative will use football as a platform for good, delivering high-level football training tied to a comprehensive personal mentorship programme – giving disadvantaged boys and girls the holistic support to grow both as individuals and footballers.
Lion City Sailors began working with Tasek Football Academy in the west of the island last year, with the Tasek Sailors moving to extend the reach of that work across the island, and deepening its mentorship programme.
Tasek Football Academy is a flagship programme under Tasek Jurong, an independent social service agency and charity with Institution of a Public Character (IPC) status.
Tasek Sailors, the new partnership being formed, will also act as Lion City Sailors’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm while driving Tasek Jurong’s football initiatives.
Best of both worlds
“Tasek Jurong has been embedded in the local community for some 10 years now, entrenched in its efforts to empower disadvantaged Singaporeans to help themselves, their families and community,” said Sailors Academy General Manager, Mr Tan Li Yu.
“With their expertise in youth mentorship and our keen focus on youth development in football, we are confident that our united vision of aiding the personal growth of young Singaporeans and fuelling football dreams will bear fruit.”
The initial partnership between the organisations is already showing promising results. 15-year-old Sarrvin Raj has graduated from Tasek Football Academy into the Sailors Academy’s Elite Under-17 squad.
Tasek Sailors will provide opportunities for its beneficiaries to participate in local youth football tournaments and provide young potentials with a clear pathway into its professional team alongside the likes of Hariss Harun and former PSV Eindhoven winger, Maxime Lestienne. It will present young aspirants a chance to play at professional clubs across Asia and even Europe.
The Tasek Sailors programme will develop a pillar focused on building the girls’ game in Singapore, as Tasek Football Academy’s girls team has been growing under the capable hands of Dr ‘Ain Azman.
“We have been deeply encouraged by the sheer number of girls who have committed themselves to football at Tasek,” said Dr ‘Ain Azman, Senior Manager, Tasek Jurong.
“We now have close to 100 female youth players – each bringing a unique vision of what the sport can mean for them and the community. The Sailors collaboration broadens our dream.”
Mobilising corporate support and the local fraternity
A key facet of the Tasek Sailors vision is to unite the community behind the worthy cause of uplifting disadvantaged youth. To that end, alongside the launch of the organisation, Tasek Sailors are organising the Tasek Sailors Charity Football Fundraiser.
Taking place on Sunday, 25 June 2023 at the Lion City Sailors Training Centre on 8 Mattar Road, the football festival will rally corporate Singapore and the football fraternity to support this initiative to uplift disadvantaged youth. We will dedicate a large portion of funds raised for talented Tasek Sailors girls to benefit from the Lion City Sailors’ professional youth training track.
“I’m delighted to see Lion City Sailors and Tasek Football Academy launch this new initiative. Sport has proved to be a sturdy platform to help youth to rise above their circumstances, and develop life skills. It’s also a great platform for uniting the community”, said Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam, who is also Tasek Jurong’s Patron.
Three days after battling back to hold Tampines Rovers 1-1 in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), the Lion City Sailors cruised to a much more straightforward 4-1 victory over the Young Lions at Bishan Stadium on Saturday (10 June) evening.
The victory cements the Sailors as one of three teams still in the hunt for the SPL title. They are now third in the nine-team SPL table with 30 points, three points behind league leaders Tampines. Second-placed Albirex are on the same tally, albeit with two games in hand over both the Stags and Sailors.
“Having in mind that we drew 1-1 with the Young Lions last time around, we came into this game without complacency. We just needed the three points, and this victory keeps us in the title race,” said Sailors Head Coach Risto Vidaković.
“It was a difficult game for us because we just played a few days ago against Tampines, and nobody likes to play almost immediately after just playing one game – you only have time to recover, and can’t really prepare – but it is what it is.”
Sailors captain Hariss Harun – who claimed the Man-of-the-Match award with a domineering display at the heart of defence – sang from the same hymn book.
“Our last game was just a few days ago, so it is not easy to come and play again. Fatigue and injuries were present in many of us, but I am proud of my teammates for pushing through.”
With a couple of key figures – including playmaker Diego Lopes and central defender Súper – absent due to injuries, Risto made three changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Lionel Tan in defence alongside fullback Christopher Van Huizen, with Hami Syahin coming back from suspension to slot back in midfield.
