Category: News
The Lion City Sailors will look to wrap up their inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup campaign on a high when they face reigning Philippines champions Kaya FC–Iloilo on Thursday (6 February) night at the Biñan Football Stadium.
Up against a dominant force in Philippines
Kaya FC are undoubtedly the dominant force in their domestic league, having won the last two Philippines Football League (PFL) titles. Last season, they went unbeaten with 13 wins and a draw, scoring an impressive 82 goals and conceding just five across 14 matches.
They have started the 2024/25 season strongly as well, coming from behind to defeat Dynamic Herb (DH) Cebu 3-1 over the weekend (2 February) to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points, with seven wins and a draw so far.
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While they were unable to progress beyond the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two group stage, they have secured some credible results, including a 2-1 away win over Hong Kong’s Eastern SC, and a 1-1 home draw against Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima — the only team to take points off the Japanese side.
However, things have not gone according to plan for them in the ACC Shopee Cup, with four defeats in as many matches consigning them to the bottom of Group B.
Kaya’s clash with the Sailors will be played at Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna, approximately an hour’s drive from downtown Manila, instead of Rizal Memorial Stadium, which is undergoing pitch renovations ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Nonetheless, Kaya head coach Yu Hoshide is determined to secure their first points in the competition on Thursday.
“We haven’t picked up any points so far, and with this being our last game, we’re obviously disappointed. But we’ve improved, and tomorrow we hope to get all three points,” said the 47-year-old Japanese coach at the pre-match press conference.
“It won’t be easy playing in a different stadium, and on an artificial pitch, but we still have an advantage (playing in the Philippines), and we’ll give our best. Overall, it’s been a good experience in the Shopee Cup, and hopefully, we can get a win for our supporters tomorrow.”
Some familiar faces
The Sailors will come up against a couple of familiar faces in Kaya’s Japanese duo, Kaishu Yamazaki and Shuto Komaki. Kaishu was part of the Sailors’ squad in their inaugural 2020 season, where he scored two goals in 13 Singapore Premier League (SPL) appearances, while Komaki featured for Albirex Niigata (S) in their title-winning campaign last season, playing three times against the Sailors.
The rest of Kaya’s squad includes several seasoned Azkals veterans, such as 40-year-old vice-captain Simone Rota, along with Fitch Arboleda, Jovin Bedic, Marwin Angeles, and Patrick Deyto.
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Kaya’s bid for a win has been slightly affected by the recent departures of key attackers Daizo Horikoshi and Robert Lopez Mendy, although the loan signing of Pocholo Bugas and the return of Gavin Muens from loan have bolstered the team.
Kaishu, however, is confident his team can overcome the Sailors, with the Japanese defender eager to show how much he has grown since leaving the club in 2021.
“We’re focused on getting all three points tomorrow, and on a personal level, I want to show the Sailors how much I’ve improved,” said Kaishu. “I’m really excited and happy to see them again, and I know a few of the players in their squad. But tomorrow, I’ll give 100% — I’m doing it for myself, for Kaya, and for our fans.”
No letting up for Sailors
The Sailors battled hard to hold Thai League 1 powerhouse Buriram United in their last outing, but it was not enough to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nonetheless, they remain determined to finish on a high, with third place in the group still up for grabs.
“We’re coming off two strong performances in this competition. This is our last game, and we want to end it in the best possible way,” said Assistant Coach Marko Perović, who deputised for Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković who did not fly to the Philippines due to illness.
“We’re representing Singapore, so it’s very important to leave a good impression. We’re up against Kaya, who have a few quality players and are well-organised, but as I’ve said, we’ve had two solid performances, and we want to keep that momentum going.
“Against Buriram, we delivered a very good performance. They’re one of the best teams in Southeast Asia, and that result gives us a lot of optimism heading into a busy month with many games. We always play to win.”
While there may be not much riding on the outcome of this match, young Sailors forward Abdul Rasaq Akeem insists his side will approach it with the same seriousness as any other.
