Category: News
He made his mark with 24 goals in 35 appearances in a Lion City Sailors shirt in 2022, and now Kim Shin-wook is off to write the next chapter of his football career.
Shin-wook reached a mutual agreement to part ways with the Sailors, and will depart the club with good memories of the club and of Singapore football.
With more than 100 goals in K League 1 and two Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League titles – with Ulsan Hyundai and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors – the 1.98m Shin-wook was the fourth-highest scorer in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) last season with 21 goals – including four hat-tricks.
“Wookie” memorably struck a stunning acrobatic volley on his Sailors debut in a 2-1 win over Albirex Niigata (S) in the 2022 AIA Community Shield, inspiring the Sailors to its first Community Shield win in its history.
Having played for some of Asia’s biggest teams, the 34-year-old was grateful for the opportunity to play for the ambitious Sailors and will look back with fond memories, especially of the strong backing he received from the Sailors’ fervent fans.
The Crew had dedicated a song – sung to the tune of all-time classic Que Sera Sera – to him, and there was a special moment in last August’s 9-4 win over Hougang United when Shin-wook obliged the fans with his trademark celebration on the sidelines after being subbed off following one of his four 2022 hat-tricks.
“I’m grateful to all of you for your fantastic support in the stadiums, and to my teammates, and staff at the club for all their help during my time with the Sailors.
“It has been an honour to play for all of you this past year as a Sailor. I feel it is the right time for me to explore new opportunities to continue challenging myself,” he elaborated.
The former South Korean international was keen to reiterate that the Sailors will have one more supporter as it embarks on the 2023 season.
“I have enjoyed my time as a Sailor and I wish the team nothing but the best in the season ahead,” said Shin-wook.
“I will be continuing to support Sailors as always.”
Hariss Harun lauded the positive effect Shin-wook had on the Sailors across the 2022 season.
“He was a consummate professional, a good presence in the dressing room, and a fighter out on the pitch,” said the Sailors and Singapore captain.
“We wish him the best in the next chapter of his career, and we’ll be following him closely too.”
Gamsahamnida and all the best, Wookie!
Mark your calendars.
After two seasons away, the Lion City Sailors finally return to their Bishan Stadium home in 2023, and will kickstart the Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign hosting Tanjong Pagar United on Friday, 24 February.
Risto Vidaković’s men will look to bank on home comforts for what is a fast and furious start to the season, with four out of their opening five fixtures to be played at the venue.
The fixture list for the 2023 SPL season was officially announced by the Football Association of Singapore on Friday evening (27 January).
The Sailors won four times and drew twice at Bishan in their inaugural SPL season in 2020, before upgrading works meant taking up temporary residence at Jalan Besar Stadium in the following two years.
Fans can also look forward to Sailors’ first visit to Brunei in Round 2 when they play Brunei DPMM at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium at Bandar Seri Begawan on Saturday, 13 May.
Shortened from four rounds in 2022 to three, the 2023 SPL season will conclude on Sunday, 27 August with the Sailors facing Geylang International in their last league fixture of the year.
The Sailors’ full SPL fixtures list for the new season can be accessed here.
Under the watchful eyes of new Head Coach Risto Vidaković, the Lion City Sailors have been hard at work for the past month as they look to gear up for the upcoming 2023 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season which is expected to kick off in late February.
The six players which were involved in Singapore’s recent AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup campaign have returned to training with the puzzle slowly coming together for Risto, who wants to set his team out to entertain with possession-based attacking football.
Captain Hariss Harun, Hafiz Nor, M. Anumanthan and Hami Syahin are joined by new signings Shawal Anuar and Christopher van Huizen as the Sailors’ Lions representatives returned to the fold this week to ramp up preparations for an important campaign ahead.
The latter duo is part of the group of eight new arrivals – the other six are below the age of 26 – in a refreshing 2023 roster for the Sailors, which sports a much youthful outlook – one that is hungry and determined to charge ahead to usher in a new era of success for the club.