Clad in their white, blue and bold Home kit, the Sailors dominated much of the possession before taking a deserved lead in the 17th minute. A well-executed Maxime Lestienne corner kick caused mayhem in the Young Lions penalty box, leading to the unfortunate Kan Kobayashi putting the ball into his own goal.
Risto’s charges doubled the advantage in the 33rd minute, with Shawal Anuar slotting home a rebound after his initial shot pinged off the far post to continue his recent hot form in front of goal – that was his fourth goal in as many matches.
Just six minutes later, clever pressing from Maxime and Abdul Rasaq Akeem put Young Lions custodian Aizil Yazid under pressure in his own penalty box – with Rasaq pouncing to block the goalkeeper’s pass before providing an instinctive acrobatic finish to slam home the Sailors’ third.
This was Rasaq’s seventh goal in what is shaping up to be a breakout season for the 21-year-old who received two awards from the league organisers prior to kickoff on Saturday. He was named the SPL’s Young Player of the Month and also took the Goal of the Month gong for his volley, the game-winner in the Sailors 3-2 win over Albirex on 21 May.
The Sailors resumed the second half in exactly the same vein, with the Sailors’ other award recipient – SPL Player of the Month, Maxime – getting on the scoresheet.
In the 53rd minute, Adam Swandi dazzled down the right flank before squaring for Maxime, who stroked the ball into the top left-hand corner of the Young Lions goal for the Sailors’ fourth of the night.
In full control of proceedings, Risto threw on the likes of Haiqal Pashia, Rusyaidi Salime and Arshad Shamim in the latter stages of the second half – with the trio putting up decent cameos to show that they are worthy of more minutes under the belt.
The Young Lions did claw back a consolation goal in the 86th minute, courtesy of Jun Kobayashi. The Japanese defender volleyed home after the Sailors defence failed to deal with a Young Lions corner, in a slight disappointment to what was an ultimately successful night.
“It has been quite a while (seven matches) since we had a clean sheet, and it is a bit disappointing to concede a goal from a set piece. But we will regroup after the international break, and we will be better for the upcoming games,” said Hariss.
“This was not our best performance, but we did what we needed to do – get the three points.”
The Sailors will return to action after the international break with a home game against Hougang United on Sunday, 25 June.
The Young Lions may be on an eight-match winless streak in the Singapore Premier League, and are still without their head coach Philippe Aw, who has been granted time off from the Young Lions’ coaching duties after his role as Head Coach of the National Under-22 side at the recently concluded Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Cambodia.
But Lion City Sailors midfield maestro, Adam Swandi, is still not taking anything for granted when the two sides meet at Bishan Stadium on Saturday (10 June) night.
Adam Swandi is acutely aware of the threat the Young Lions – who are under the tutelage of assistant coaches Muhammad Fadzuhasny Juraimi and Koichiro Iizuka – pose.
“Young Lions are not a team to be taken lightly, they’ve got players with individual quality and they can pose a hazard to us if we are complacent,” said Adam, with the 1-1 draw at the Jalan Besar Stadium on 15 April still fresh in his mind.
“We definitely can’t underestimate them and we must not be big-headed. We must go into every game like it is a final, and give our all to get the three points and return to winning ways.”
Although the former Young Lions man expressed disappointment with the Sailors’ 1-1 draw with fellow SPL title-challengers Tampines Rovers on Wednesday (7 June) night, he is champing at the bit and ready for the Young Lions game.
“We played well against Tampines and created several chances, but the result was not what we desired. I believe that we displayed persistence and a strength of will against Tampines, but unfortunately luck wasn’t on our side,” said Adam.
“But this is a good build-up to our future games, and we will be raring to get the three points from now on,” added the midfielder who will join up with the Singapore National Team for two international friendlies – against Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands – after the Young Lions fixture.
Adam, who battled back from injury to make 11 appearances for the Sailors this season, is determined to build on his recent good form and deliver influential performances at the heart of the Sailors midfield.
He said: “I’m pushing hard every day in training and games, and whenever Coach Risto (Vidaković) puts me on the pitch, I do my best to repay his faith in me.”
