Category: News
The Lion City Sailors are set for an all-Southeast Asian challenge in their second foray into the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two competition.
This was confirmed earlier this afternoon (15 August) following the Official Group Stage Draw in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.
The Sailors have been placed in Group G (East Region) along with 2024/25 Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United, last season’s Malaysia Super League runner-ups Selangor FC, and reigning Indonesia Super League champions Persib Bandung.
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This means the Sailors will play Bangkok United at least three times this season, having also been drawn in the same group in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup as well.
They will also face Persib for a second straight season, after being drawn together in 2024/25 – a campaign that saw the Sailors battle to a 1-1 draw away, before a dramatic 3-2 defeat at home.
The 2025/26 tournament will follow last season’s format, featuring eight groups in total, split equally between the West and East regions, with four teams in each group. Matches will be played in a home-and-away round-robin format from 17 September to 11 December.
The top two sides from each group will advance to the Round of 16 in February next year, before the tournament concludes with a one-off final on 16 May 2026.
The Sailors enjoyed a memorable debut in the inaugural ACL Two last season, taking on top teams from Thailand, China, and Australia, before overcoming Japanese powerhouse Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the quarter-finals to become the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition.
Reflecting on that historic run, Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković wants his players to channel last season’s experience into another strong continental campaign.
“It was an extraordinary achievement to reach the final, and I have to acknowledge that we got there with a bit of luck as well as the hard work from everyone in the team,” he reflected. “It wrote us into the history books, but it’s not realistic to expect that every season.
“For sure, our results in the ACL Two last season mean a few teams will take us more seriously, but we’re still considered underdogs at the Asian level. There are still many steps for us to take to reach the level of the top teams in the region. For us, the focus is on our own journey and taking a few steps forward each season at the continental level.
“The primary target remains getting past the group stage, and we’ll talk about other objectives once we get there.”
In less than 48 hours, the Lion City Sailors will take their first steps into the 2025/26 season when they take on BG Tampines Rovers in the traditional curtain-raising Community Shield on Saturday (16 August) night at Jurong East Stadium.
At the Sailors Training Centre in Mattar Road, preparations are in full swing as head coach Aleksandar Ranković fine-tunes tactical details ahead of the clash.
The Community Shield may not hold the same prestige as other trophies on offer this season, but Ranko and his charges know the value of starting with a win – and silverware – to set the tone for the campaign.
Just 76 days ago, the Sailors completed their most successful season since its inception in 2020 – sweeping all three domestic titles and becoming the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL Two).
And that remarkable run all began with victory over Albirex Niigata (S) in last year’s Community Shield.
“Last year showed us how the Community Shield can set the tone for a remarkable season,” said Ranko. “It may not be viewed as a major trophy to some, but we’re treating it with the same respect as any other competition. We’ll be taking this game extremely seriously.”
While the Serbian tactician acknowledges it will be difficult to replicate last season’s feats, he believes his squad’s hunger for success is undiminished.
“To top last season, we’d probably have to win the ACL Two,” he quipped. “It’s not normal for a Singapore club to reach a continental final, so I’m managing expectations and blocking out the outside noise.
“My players know what’s expected of them from Day One. They’re playing for an ambitious club that’s determined to raise the bar in Singapore football. And I see a motivated, hungry group ready to push for more. We want to win everything domestically again, and go as far as possible in Asia.”
To fuel their push for more success this season, the Sailors have strengthened smartly in the off-season, bringing in Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak, Singapore defender Safuwan Baharudin, German-Cameroonian midfielder Tsiy Ndenge and Brazilian forward Anderson Lopes, while retaining the core of last year’s history-making squad.
Ranko believes this blend of continuity and quality additions can take the team to the next level.
“I think we have a slightly stronger squad this season, and continuity is key,” said Ranko, who signed a two-year extension in the off-season. “The new signings are high-level players who will not only raise our game at continental level, but also guide the younger players.”