“This game is important for us because we didn’t start well in this competition, but we’ve improved as a team as the season has progressed,” said the 23-year-old, who will be hoping for his first continental goal for the Sailors.
“We want to show our supporters that we take every game seriously. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re well-prepared and have strong belief in this team.
“Overall, this competition has been a dream for us — to play against top teams in the region, to challenge ourselves, and to seize the opportunity to show what we can do.”
The Lion City Sailors are proud to announce that promising Singaporean attacker Khairin Nadim has secured a move to Portuguese second-division side FC Vizela on a one-and-a-half-year deal.
This move marks an exciting new chapter for the 20-year-old, who will take his talents to one of the world’s top footballing nations as he continues his upward trajectory.
Khairin’s burgeoning potential has been evident since his historic debut in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at just 15 years and 298 days with the Young Lions in March 2020 — making him the youngest-ever player to feature in the league at the time. While that record has since been surpassed by Raoul Suhaimi in 2021 and Nathan Mao in 2023, Khairin remains the third-youngest debutant in SPL history.
A trailblazer in more ways than one, Khairin still holds the record as the second youngest Singaporean to score in the SPL, netting his first goal against BG Tampines Rovers at 16 years and 194 days. He also became the youngest player ever to reach five SPL goals at 16 years and 316 days – an achievement that underlines his knack for making an impact on the big stage.
Khairin’s journey with the Sailors began when he joined the Sailors Academy, where his skills were further honed and refined, laying the foundation for him to become the dynamic, versatile attacker he is today.
The Sailors subsequently arranged for him to attend trials with FC Vizela. There, he impressed with his talent and technical ability — earning himself this opportunity to ply his trade in Europe.
Having signed a contract that runs until 30 June 2026, Khairin will feature primarily for Vizela’s Under-23 squad that competes in the Liga Revelação, while being closely monitored by the first-team coaches.
Vizela’s first team currently competes in Liga Portugal 2 (LigaPro), where they sit eighth in an 18-team league that includes the B teams of Benfica and FC Porto.
Importantly, Vizela has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development, with 16 of their Under-23 players featuring for the first team over the past four years — a pathway that Khairin will be determined to follow. Indeed, Vizela’s current top scorer, Prosper Obah, was part of the club’s Under-23 squad as recently as last season, highlighting the clear opportunities available for young talents to make their mark.
Vizela Sporting Director Toni Dovale, who played a key role in the deal, said, “We’ve been investing a lot in our youth development program in the past few years, and signing top international talents is a part of our step forward as a club.
“Having played in Asia as a player, I’ve heard very good things about Khairin Nadim, and that was why I was keen to find out more about him. That proved to be the case in his trials with us, and we’re excited to see how far his potential can take him.”
Sailors Technical Director Luka Lalić is optimistic that Khairin has the qualities and mental fortitude to succeed at Vizela.
“As the youngest senior debutant in the SPL at one point, Khairin showed immense promise. Signing him for the Sailors at 17 was a no-brainer for me because he displayed a range of qualities that define a modern-day winger,” said Luka.
“Technically gifted, quick to find solutions in tight spaces, and adept at beating defenders 1v1 with pace and natural flair — Khairin has the kind of abilities that make him stand out from the crowd. He’s earned this opportunity to compete in Portugal, and he must make the most of these 18 months to prove he’s ready for the next step in his development.
“Given Vizela’s club structure, the people working closely with him, and Khairin’s own mindset and desire to succeed, I believe — with a bit of luck — he can do very well and make both clubs proud.”
Khairin is set to make his European debut on 25 February when Vizela’s U23s take on Benfica B in the Liga Revelação. Inspired by his peer Nur Muhammad Asis — who made history as the first Singaporean to sign a professional contract with a top-flight Portuguese club, C.F. Estrela da Amadora, in July 2024 — Khairin is determined to carve out his own path and make Singapore proud on the European stage.