Zharfan Rohaizad – who made the highest numbers of saves across the SPL last season for Tanjong Pagar United – adds depth to the Sailors goalkeeping department. He will compete with Rudy Khairullah and Adib Azahari for a starting spot, while Izwan Mahbud continues his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
One of the country’s top defensive talents, Lionel Tan, provides defensive steel and stability to the Sailors, alongside the likes of Hariss, Pedro Henrique and Bill Mamadou.
The signing of Rusyaidi Salime gives the Sailors some much-needed bite in midfield beside Hami, Adam Swandi, and the versatile Anu.
Chris and Danish Qayyum joining the club means there are now options aplenty on the Sailors flanks, with Nur Adam Abdullah, Haiqal Pashia, Arshad Shamim and Zulqarnaen Suzliman all also champing at the bit to be starters for the team.
The Sailors look set to pose a serious threat to opposition defences with the presence of Kodai Tanaka, Shawal and rising talent Abdul Rasaq Akeem – more so with the effervescent Diego Lopes and last season’s top assist-provider Maxime Lestienne now more familiar with local football.
With a matter of weeks to the start of the new season, training intensity is steadily increasing but the Sailors class of 2023 is undaunted and has already begun to get to grips with the demands of Risto’s philosophy.
“Coach Risto wants us to play attacking football and keep the ball more often, that’s something which we’re working on and I’ve to say the progress has been good so far. Everyone has been very welcoming and we have already started to build good bonds within the squad,” said Rasaq.
“We have to keep going and continue to improve our chemistry so that we can be successful in the season ahead.”
Fellow new recruit Lionel, who is enjoying the start of his life with the Sailors, sang from the same hymn book.
“It’s been an eye-opener for me. Over here, we have a very structured program on how we’re building up to the season. Coach Risto is very direct and detailed on how we’re supposed to train and play – he has made it very clear what he wants the team to do,” said the former Singapore Under-23 international.
“The mood in the camp is really good, training has been fun and we’re all enjoying ourselves. This should always be what football is all about – we want to train hard, while having fun and looking forward to coming into work every single day.”
Nur Adam is already feeling the zest Lionel and the new boys bring to the dressing room, and the 21-year-old has no doubt that the positive vibe will provide an ideal platform for the team to launch a campaign to reclaim the SPL title in 2023.
“With new players coming in, it usually takes quite a while at the start of the season to come together as a unit but even at this point we’ve really bonded well. There are no egos and everyone is training hard and working towards the same end goal – to entertain the fans and deliver success for the club,” he said.
“The atmosphere is great and we’re adapting well to what Coach Risto has envisioned for us. It’s important we keep working on our fitness levels and improve our touches even more to be prepared for the season ahead.”
There will be an infusion of youth in the Sailors first team this year, with several talented boys from the Sailors’ Under-21 squad joining pre-season training and gunning for SPL debuts this season, if they continue to grow.
Despite his relative youth, Nur Adam is already into his third year at the club and relishing the added responsibility of being a leader. He has taken it upon himself to help those even younger than himself assimilate.
“I’m someone who likes to guide younger players, motivate them, and help them reach their maximum potential,” explained the 2021 SPL Young Player of the Year.
“I know there are high expectations for players here because we’re expected to win every match, but at the same time it’s important for youngsters to come through for the long-term future of the club. I see a lot of potential in our players here and we are definitely going on the right path.”
There was little doubt that Christopher van Huizen was one of Singapore’s best performers at the recent ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Mitsubishi Electric Cup. He stood out with his ability to cross with both feet and his commitment to the cause came to the fore with several full-blooded defensive challenges that saw him put his body on the line.
The 30-year-old, who can play at full-back as well as on the wings, has joined the Lion City Sailors and will showcase his talents at the Bishan Stadium in the season ahead.
Chris enjoyed a good 2022 with Tampines Rovers, making himself a national team regular with his consistent performances, but the opportunity of being embedded in a top-class setup that is looking to make a mark at the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) was too much of a lure.