To prepare for what is likely to be another long season, the Sailors endured an intense pre-season, including an 11-day training camp in Thailand with double sessions the norm. But Ranko is convinced their hard work will eventually pay off.
“People might think this season will be a walk in the park for us, but it won’t. The other SPL teams have strengthened significantly, and with one fewer round of matches, the margin for error is smaller.
“We’ll see more high-quality games this season, so every match will be a battle, and my players are ready for it.”
Three months ago, the Sailors stepped onto the Jurong East pitch and clinched the 2024/25 SPL title with a 1-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United. This Saturday, they will return to face BG Tampines with the aim of making it another night to remember.
Tickets for the clash have sold quickly since going on sale last Sunday, and Ranko has a simple message for the Sailors faithful.
“I know how much the fans are looking forward to this game after a few months away from action. I’ve missed them a lot too, and I can’t wait to see them behind us again, just like they were in every game last season.
“We’ll give everything on Saturday to start 2025/26 with silverware for them to celebrate.”
After a near three-month break from Women’s Premier League (WPL) action, the Lion City Sailors Women are set to return with renewed fire — and fresh faces — as they prepare to face Tanjong Pagar United at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium this Saturday (16 August) evening.
The Sailors currently sit second in the WPL standings, two points behind Albirex Niigata (S), who surged to the summit with a 7-0 win over BG Tampines Rovers on Wednesday (13 August).
Bolstered by three mid-season arrivals from Geylang International — centre-back Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, winger Wan Nashirah Mohammed, and forward Farah Nurzahirah — the Sailors will be aiming to reclaim top spot with a win against the eighth-placed Jaguars.
And new signing Nashirah, known for her speed and flair on the left flank, cannot wait to link up with seasoned teammates like attack-minded defender Syazwani Ruzi.
“Players like Wani have such great vision and awareness, and they can change a game in a single moment. I’m looking forward to building that understanding on the field, knowing where she wants the ball and how we can create chances together,” said 20-year-old Nashirah.
“From the experienced players in the team, many of whom also represent the senior national side, I want to learn composure and decision-making under pressure. They’ve played at the highest level and know how to handle big moments. Watching how they prepare and react in games is something I can absorb and apply to my own game.”
Wani, who has already scored twice this season from defence, is equally excited about the boost the newcomers will bring.
“It’s been really exciting as most of us already know each other from the national team. They will give us a lift because all of them have quality. Nashirah is always dangerous and creating something. Having a player like that opens up so many possibilities on the pitch,” she said.
Since joining, the new signings have worked hard to adapt to the Sailors’ style of play and build on-pitch chemistry with their teammates.
“The sessions have been intense but positive. Everyone’s helped me settle in quickly, and every day we’re fine-tuning the details so we’re ready to hit the ground running,” Nashirah shared.
She is also relishing the chance to make her debut in front of the Sailors faithful, as she said, “I’m buzzing to make my debut, honestly. Wearing Sailors colours is a huge honour, and I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and feel that energy from the fans. Whether it’s scoring, assisting, or doing the hard work off the ball, I just want to help the team win.”
Facing a real battle to win a fourth successive WPL title, Wani has emphasised on focus and composure as the season heads into its final months.
“We take one game at a time,” she said. “We’ve been working on our weaknesses in training, and now it’s about executing, getting the three points in both games, and giving the fans a strong performance.”
The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have bolstered their squad with the mid-season acquisitions of three players from Women’s Premier League (WPL) side Geylang International.
Centre-back Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, winger Wan Nashirah Mohammed, and forward Farah Nurzahirah have joined the Sailors as the team gears up for a crucial second half of the season — one that includes a push for a fourth consecutive WPL title, as well as another outing in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) later this month.
With six national caps to her name, 20-year-old Nurerwadah (pictured below) – better known as “Wadah” – brings composure to the Sailors’ backline, coupled with a cultured range of passing from deep.