“My friend Asis is doing well in Portugal now, and that motivates me. It makes me believe that taking this step is possible,” said Khairin, who has represented Singapore at the Under-23 level. “I’m grateful to the Sailors not just for shaping me into the player I am today, but also for creating this incredible opportunity for me.
“Playing in Europe has always been my goal, and I’m happy to be able to realise this dream. I’m not just representing the Sailors, but also Singapore as a young player here. I’ll train hard, prove myself, and show that I belong on the big stage.”
The Sailors Academy are one of only four academies in Southeast Asia to be conferred a Two-Star Academy status by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under its AFC Elite Youth Scheme.
If there is one player in the Sailors’ squad who embodies the phrase “body on the line,” it is centre-back Toni Datković. The Croatian is known for his fearless commitment, and often throws himself into challenges to protect the Sailors’ goal.
Toni’s uncompromising defensive style has been instrumental in the Sailors boasting the tightest defence in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) so far, conceding just 24 goals in 20 games. Since the turn of the year, he has also helped the team keep clean sheets against formidable continental opponents, which include Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur City and reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United.
But Toni’s contributions to the team are not limited to just his defensive work. The 31-year-old has also developed a knack for scoring, and recently netted his fourth goal of the season — a crucial equaliser in the Sailors’ 2-1 league win over Geylang International.
“It was an important statement win for us,” said Toni. “We had the opportunity to go six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, and we took it. The team has been doing an amazing job over the past few months, so now we just need to stay consistent and maintain this level of performance until the end of the season.”
As Toni’s nickname, El Sicario — a Spanish term that translates to “The Hitman” — suggests, he has added an extra layer of steel and aggression to the Sailors’ backline since signing for the club last February. In that time, he has forged strong bonds with teammates like fellow defenders Bailey Wright and Lionel Tan, and those close-knit relationships are paying dividends on the pitch.
“The relationships we share are a big strength of this team,” explained the Croatian. “We always hang out as a group and spend a lot of time together on and off the pitch — especially during away trips. Everyone is really happy, and that positive mood within the camp helps us perform well in games.”
These bonds will be crucial for Toni and his teammates as they face a hectic February, with seven games packed into just 21 days.
Their schedule could get even more demanding if they advance to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, as they will then have to play a two-legged tie scheduled for 5 and 12 March. This could see them playing a match every three to four days until the mid-March international window.
“As footballers, we always want to play more games, so this won’t be a problem,” said an unfazed Toni. “It will be tough on us physically, but we’re already mentally prepared. We expect a lot of rotation, so every player must be ready because everyone is important.”
Having racked up over 100 appearances in Spain’s LaLiga 2, along with stints in top-tier competitions like the UEFA Europa League and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the USA, Toni is eager to lend his experience to help his teammates navigate the packed schedule.
“I’ve played many games in Europe, where there’s much more pressure with tens of thousands of fans in the stands. It may be slightly different here, but the stakes are just as high and we have to be constantly on our toes to make sure our team win matches,” said Toni.
“Besides me, there are other players in the squad who’ve played in Europe and around the world, like Maxime (Lestienne) and Bart (Ramselaar). That experience will be invaluable, especially during times like these.”
The Sailors’ next continental challenge is a trip to the Philippines to face Kaya FC-Iloilo in their final ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup group match. While their place in the semi-finals is now out of their hands, Toni and his teammates remain determined to end their tournament on a high.
“Doing well on the continental stage is very important for this club, so we’re going there with everything to get the win. We want to show how much we’ve grown since losing the first two matches, and that we actually deserve to be in the next stage,” said Toni.
Fully aware of the high expectations surrounding the Sailors as they approach the business end of the season, Toni urged his teammates to embrace the pressure and keep fighting for the club.
“Many people in Singapore expect us to win everything, but this is football, and we’re confident about what lies ahead,” he said. “Everyone here wants to win trophies and continue making history for the club, so we’ll give 100 per cent to ensure we have no regrets at the end of the season.”