The Sailors are third in the SPL table with 27 points, behind second-placed Tampines who are three points ahead. Albirex Niigata (S) sit atop the nine-team standings also on 30 points, but with superior goal difference and one game in hand.
“We know what’s at stake at this crucial juncture in the league, we just have to do our best and be consistent from now on,” said a defiant Adam.
“The race for the title is still wide open.”
Eight Lion City Sailors players have been named in Takayuki Nishigaya’s 26-strong Singapore National Team’s squad which will face Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in the upcoming FIFA international window.
The quartet of Lionel Tan, Hafiz Nor, M. Anumanthan and Hami Syahin kept their places in the squad after being called up for the friendlies against Hong Kong and Macau in March – matches which the Lions drew 1-1 and won 1-0 respectively.
Lions captain Hariss Harun returns to the fold after missing those two matches due to an examination, while there are also recalls for Adam Swandi and Shawal Anuar who have impressed for the Sailors in the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
Goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad rounds off the Sailors’ Lions contingent and he is champing at the bit for the opportunity to make his first-ever appearance for the senior national team.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a standout campaign in between the sticks thus far, having played every minute of the Sailors’ 13 matches and recording the highest number of saves across the league with 50.
“I’m happy to have gotten the trust of Coach Nishigaya and called up for this squad. It’s a huge honour for me to be called up amongst a field of top goalkeepers in the country,” said Zharfan, who was first called up to the national fold in 2019 and was also part of the 2020 ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup squad.
“I’ve always said my dream is to play for the national team one day and I really hope I’ll play a part in these two friendly matches. The decision lies with the coaches but it is also down to me – I have to put in my best to show what I’m capable of during training to get a starting opportunity,” he added.
“My target is simple – to take as much as I can from my involvement with the Lions and bring it back to club level where we are all pushing hard to win the SPL title.”
The Lions will take on Papua New Guinea on Thursday, 15 June before entertaining the Solomon Islands three days later on Sunday, 18 June.
Both matches will be played at the National Stadium.
As the final whistle sounded at the Bishan Stadium on Wednesday (7 June) night, several heads among those in the Lion City Sailors’ camp hung low, with some even dropping their knees to the ground.
The Sailors mustered 14 shots, with six on target, but ended the evening with just a solitary goal – and a single point – in a 1-1 draw against Singapore Premier League title rivals Tampines Rovers.
The result does little for the Sailors’ title charge, putting Risto Vidaković’s charges third in the nine-team SPL standings, on 27 points.
Tampines are second on 30 points, level with league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) who have a superior goal difference, and have played a game less than their two closest rivals.
Despite the draw, Risto was pleased with what he saw from his charges.
“Nothing went wrong today. We had many chances, but we just failed to capitalise on them. I am proud of my players because they gave everything and worked hard,” said the Sailors’ Head Coach.
“They followed my instructions with attention and exhibited dedication in their performance today. We created a lot of chances, so that is very good, but we missed a lot of these chances also – so we need to work on that.
“But we perhaps didn’t help ourselves by conceding first,” said the 54-year-old.
The Sailors dominated early proceedings and could have gotten off to a flying start after just three minutes.
Maxime Lestienne’s delicious out-swinging corner was cleared by the Tampines defence with the ball finding its way to combative midfielder M. Anumanthan, whose instinctive volley was parried away by Tampines custodian Syazwan Buhari.
Abdul Rasaq Akeem, who made his fifth start of the season, almost opened the scoring in the 20th minute, dribbling past Shuya Yamashita and into the Tampines penalty box before launching a rasping shot that was tipped over by Syazwan.
Rasaq did put the ball into the Tampines goal, but his 39th minute tap-in off a Maxime cross was chalked off for offside.
The Sailors were made to rue those missed oppportunities as Gavin Lee’s charges went ahead in the 58th minute, through Faris Ramli – with the former Sailor curling a shot past Zharfan Rohaizad in the Sailors’ goal.
Nevertheless, the Sailors pressed and capitalised on the numerical advantage after Yasir Hanapi was sent off in the 63rd minute for a second bookable offence following a late challenge on Súper.