“This is going to be the biggest challenge in my whole career, on top of being in the national team and fighting for a spot in the AFF squad,” said Chris, who represented Home United – the previous iteration of the Sailors – between 2017 to 2018.
“It took me quite a while to decide on my next club and the Sailors have always been on my mind since the club started in 2020. There are massive ambitions to go to the next level, so it’s one of my biggest dreams to come true to now call myself a Lion City Sailor.
“I’ve spoken to (Sailors captain) Hariss (Harun) and he basically endorsed whatever I’ve been thinking about coming here. This is undoubtedly the biggest club in Singapore with good facilities and very talented players, so I really can’t wait to don the Sailors jersey and get onto the pitch with my new teammates.”
A self-professed late bloomer, Chris has truly come into his own and established himself in the past year. Now at the peak of his powers and going into his 30s, he is relishing the opportunity to impart his know-how to younger teammates and is determined to play out his best years at the highest level.
“I’m very happy that I’m going through my peak right now and I don’t want to stop here – I want to keep pushing myself and see how far I can go,” said the wide player, who earned nine of his 13 Singapore caps in 2022 and 2023.
“It’s going to be pretty much the same situation that I had at Tampines – there are several young players. I hope I’ll be able to pass down whatever I’ve learned over my professional career to them, because it will give me great happiness to see them fulfilling their potential at this club.”
With familiar faces at the Sailors, including the likes of Hariss, M. Anumanthan and Adam Swandi, players which he has played alongside at the international level, Chris should bed in easily, and he is already looking forward to supplying ammunition for Sailors attackers to score.
“We’ve got a very good crosser of the ball in Max (Maxime Lestienne), so I hope I’ll be able to work really well with him and Diego (Lopes) to provide assists for the team. I will try my best and work on putting in good crosses like players like Kodai (Tanaka) and Shawal (Anuar) to score.
“My goal for this year is simple – to go all out in every game for the club and help the club deliver on all fronts.”
Lionel Tan knew exactly what would be in store for him the moment he put pen to paper to sign for the Lion City Sailors.
Making the leap over from Hougang United, the 25-year-old defender is acutely aware he is now entering an environment steeped with higher expectations – a club that is expected to challenge for all honours in the domestic game.
“I knew by signing for the club, I’m going to get out of my comfort zone. Making this decision required a leap of faith, but I am sure that I’ve made the right call.
“I know the pressure that will be on us to perform well and win trophies, but that’s normal – there’s pressure and expectations in every job. It’s about adapting to the culture of this club and I’m sure I can do so very quickly with the help of my new teammates,” said Lionel.
Having spent four years with Hougang across two separate spells and developing into one of the country’s finest young defenders there, Lionel acknowledged it was not an easy decision to leave the Cheetahs but knew this was a step he ought to take to bring his career to the next level.
“I enjoyed a great affinity with everyone at Hougang including the fans, so I’m very glad to end 2022 on a high note by winning the Singapore Cup with the club.
“But I don’t want to remain stagnant and it’s important at this stage of my football chapter to test my abilities and develop myself further – both as a person and as a player,” said the 1.84m tall Lionel, who has represented Singapore at various age-group levels and captained the nation’s Under-22s on several occasions.
This is a return to Bishan Stadium of sorts for Lionel, who made his professional debut for the Sailors’ predecessor, Home United, in 2016 in a League Cup fixture against Albirex Niigata (S).
He knows that doing well here will boost his chances of realising his childhood dream of representing the Lions, but the new Sailors no. 5 is first putting the club’s objectives as his top priority.
“What’s most important is that I do my best and be consistent in my performances to help the club be successful. Of course, I will love to start every game, but there’s very healthy competition for places here and that can only be good for the team.
“Hopefully I can make my debut for Singapore in the near future, but my main focus now is to give my 100 percent commitment to the club and let’s see how things go from there.”