Also born in 2005, Nashirah adds a creative spark down the flanks. The left-footed winger is known for her dribbling and flair in the final third, and brings added versatility to Head Coach Daniel Ong’s attacking options.
The headline signing, however, is 21-year-old Farah, who currently leads the WPL scoring charts with 11 goals. The dynamic forward claimed the WPL Young Player of the Year award in 2024 after notching 16 goals for the Eagles and has already earned 10 international caps.
She was also part of the Singapore squad that featured in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers in Jordan in July.
“It’s a huge honour to join the Sailors and a big step up for me,” said Farah. “But I know I’ve got to step out of my comfort zone to improve as a player. I’ve heard how the training environment here helps players grow, and with the club’s ambitions in the AWCL, it was a no-brainer for me.
“I’m fortunate to already know a number of the players here from the national team, which has made the transition easier. Training has been intense, but I’m enjoying every bit of it. My goal is simple: to score as many goals as I can to help the team succeed in both the WPL and AWCL.”
Daniel is equally excited about the trio’s potential impact on the Sailors, as he explained, “They’ll give us greater depth in key areas. Wadah adds strength in central defence, Nashirah (pictured below) brings good link-up play in the attacking third, and Farah can operate anywhere across the front line. Her explosiveness and intelligent runs will be crucial in tight matches.”
In addition, the Sailors are set to welcome back Academy graduate Nur Ain Salleh, who will rejoin the squad for the upcoming AWCL qualifiers. The 15-year-old winger, currently based in Spain with Madrid CFF as part of her Unleash the Roar! (UTR) Overseas Scholarship, will feature in the regional competition before returning to Europe to continue her four-year development stint.
The Sailors have also de-registered six players for the remainder of the season. Among them are Yuvika Suresh, Seri Nurinsyirah, and Liyana Rickit, who are headed to the IMG Academy in Florida, USA, under the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) Overseas Scholarship programme.
Cara Chang and Priscille Le Helloco have left to pursue further studies abroad, while Nor Adriana Lim has been ruled out for the season after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in June.
The Lion City Sailors’ Singapore Premier League (SPL) title defence begins on 25 August as they take on Hougang United at Our Tampines Hub (OTH).
The fixtures for the 2025/26 SPL season were officially released by the Football Association of Singapore on Thursday (24 July) morning. The Sailors’ league opener comes hot on the heels of two major fixtures: the season-opening Community Shield against BG Tampines Rovers on 16 August, and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Group B opener away to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on 21 August.
Aleksandar Ranković’s men will then face Balestier Khalsa and Tanjong Pagar United on consecutive Sundays – 14 and 21 September – with both matches also taking place away from home.
The Sailors return to Bishan Stadium on Matchday Four to host Young Lions on Saturday, 18 October, before welcoming Albirex Niigata (S) the following Sunday (26 October) to complete their first five league fixtures.
With the SPL reverting to a triple round-robin format, the Sailors will play 21 league matches this season – a reduction from 32 last year.
Key fixtures include two away ties against BG Tampines Rovers on 11 January and 2 May, with the home leg set for 22 February at Bishan.
The Sailors will conclude their 2025/26 SPL campaign at home against Albirex on Sunday, 10 May.
The Sailors’ full SPL fixtures for the new season can be accessed here.
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of prolific Brazilian striker Anderson Lopes from Japanese side Yokohama F. Marinos for an undisclosed fee, as the club continues its push to scale new heights both domestically and on the continental stage.
The 31-year-old has inked a three-year deal that will see him don Sailors colours through to the end of the 2027/28 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
Anderson arrives in Singapore with an outstanding pedigree and a reputation as one of Asia’s top strikers. He finished as the J1 League’s top scorer in back-to-back seasons (2023 and 2024), and was a key figure for Marinos since joining the club in 2022. He netted 11 goals in his debut campaign to help the side clinch the J1 League title, before lifting the Japanese Super Cup in 2023.