The Sailors came close to an equaliser in the 67th minute, first with Rasaq’s close-range header bouncing off the crossbar, then the rebound was lashed towards goal by Maxime, a rasping shot that was somehow cleared off the line by Yamashita.
It took a penalty for the Sailors to finally break Tampines’ resolve. Faris was adjudged to have fouled Maxime following an 80th minute on-field VAR review, with the Belgian then slamming home from the spot to level the tie.
With substitutes Haiqal Pashia and Rusyaidi Salime introducing extra impetus to the side, the Sailors almost snatched all three points in the 90th minute with Maxime setting up Diego Lopes, who smashed a right-footed shot that forced Syazwan to tip over the bar.
Sailors defender Súper (Manuel Herrera López), who put up an outstanding display at the heart of defence, rued the Sailors’ inability to capitalise on chances created.
“We came to win the game and close the gap between us and Tampines and Albirex, so we were naturally disappointed not to get the three points. We need to focus on the next game now,” said the 32-year-old.
“Tampines is an excellent team, and it is not easy to play against them. But the positives are we had several key chances, but we were just unlucky.”
However, Súper drew on the positives of an improved defensive display from the side after they conceded four the last time out.
“We played very compact today when we were defending, and we pressed aggressively to win the ball back, which is something that we need to maintain from now on.”
“I can assure you that everyone in this team is mentally strong, and we are determined to get the three points against Young Lions this Saturday,” declared the Spaniard, of the Sailors’ next SPL assignment, hosting the Young Lions at Bishan this Saturday (10 June).
It was a week of reflection and rectification, this after Risto Vidaković witnessed his Lion City Sailors contrive to concede four goals in a single Singapore Premier League (SPL) match, but somehow still managed to escape with three points.
The Sailors are united behind their Head Coach – there will be no repeat of individual or the collective performance that saw the Sailors beat Balestier Khalsa 5-4 last Thursday (1 June) at the Bishan Stadium – especially not against league leaders Tampines Rovers, in what is the proverbial six-pointer in the chase for the SPL title.
“Our performance against Balestier wasn’t up to standard, even though we got the three points. And the key aspect of our game we’ve been working on in defence – we know we must improve on that and we have been hard at work this week trying to do exactly that,” said captain Hariss Harun.
“We know we got lucky then, and we must make sure we don’t leave things to chance again when we face Tampines this Wednesday (7 June).”
The Sailors are third in the nine-team SPL standings, on 26 points, three behind Gavin Lee’s Stags. Albirex Niigata (S) are second on 27 points, albeit having played a game less than their two closest rivals.
“We played Tampines in the first round, so we know what to expect from them – they are one of the strongest contenders for the title,” said Hariss. “They play a good brand of football and have strong individual players. One of their key strengths is their chemistry – they have terrific chemistry.”
It is this chemistry that has played a key role in the Stags’ rise to the summit of the league, on the back of four wins and a solitary loss in their last five SPL games.
The assignment is clear to all in the Sailors’ camp – win, and go level on points with Tampines. Despite the fact that Albirex can still steal a path to the top of the SPL with a win over Geylang International 24 hours before the game, victory will ensure that the Sailors are well in the hunt.
“Every game is important, especially those against Tampines and Albirex. But from now on, every single game is important to us – that is the approach we must take – and we must be very focused if we want to stay in the hunt for the title,” said Hariss, of the reality of the path that lies ahead of the Sailors.
Abdul Rasaq Akeem remains confident that his team has what it takes to rise to the challenge that lies immediately ahead.
“If we are able to follow Coach Risto’s plans and deliver to the levels that we know we are capable of, I’m certain that we can not only contain Tampines, but score the goals that will get us the three points,” said the rising forward.
Rasaq has already scored more goals this season – his tally of six league goals with the Sailors is already more than the five he amassed between 2019 to 2022. However, the 21-year-old is not looking at personal numbers, but instead at doing all he can for the team.
“Personally, I just want to give my best in every game, especially for this game against Tampines. Be it creating chances, scoring goals, or defending, I will do my best in every aspect of the game for the team to win,” said a confident Rasaq.
“Three points here will go a long way in repaying the faith of our fans who always make playing at Bishan something special.”