The Lion City Sailors came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over an in-form Geylang International at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (26 January), with the win sending them six points clear at the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) table, with a game in hand.
Taking on the league’s leading scorers — who had won six of their last seven games — was always going to be a challenge. However, goals from Toni Datković and Shawal Anuar overturned Vincent Bezecourt’s early strike to seal all three points for the Sailors.
After being held to draws in their previous two league meetings, the Sailors showed tremendous fighting spirit and resilience to claim their first win over the Eagles this season. The result also marked their fourth consecutive league victory, and reinforced their strong push for the title.
“Today’s win was very important,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković after the match. “I knew it was going to be a tough game, especially with the short recovery time from Thursday’s fixture. But most importantly, my team showed tremendous character, and that made all the difference in securing the three points.”
With this game coming just three days after the Sailors’ hard-fought ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup draw with Buriram United, it was Geylang who started brighter at Jalan Besar.
And it was the Eagles who took the lead in the 12th minute, with Bezecourt unleashing a stunning shot from the edge of the box that nestled into the top corner of Izwan Mahbud’s goal.
Despite the early setback, the Sailors remained composed and nearly found an immediate response, with Shawal’s header in the 19th minute grazing the post.
The Sailors’ determination and persistence to get the equaliser finally paid off in the 28th minute when centre-back Toni rose highest to head home Maxime Lestienne’s corner for his fourth goal in the club’s colours.
Buoyed by the goal, the Sailors pushed forward relentlessly and came close to taking the lead minutes later – Maxime’s precise cross found Song Uiyoung in the box, but the 31-year-old’s header flew just wide of the target.
Anumanthan Kumar – starting his third consecutive game in place of the injured Rui Pires – also came close to giving the Sailors the lead, with his effort in the 43rd minute forcing a sharp save from Geylang goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah, who managed to parry the shot away.
“We didn’t start well in the first half, but credit must go to the opponent for making it difficult for us,” explained Ranko. “That said, we were also quite unlucky — we hit the bar a few times and created other chances that we just couldn’t convert.”
Shawal, who has been in red-hot form coming into this game, was unsurprisingly at the heart of the action in the second half, as he repeatedly found himself in dangerous positions.
Not long after the restart, Shawal looked certain to add to his goal tally, but the forward saw not one, but two efforts crash against the post within the span of a minute — leaving the crowd in disbelief.
But the 33-year-old’s persistence eventually paid off in the 56th minute, as he latched onto a deft flick-on from Lennart Thy and coolly poked the ball past Rudy to finally put the Sailors in the driving seat.
“We were up against a strong opponent, but we stuck to the coaches’ plan and gave our best,” said Shawal. “Most importantly, the combination and understanding we’ve developed as a team helped us secure the win today.”
Geylang came alive late in the second half, but Izwan was instrumental in preserving the Sailors’ lead. The Sailors no. 1 was called into action in the 82nd minute to deny a long-range effort from Ryoya Taniguchi, and just a minute later, he made another crucial save, pushing away a fierce drive from Shakir Hamzah.
“Once again, we won this game on character, staying mentally sharp even after conceding the first goal,” reflected Ranko. “Last season, we struggled to recover when we fell behind, but now we’re able to stay calm and turn games around.”
He added, “Everyone on the team, including the substitutes, gave their all, and that collective effort allowed us to overcome the challenge today.”
The victory once again underscored the depth of the Sailors’ squad.
New signing Diogo Costa impressed on his debut with his technical ability and relentless runs down the left flank, while Anu showcased his quality in midfield. Tasked with anchoring the Sailors’ defense, the latter played a pivotal role in neutralising the league’s top scorer, Tomoyuki Doi, who had found the net in nine of his last 10 games.
But while the Sailors currently sit firmly atop the SPL table, Ranko is keen to remain grounded, and has already turned his attention to the demanding schedule ahead in February.