A bright prospect who came to the fore and displayed plenty of promise in 2022, Danish Qayyum is determined to fulfil his potential with the Lion City Sailors in the upcoming Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
The versatile left-footed player featured 25 times across two competitions for the Young Lions last season, playing in a variety of positions – from full-back to winger and even as an auxiliary striker – en route to ending 2022 with two goals to his name.
Qayyum adds depth to the Sailors’ flanks and is keen to make his mark.
“It’s indeed a very exciting move for me and my family. Ever since the Sailors project began, most young players in Singapore have looked at this as a dream place to be – we’ve the best players, best coaches and best facilities at the club.
“I’m very hungry to improve myself as a person and as a player here. It’s on me to work hard, showcase what I’m capable of, and outdo myself,” said the 20-year-old, who made his professional debut in 2019 with Geylang International.
While acknowledging that this is a huge step up for his career, Qayyum is inspired to follow in the footsteps of others who have realised their potential at the Sailors.
“Nur Adam (Abdullah) is the most prominent example and the role model for all young players in Singapore. It was a brave decision for him to come to this club (in 2021), but he showed it was the right move, and he has grown from strength to strength, even becoming a national player now.
“He has paved the way for us. If he can do it, young players like me shouldn’t be afraid to take this step and try to go to the next level. The key is to have a strong mentality and work hard every day in training,” said the former Home United – the former iteration of the Sailors – Under-16 player, who played alongside the likes of Ilhan Fandi, Marc Ryan Tan and Iman Hakim at national age-group levels.
Qayyum is eyeing a call-up to the senior Singapore national team in the near future and knows that having good performances for the Sailors will go a long way to propelling him onto the international stage.
“Obviously the dream is to play for the Lions one day, but for now I’m focusing on improving myself to be an asset to the Sailors. I want to help us win games, while trying to be a more productive player with goals and assists to my name – that’s the goal.”
An opportunity to relish: Rasaq
After completing his National Service obligations in a year that demonstrated his potential to become a reliable goal-getter, Abdul Rasaq Akeem will take his career to the next level with the Lion City Sailors in 2023.
The stocky 21-year-old particularly sparkled towards the end of last season, scoring five across two competitions – the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and the Singapore Cup – for the Young Lions in addition to being a threat to opposition defences with his tireless energy.
Rasaq adds to the Sailors’ burgeoning options in attack and is determined to rise to the challenge of earning a starting spot in a team that is vying for every domestic honour.
“I know how tough it will be to compete with the very good players at the club, but I love challenges. When this opportunity came, I didn’t have to think twice about it, and now that I’m here, I want to make full use of this opportunity,” he said.
Rasaq has shown potential to succeed from a young age, representing Singapore at various youth levels, was a nominee for the 2018 TNP Dollah Kassim Award, and scored in his first year as a professional in the SPL in 2019.
Serving the nation as a policeman limited his football involvement, but Rasaq returned strongly since his August 2022 operationally-ready date and is excited for the opportunity to exponentially develop his game.
“I’m happy now that I can fully focus on my journey of being a successful professional and I’m certain that this is the right place to improve myself.
“I really enjoy creating chances and scoring goals and I hope I can rack up good numbers in both areas while helping the team to win,” said the versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the front line.
Proud to now call himself a Sailor, Rasaq is out to glean much from being embedded in a professional setup and is already looking forward to a successful 2023 with the club.
“I’m very close to Nur Adam (Abdullah) and Bill (Mamadou) and they both have only good things to share about the club and how being here has helped them grow as players.
“To have a top-class training facility and be surrounded by so many good players is something that I’ve always dreamed of. There are so many great players here I can learn from, it’s about picking up their good habits on how they train on the pitch and also how they take care of themselves off it,” said Rasaq.
“The only way for me is up. I just can’t wait to get out there and enjoy the season with my new teammates.”
A familiar foe will lace up for the Lion City Sailors in 2023.
After a stunning 2022 campaign in which he terrorised opposition defences en route to winning the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title with Albirex Niigata (S) and claiming the Player of the Year award, Kodai Tanaka will now be part of the Sailors set-up which is looking to reclaim the SPL trophy next season.