Our worst performance of the season: Risto
There were five high-quality goals scored, moments of scintillating attacking football, and three Singapore Premier League (SPL) points in the bag.
But despite the 5-4 victory over Bishan Stadium neighbours Balestier Khalsa on Thursday (1 June), Lion City Sailors Head Coach Risto Vidaković was bristling.
“It was a terrible game for us, and we definitely have things to think about and improve on. There are several lessons to take from this game, and we were lucky to maintain the lead and win the game,” said the 54-year-old.
The night did not get off to the smoothest of starts for the Sailors as Nur Adam Abdullah and Adam Swandi picked up yellow cards in the first 10 minutes.
But in the 19th minute, a sensational Shawal Anuar 40-yard lob that shot high into the Bishan sky before dipping sharply down, over the flailing Hairul Syirhan and into the Balestier net seemed to set Sailors properly back on track.
Despite a Fabian Kwok header levelling the scores just two minutes later, the Sailors looked to have taken the game by the scruff of the neck, with Maxime Lestienne (37th minute), Diego Lopes (39th) and Shawal (55th) giving the Sailors a 4-1 lead.
The Tigers pulled one back in the 66th minute, courtesy of Ryoya Taniguchi. But the dynamic threat of the Sailors’ frontline was just too much for the Tigers as Maxime comfortably slotted home his second in the 76th minute to make it 5-2.
With just 14 minutes and injury time to play, it should have been game, set, and match for the title-chasing Sailors.
It was anything but.
The dogged Balestier side upped the tempo, shook the Sailors and launched what would have seemed an impossible comeback.
The Tigers scored through Shuhei Hoshino in the 82nd minute, then earned a penalty just three minutes later, following an on-field VAR review. Taniguchi stepped up to score his second of the night with tensions running high in the immediate aftermath.
Despite the Sailors hanging on for a precious three points, it was clear to all that such a performance is unacceptable for a team with title aspirations.
“We made several errors during the game, and this caused us to concede four goals,” said Shawal after the game. “We need to be wary of our opponents’ counterattacks, and we must definitely have an improved performance next week.”
An irked Risto was much harsher with his post-match comments.
“Today was not a good day for us – in fact, this is our worst game this season,” bristled the Serbian. “Against Albirex Niigata (S) (a 3-2 win), we showed so much more passion and energy, and we need to replicate that for other games.”
The Serb found little consolation, even when asked about the continually improving relationship between the Sailors’ talismanic duo of Maxime and Diego. He said: “The two of them played well, but I think we failed today as a team. We have to play more like a team, and cannot just depend on a few players.”
The Sailors are third in the nine-team SPL standings on 26 points, three adrift of league leaders Tampines Rovers – a team they host next Wednesday (7 June). Albirex are second on 27 points, but with a game in hand on both Tampines and the Sailors.
Fired-up Sailors ready for Tigers battle
A resounding 3-2 comeback win over Albirex the last time out (21 May) put the resilient Lion City Sailors back on the right track for their assault on the 2023 SPL title and they will look to continue in the same vein when they face Balestier Khalsa at Bishan Stadium on Thursday (1 June) night.
Sitting third in the table with 23 points, the Sailors trail SPL frontrunners Tampines Rovers and second-placed Albirex by six points and four points, respectively. As such, nothing less than a win is key for Risto Vidaković’s men to gain some ground in the title race.
Their next challenge will not come easy, with fourth-placed Tigers displaying a dynamic style of football with players who are not afraid to get physical. The stakes are high, but Sailors midfielder M. Anumanthan called for a calm and assured approach from his side.
“Everyone knows how important this game is, so there isn’t a need to put extra pressure on ourselves,” said the 28-year-old, who has also featured at the heart of defence in recent matches.
“Balestier has been playing quality football recently, but we are getting stronger as a team now as witnessed from our second-half performance against Albirex. We’ll go out there and try to perform to the best of our abilities.
“I’m looking forward to the challenge and helping the team get the three points. We have to take this as any other game, follow the coaches’ instructions for us, and I’m sure we can win – we know we have the ability to.”
Anu revealed how the Sailors’ morale was boosted tremendously from the comeback win against Albirex and emphasised the need to build on the momentum.