His impact extended to the Asian stage, where he played a starring role in Marinos’ historic run to the final of the 2023/24 AFC Champions League (ACL). The following season, he finished as the tournament’s second-highest scorer with nine goals — ahead of marquee names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Aleksandar Mitrović, and Ivan Toney — underscoring his ability to shine against Asia’s elite.
The 1.85m forward has racked up 101 career goals in the J1 League across stints with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo, and Yokohama F. Marinos. His career also includes spells in K League 1 with FC Seoul and in the Chinese Super League with Wuhan FC, after beginning his professional journey in his native Brazil.
Known for his physicality, movement, aerial prowess and a venomous left foot, Anderson is expected to inject even more firepower into the Sailors’ frontline as the club embarks on a challenging season ahead — one that includes defending their domestic titles and mounting a serious challenge in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and the ACL Two.
“To reach 100 goals in a league as competitive as the J1 speaks volumes about his quality. But it’s not just about his goalscoring — Anderson is excellent at holding the ball up and just as capable of creating chances for his teammates. I’m confident he’ll be a tremendous asset to the team this season,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang added, “The opportunity to sign a player of Anderson’s calibre was one we couldn’t pass up. He’s a proven match-winner with an elite mindset, and that’s reflected in his consistently outstanding performances at the highest level of Asian football. We’re excited to see what he’ll bring to the team.”
In a storybook ending to his time with Marinos, Anderson signed off with the winning penalty in the Yokohama Derby on 5 July — bowing out in perfect fashion after netting 81 goals in 157 matches across four seasons. Now, his sights are firmly set on helping the Sailors scale even greater heights on the continental stage.
“I’m thrilled to join the Sailors at such an exciting point in their journey. Their run to the ACL Two final last season really caught my attention, and I’ve been impressed by the club’s vision and ambition to elevate Singapore football,” said Anderson.
“My objectives are clear: I’m here to contribute, to score goals, to win trophies, and to help the team make a real impact in Asia.”
The Lion City Sailors are delighted to announce the signing of German-Cameroonian midfielder Tsiy Ndenge on a two-year deal, as the club continues to strengthen its squad for a busy 2025/26 campaign on both the domestic and continental fronts.
The 28-year-old joins after departing Swiss Super League side Grasshopper Club Zürich, and will add steel and stature to the Sailors’ midfield. Standing at 1.92m, Tsiy brings with him top-tier European experience and a commanding presence in the centre of the park.
Highly regarded for his technical ability and physicality, Tsiy was on the radar of several top European clubs – including Cagliari, FC Cologne, FC Copenhagen and AEK Athens – following the expiry of his contract with Grasshoppers on 30 June. He was ultimately swayed by the Sailors’ ambition and vision, and chose Singapore as the stage for his next chapter.
“I’ve had opportunities to continue in Europe, but what drew me to the Lion City Sailors was the clear ambition of the club and the project underway here,” said Tsiy. “It’s an exciting challenge and I like this feeling of helping a team achieve things that are not done before and create more history. I’m going to give everything to help this club succeed.”
A product of Borussia Mönchengladbach’s youth system, Tsiy spent four years with the club’s reserve side in Germany before making a move to the Netherlands with a loan spell at Eredivisie outfit Roda JC for the 2017/18 season, where he featured 32 times in the Dutch top flight.
He then made the switch to Swiss football, joining FC Luzern and spending four seasons there, before signing for Grasshopper Club Zürich in 2022. Over the next three years, Tsiy made 91 appearances for the Zurich side, emerging as one of their most influential players.
It was during his time at Grasshoppers that he truly came into his own, drawing plaudits for his athleticism, tactical intelligence and powerful box-to-box presence. His leadership qualities also came to the fore, as he wore the captain’s armband on several occasions over the past two seasons.
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković hailed the signing: “Tsiy is a player of top calibre, who brings composure and power to the team and gives us a different dimension in midfield. His presence will not only help us control games, but also help elevate the standards of the players around him.”
Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang added, “Tsiy was on the radar of some big clubs in Europe, so to have him choose the Sailors is a huge statement. What has impressed us is his attitude and hunger to win despite having already played at such a high level, and these are qualities that will rub off on the team.”
Having started training with the Sailors this week, Tsiy is already looking forward to help the club push for success in multiple competitions – including the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, and the defence of their Singapore Premier League (SPL) crown.
“I’ve already watched some of the club’s games last season and spoke to people in and around the team,” said Tsiy, who has been capped for Germany at Under-20 level. “There’s already a strong foundation here with some great players, and I’m here to help us take that next step in Asia.”
The Lion City Sailors will kick off their 2025/26 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup group-stage campaign with a tantalising Causeway derby against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on 21 August at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.
The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has officially unveiled the fixtures for the region’s premier club competition, with the Sailors handed a blockbuster start against the 11-time Malaysia Super League champions. The tie comes hot on the heels of the Sailors’ season-opening Singapore Community Shield against BG Tampines Rovers on 16 August, and just before their first Singapore Premier League (SPL) fixture the following weekend.
While the Sailors and JDT have crossed paths in several friendlies over the years, this will mark the first time the two sides meet in a competitive fixture, and it’s shaping up to be a fiery showdown that promises to capture the imagination of fans on both sides of the Causeway.
The Sailors will then face another stern test away from home in their second Group B encounter, when they take on 2024/25 Thai League 1 runners-up Bangkok United at the BG Stadium on 4 December. That will be followed by a home tie at Bishan Stadium on 17 December against either Laos’ Ezra FC or Myanmar’s Shan United – with the two sides set to contest a qualifying play-off.
Captain Hariss Harun and his teammates will resume their campaign in the new year with a trip to Vietnam to face reigning V.League 1 champions Nam Định FC at Thiên Trường Stadium on 29 January 2026, before closing out the group stage on 5 February with another home fixture against Cambodian Premier League winners PKR Svay Rieng.
The Sailors’ two home ties will be held at Bishan Stadium, as they look to secure a top-two finish in Group B to progress to the two-legged semi-finals, slated for 6 and 13 May 2026. The final – also played over two legs – is scheduled for 20 and 27 May.
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The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of Croatian goalkeeper Ivan Sušak, as part of a strategic effort to reinforce the squad ahead of a pivotal 2025/26 campaign.
The Sailors are aiming to defend their Singapore Premier League (SPL) title and make deeper inroads on the continental stage in competitions such as the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup and the AFC Champions League Two.
Standing at 2.03m, the 27-year-old joins on a two-year contract from Croatian top-tier side Slaven Belupo, where he built a reputation as one of the SuperSport HNL’s top shot-stoppers. He amassed 89 appearances over four seasons, with his most impressive coming in the recent 2024/25 campaign.
That season, Sušak kept 10 clean sheets in 35 matches across all competitions — including a standout performance in a goalless draw against Ivan Rakitić’s HNK Hajduk Split in January 2025 — and even captained Slaven on several occasions. His leadership and performances earned him a place in the HNL Team of the Season, as Slaven finished fifth — their best league finish in 12 years.
Sušak arrives with proven credentials, combining a commanding aerial presence with consistent shot-stopping ability. His addition reflects the Sailors’ intent to build on a landmark season in which they swept all three domestic trophies — the Community Shield, SPL, and Singapore Cup — and made history as the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition, the ACL Two.
“Ivan brings with him a wealth of experience from a competitive European league, and his calm leadership and technical quality will be a valuable asset, particularly on the continental stage where margins are fine and every detail matters,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
Echoing that sentiment, Sailors Executive Director Bruce Liang said: “We’re always looking at how we can evolve and improve as a club, and after careful consideration, we saw value in bringing in a top foreign goalkeeper to further elevate the standards across the squad.