While he enjoyed his duels against the Sailors, the lethal forward is delighted to pull on the club’s white and blue shirt and spearhead its bid to achieve success at both domestic and regional level going forwards.
“The Sailors were one of the teams in the SPL that I didn’t want to lose against. I was always very enthusiastic in Albirex vs Sailors games because those were big title-deciding matches in front of many supporters,” said Kodai, who spoke through a translator.
“This club is trying to create something great in Singapore football so I’m very happy to be here and I am so looking forward to showing my talent with the team. Hopefully I can make the fans here happy with my performances and goals.”
Photo courtesy of Albirex Niigata (S)
He made a big splash in his first professional season in 2022, finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer with 33 goals to go with his 10 assists in 28 appearances, but the ambitious Kodai is setting his sights even higher with the Sailors.
“I want to be a league champion again and I also want to win the Golden Boot because I didn’t win that last season. On top of that, I want to go one step further and do well in the ACL (Asian Football Confederation Champions League) – I trust my abilities to perform at an even higher level,” declared the Japanese national, who turned 23 last Friday (23 December).
“At the same time, I know I’m not a complete player yet and one of the things I’m working on this coming season is to increase the pattern and variety of goals that I can score.”
With the quality ammunition that the Sailors have proven they can deliver for frontmen, Kodai has no doubt that he is in exactly the right place to propel his career to greater heights.
“Having played against them so many times last season, I know what the players here can do. There’s no need to say how good Maxime Lestienne and Diego Lopes are, and there are also good signings in players like Shawal Anuar. All these are great players,” said Kodai, who was also the top scorer in the Singapore Cup with six goals.
“I’m a player who really values combination plays so I’m really excited to be linking up with them in 2023. They’ll help maximise my footballing ability and I’ll do the same to help them perform on the pitch.”
Kodai understandably attracted interest and offers from local and overseas clubs, but there was only one choice and he admitted there was no hesitation when the Sailors came calling.
“The Sailors have a long-term vision of becoming a top club in Asian football and are laying down good foundations for success by investing in youth development, so it is a project that I very much want to be part of,” he asserted.
Kodai’s steely determination to succeed stemmed mainly from his hardships and ‘painful experiences’ while he was trying to make his mark back home.
“My playing style was not well-received in Japan and I suffered a lot there. I was not able to make a great impression and that almost led me to quitting football,” said the attacker, who came through the ranks of Yokohama F. Marinos’s youth team, and played at high school and university levels before coming to Singapore with Albirex.
“I came here because I want to achieve my goal of becoming a professional footballer and I’m very hungry to show that I have what it takes to succeed in the game.”
Photo courtesy of Albirex Niigata (S)
Kodai already looks very much at home in Singapore despite just one year on the island, but he is under no illusions that it will be a bigger challenge for him next season.
“First things first, I will need to learn English! I cannot speak much yet, but the club is helping me arrange for English lessons and I’m so excited to learn the language.” he professed. “I want to be fluent in English because I really enjoy talking to Singaporeans and I want to build a stronger bond with my new teammates.
“It’s important to have chemistry and friendship both on and off the pitch – that’ll help us achieve success on the pitch and I cannot wait to get started with this new chapter in my career.”
When the opportunity to join the Lion City Sailors came knocking on his door, Zharfan Rohaizad did not feel the need to think twice as he jumped at it with both hands.
A new signing from Tanjong Pagar United, the 25-year-old will be part of the Sailors’ goalkeeping department that will vie for honours in the 2023 campaign.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to come to this club, the biggest club in Singapore for me. When I first got the call, it was a no-brainer that I agreed to be part of the Sailors family.
“There was never a doubt in my mind that and I’m ready to embark on this new adventure,” said the commanding 1.80-metre tall custodian.
“I feel lucky to be here, training and playing alongside top players like Diego Lopes and Maxime Lestienne as well as my national team teammates, such as captain Hariss Harun and M. Anumanthan.”