“Football consists of two halves, and when we were down in the first half, we knew it wasn’t the end, and we believed that we just had to push through. After scoring the first goal, we gained momentum and won. Optimism and positive attitude played a huge part in our victory over Albirex,” said the Singapore international.
“Of course, we need to improve on more aspects of our all-round game, but everyone’s feeling positive and we’re out to beat Balestier. That win will count for nothing if we do not build on it and keep getting wins under our belt.”
Hafiz Nor, who pulled off an incredible goal-line clearance against the White Swans, sang from the same hymn book as he spoke about the team’s growing confidence under Risto’s tutelage.
“Day in and day out, we’re progressing very well as a team in the game model that Coach Risto has laid down for us. We’re feeling great from the win against Albirex, but that game is now over – we’re fully focused on the next game now,” said the utility player, who is the Sailors’ current top appearance-maker with 70 in all competitions.
“Although we beat them 3-0 earlier this season, they’re not an easy side to play against. We cannot underestimate them and we need the utmost focus to get the three points against them.”
While the Sailors will be the away side at Bishan on Thursday, Hafiz is backing the fans to turn up in full force to inspire the team to an eighth victory of the season.
“We’ve been so touched by their support and it was a sweet moment for the team to celebrate with them after our comeback in the last match. I’m sure they’ll be there again to give us that extra energy from the stands even though they’ll be sitting at the away side.
“We’re going to give our all to repay their love for us,” declared Hafiz.
It took a bit of huffing and puffing, but the Lion City Sailors eventually toppled Tanjong Pagar United’s defensive walls on Saturday (27 May) evening to maintain their perfect start to the Deloitte Singapore Women’s Premier League (WPL).
Yeong Sheau Shyan’s charges dominated proceedings at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, dispatching the Jaguars 2-0 in what was their fourth win in four WPL outings in 2023.
“We did well against a team that was sitting deep. They had only one striker up front and the space at the back was tight, so it was really tough,” said Sheau Shyan. “Last year, when teams played like that, we struggled and took a long time to penetrate and score.
“I’m happy with the progress that we are showing.”
The match commenced as it often has against opposition set up in a low block – with the Sailors dominating possession – but on Saturday, they started to find a way through early.
The Sailors threatened as early as in the eighth minute when a Miray Altun freekick found Lila Tan, who saw her powerful shot beat Tanjong Pagar goalkeeper Nurul Haziqah Haszman but not the crossbar.
Lila would not be denied, staying sharp in a melee following Nur Syazwani Ruzi’s corner to flick home a header for her first goal of the season in the 19th minute.
“It’s an amazing feeling to score, for sure, but it’s really all about the team. Everyone played their best tonight, stayed very disciplined in our positioning and really followed what Coach Sheau Shyan taught us,” said the forward, who turns 20 on 4 June.
The victory was sealed deep into injury time when the irrepressible Nur Izzati Rosni dazzled past the Tanjong Pagar defence to deliver a cross, which Madison Telmer got a touch to, before 15-year-old substitute Ardhra Arul Ganeswaran popped up at the far post to slot home.
“We had three players at the far post and Ardhra was the one that put the ball in. I’m really proud of her, she was an enterprising presence on the Sailors’ left flank,” said Sheau Shyan, who had much to smile about on the night – especially on the sprinkling of talent that is now beginning to emerge from the Sailors’ Girls Academy.
Ardhra is the first player promoted from the Academy to score a WPL goal for the Sailors, while her peers Josephine Ang and Natasha Naszri also came on as second-half substitutes.
Fellow teenager Madelin Sophie Lock – who turned 16 few days ago – was also handed her Sailors Women debut and put in an encouraging display at the heart of midfield alongside Madison.
“Madelin did a good job today, she was steady, calm, and elegant during the first half. Performances like these are a testament to our Academy’s effectiveness in terms of producing players who can comfortably step into the WPL,” said Sheau Shyan.
“We have to keep preparing for the young players to step in at any time and with the likes of Madelin, Natasha and Ardhra in the team, the Sailors future looks bright.”
The Sailors Women will next take to the pitch some three weeks later, facing fellow WPL title challengers Albirex Niigata (S) on Sun, 18 June at the Yishun Stadium.