The month kicks off with a trip to face Kaya FC–Iloilo in the final ACC Shopee Cup group match, followed by a league clash against Tanjong Pagar United three days later.
“I’m happy that we’ve managed to defend our position at the top, but it’s still very early, and we’re just getting started,” said the Sailors tactician. “For now, it’s time to use the break to recharge before we head into what will be a hectic February.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of young Portuguese left-back Diogo Costa on loan from Primeira Liga side FC Famalicão until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The deal, which includes an option to buy, sees Diogo take up one of the three Under-21 foreign players’ slots in the Sailors’ Singapore Premier League (SPL) squad.
A modern-day full-back with lightning speed, aggression, and impressive dead-ball abilities, Diogo has been with Famalicão since his teenage years. He progressed through the ranks to represent the club in Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-23 national competitions, captaining nearly every age group he has played in.
Since signing professional terms with Famalicão in September 2021, the talented 21-year-old has been a regular in the Liga Revelação U-23 competition. He also gained experience in the Portuguese third tier during a loan spell at Académica de Coimbra in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
He was also named on the bench three times for Famalicão’s senior side in the Primeira Liga during the first half of the 2024/25 campaign and most recently scored the winning goal with a free-kick in a 1-0 victory over Braga in the Liga Revelação last November.
The ambitious Sailors project was what drew Diogo to the Lion City, as he aims to showcase his qualities in a new and unfamiliar environment.
“When the club approached me and shared their project, I was really excited because I feel our ambitions are aligned. I want to play more regularly as a professional footballer, and I believe this is the right place to showcase my potential,” said Diogo.
“I’m hungry to show what I can do here. I want to display my qualities in both defence and attack, and the target is to become a top player for the team.”
Having arrived in Singapore at the start of January, Diogo is gradually adapting to life with the Sailors, and is fully determined to contribute to the team’s success in the months ahead.
“It’s still early days, but I can already tell that the level of training is very high, and the boys have made me feel welcome from day one,” said Diogo.
“For me, having a strong mindset is the most important thing. I just want to work as hard as I can to contribute to the team. Playing regularly and winning titles with the team are my main goals here.”
As Buriram United’s top scorer, Guilherme Bissoli, charged toward the Lion City Sailors’ goal in the dying minutes of their ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Group B match at Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (23 January) night, it seemed like the 10-men away side was poised to pull off a dramatic smash-and-grab victory.
But Sailors substitute Hafiz Nor had other ideas. With a perfectly-timed sliding challenge, he denied the forward and ensured his side secured their third clean sheet in four games since the start of 2025. While the tackle alone might not have kept the Sailors in contention for the Shopee Cup semi-finals, it was pivotal in earning a hard-fought point against the reigning Thai League 1 champions — one of Southeast Asia’s most formidable teams.
“Although we did well to earn a point against one of the best teams in the region, the team is still very disappointed that we didn’t get the result we wanted,” Hafiz admitted. “When Coach Ranko sent me on, he told me to keep pushing forward and keep attacking to get the goal we needed.”
“As for the tackle, I just did what I do best. They had a really good chance on the counter-attack, but thankfully, I was able to use my speed to make that crucial tackle and help the team avoid a loss.”
Though the full-time whistle was met with dejected expressions on the Sailors’ faces, it also reflected the club’s remarkable progress over the years and the players’ unwavering hunger to reach even greater heights.
“The club has been performing really well this season, especially on the continental stage,” said Hafiz. “We all share the same vision, and our goal is always to achieve more than we did in the previous season. Overall, I’m happy that we’re on the right track and that everyone in the team is progressing well.”
As one of the players who has been with the Sailors since their inception in 2020, Hafiz has become a key senior figure both on and off the pitch, and he holds the distinction of being the first Sailor to reach 100 appearances for the club. Over his five-year tenure, the 36-year-old’s role has evolved from being a regular starter to embracing a pivotal leadership position within the team.