“Ivan checks all the boxes of a modern goalkeeper — presence, distribution, leadership. But most importantly, his professionalism and mentality will drive healthy competition within our goalkeeping unit and help push everyone to new heights. We’ve got talented local goalkeepers in our ranks, and we believe this move will benefit the department as a whole.”
Having already linked up with his new teammates since pre-season began on 7 July, Sušak is raring to go in this new chapter of his career.
“The ambition and infrastructure of this club were clear from the start and made the decision easy for me,” said Sušak. “I know the target here is to become one of Asia’s top clubs. I’m proud to be part of this project, and I will give everything to help the team take that next step.”
As part of a newly announced three-year partnership with the Lion City Sailors, adidas will supply the club’s official kit for the next three seasons starting from 2025/26. To kick off this exciting partnership, adidas will launch the Home and Away kits, along with a fresh range of fanwear apparel, on this Saturday, 12 July at the adidas Brand Centre Orchard.
Home & Away kits
The crisp white Home kit and bold blue Away kit honour the team’s identity as “Champions in Blue”. Adding dimension to the design is a halftone dotted pattern that brings texture and a dynamic visual effect to the jersey.
Finishing touches include the club crest on the left side of the chest, paired with the adidas and sponsor logos in contrasting colours.
Pictured above (L to R):
In the Home kit: Sailors First Team players Shawal Anuar, Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin and Bailey Wright.
Crafted with adidas Climacool fabric, the jersey wicks away sweat to keep players cool and focused. Made from recycled materials, it supports both on-field performance and environmental sustainability – keeping athletes dry and comfortable all game long.
Hariss Harun, captain of the Sailors said: “This partnership with adidas, a global leader in football, aligns us with the elite – clubs that set the standard in the game and it’s a proud moment for all of us. Teaming up with adidas also means access to the same cutting-edge kits and gear worn at the highest levels, helping us stay sharp and focused where it matters most – on the pitch.”
Pictured above (L to R):
In the Away kit: Sailors Women’s Team players Khairunnisa Anwar, Tyan Foong and Syazwani Ruzi.
Triple the tees, triple the fanfare
Accompanying the on-field kit are three brand-new fanwear tees made for the real ones at the grandstand. Fans can choose from three designs: two feature Helix, the team’s beloved lion mascot, and one which features the adidas logo and the Lion City Sailors emblem with the word ‘Sailors’ printed on the tee.
Sealed for Success (S$49).
The first design, Sealed for Success, features a stamp-style crest with Helix standing proudly on a football at its centre. A mark of unity and strength, the stamp is outlined with the phrases “Champions in Blue” and “All Hands on Deck”. This tee is a symbolic representation of the Sailors community’s unwavering spirit and collective commitment.
Anchored and Ready (S$49).
The second design, Anchored and Ready, places Helix front and centre, with “Lion City Sailors” in collegiate font above. Dressed in a smart sailor’s outfit, Helix is presented as a bold symbol of pioneership, courage, and resilience that’s ready to conquer challenges, even in uncharted waters.
Charting a New Course (S$49).
The third design, Charting a New Course, features both the adidas logo and the Lion City Sailors emblem on either side of the chest, with the word ‘Sailors’ in the middle. This tee symbolises the brand new partnership and both brand and club’s unwavering commitment to charting a new course in the football scene.
Be the first to shop the new kits
The Home and Away kits (S$85 for adults, S$65 for kids) and fanwear tees (S$49 for adults, S$39 for kids) will be launched in limited quantities on 12 July at adidas Brand Centre Orchard.
From 11am – 1pm, fans can join in the fun with a meet & greet with Lion City Sailors players, photos with Helix the mascot, and enjoy complimentary popsicles. Members of adiClub and The Deck – the Sailors’ membership program – will receive 10% off nameset and number printing with any purchase of the Home or Away kit.
adidas Brand Centre Orchard is located at 270 Orchard Road.