Zharfan enjoyed a breakout 2022 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season with Tanjong Pagar United, showing why he is one of the country’s up-and-coming custodians by making the highest number of saves (122) across the league.
In comparison, Young Lions’ Ridhwan Fikri came in second with 25 saves fewer.
Looking to continue in the same vein, Zharfan vowed to push himself even more in the year ahead and has hinted that the best is yet to come for him.
“After two seasons with Tanjong Pagar, I’m expecting more from myself and even higher targets to meet with the Sailors,” he admitted.
“There will also be added pressure that comes along with it, but I have always told myself that I need to be ready for whatever comes my way. Playing against the Sailors in the past was never easy but now that I’m here, I want to continue to be better and I’m thrilled to experience what’s to come.”
The chance to pit himself against top-level opposition in the 2023 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) was another tantalising reason for Zharfan to come on board.
“With the Sailors playing in the ACL, this is the perfect platform for me to prove my credentials on the continental stage where tougher battles await,” noted Zharfan. “It’s a great way for me to showcase my abilities and motivate me to be closer to where I want to be in the future. It’s nice to know that my hard work has not gone unnoticed and that there are people out there who have been impressed.”
A steady presence between the sticks, Zharfan is looking forward to the stiff competition in his quest to become the Sailors’ numero uno.
“Goalkeepers are always eyeing the number 1 spot in the team. There should be healthy competition too, as it should be in the goalkeeping department.
“It’s going to be a challenge with the competition, but I will do what it takes to be a regular starter in the first eleven,” he declared.
“To be able to train at the Lion City Sailors Training Centre is also going to be an eye-opener for me, something that I’ve never experienced in my career so far.”
Zharfan has also vowed to give his all to delight the club’s 12th man.
“Shot-stopping is my strength and I hope to impress them through my performances for the club. There’s never a day I’ll stop working and you can expect me to give my 100% and even more,” he said.
“I’m happy to be part of the set-up here and I look forward to seeing the support from Sailors’ fans in the season ahead.”
Chew Chun-Liang will step down after some two years as Chief Executive Officer of the Lion City Sailors, and will leave the club at the end of 2022.
“Chun-Liang has served the Sailors with distinction and a sincere spirit, with the club hitting several milestones under his stewardship – and I must thank him for his service and for the genuine warmth he brought to the Sailors,” said club Chairman Forrest Li.
“We have developed a great working relationship over the past two years, and I’m certain that I speak for all Sailors when I say that I’m sad to see him go. We respect Chun-Liang’s decision to leave the club, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours.”
Chun-Liang signs off after a period of accelerated growth at a club that was founded only in 2020 as Singapore’s first privatised professional football club.
The Sailors blazed a trail in the sport here: from setting up the country’s first integrated football training facility at Mattar Road to putting in place a structured youth development pathway alongside the implementing of fan and community engagement protocols and an ever-improving Women’s programme.
Hariss Harun is sad to have to say goodbye to Chun-Liang when the latter officially leaves the club, but the Sailors skipper is grateful for fond memories on the Sailors’ voyage thus far.
“It was his openness and warmth that struck me the first time I spoke with Chun-Liang, and that never changed whether the team was on a high or going through a bad patch,” said the 32-year-old.
“He would sometimes send encouraging messages to us players that would go along with a warm handshake when we would see each other in person – these little things make a difference. We really appreciate all that he’s done for the team, and wish him the best wherever he goes.”
While Chun-Liang admitted that the last two years have gone by in the blink of an eye, the achievements and relationships fostered were well worth the effort.
“I’d like to offer my sincerest gratitude to Sailors’ fans and partners for their trust throughout my tenure as Chief Executive of the club; I’m humbled and honoured by their unwavering support, that is something that I will always carry with me,” said Chun-Liang.
“I leave as a fan of the Sailors, and I take with me great memories, a sense of pride that I’ve contributed to the growth of the club – and I’m ready to take on new challenges.”