“Regardless of whether I’m playing or not, I believe the experience I bring as the club’s longest-serving player is invaluable, and I want to use it to help the team win as many games as possible,” said Hafiz.
“I may not get as many minutes as I used to, but whenever I step onto the field, I’ll always give everything I have for the team.”
With the Singapore Cup kicking off in February, the Sailors’ schedule is about to become even more hectic as they juggle commitments in the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two and the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
“We need to be fully mindful of our physical limits and how we manage our bodies, especially when dealing with fatigue or injuries,” said Hafiz.
Even with a squad packed with quality starters, the Sailors have the added advantage of dependable options off the bench, which fosters constant and healthy competition within the team.
This includes players like Anumanthan Kumar, who impressed with his solid performances in midfield over the past two games, as well as emerging talents such as forward Abdul Rasaq Akeem and fullback Sergio Carmona Pérez.
“Our squad depth is crucial as it allows us to rotate the team even if a player is unavailable,” added Hafiz. “We have quality players on the bench who are always ready to step up. As long as we continue giving our best in games and training, I’m confident we can manage the rest of the season well.”
For now, the Sailors face another quick turnaround between games, with a high-flying Geylang International — winners of six of their last seven matches — awaiting them in the SPL on Sunday (26 January).
Despite having less than three days to prepare, Hafiz is confident that the Sailors will rise to the challenge posed by the Eagles.
“The recovery plans we already have in place have helped us cope with the many games we’ve played over the past few months,” said Hafiz. “We have a good team, and Coach Ranko has prepared us well for what we’re going to face on Sunday. All of us are ready, and we’ll give it our all to get the win against Geylang.”
Faced with a must-win clash against one of Southeast Asia’s strongest teams, the Lion City Sailors displayed grit and fight, but were eventually held to a goalless draw by reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United in their penultimate ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Group B match at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (23 January) night.
Despite playing the majority of the game with a numerical advantage, the Sailors were unable to break down a resolute Buriram defence — one that has conceded only eight goals in 18 Thai League 1 matches this season — and the result extinguished the Sailors’ hopes of reaching the inaugural tournament’s semi-finals.
Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC defeated Kuala Lumpur (KL) City 3-2 in the night’s other game to confirm top spot and qualification, while the latter will jostle with Buriram and Borneo FC Samarinda in the race for second on the final matchday.
“Today we played against one of the best teams in Southeast Asia, from the way they moved the ball to how they defended, but I believe that if anyone deserved to win, it was us,” reflected Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković during the post-match press conference.
“My team never played for a draw — they gave everything they had — but we were just really unlucky in front of goal. Even though we didn’t win, these matches help bring us closer to where we want to be. We can grow significantly, both mentally and physically, from experiences like this.”
The Sailors came out firing from the first whistle, determined to take the game to Buriram. Clear-cut chances were scarce in the opening exchanges, but Maxime Lestienne came closest to breaking the deadlock with a curling effort that rattled off the crossbar in the 15th minute.
The Belgian winger’s creativity paid dividends just before halftime. In the 43rd minute, his quick footwork drew a desperate last-man foul from former Australian international Kenny Dougall, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish a red card and reduce Buriram to 10 men.
The Sailors nearly scored from the resulting set-piece, but Buriram goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom produced a stunning double save to deny two close-range efforts from Toni Datković, as both teams went into the break with nothing to separate them.
The second half saw the game open up, with Buriram reminding the Sailors of their counter-attacking threat. In the 56th minute, their leading goal-scorer Guilherme Bissoli unleashed a powerful angled drive, but Izwan Mahbud was alert, diving smartly to push it away.
That moment sparked the Sailors into action, as the home defence tightened up to nullify Buriram’s counter-attacks for the remainder of the match — a defensive effort that earned praise from Ranko.
“Defending against 10 men can sometimes be challenging because the opponent usually sits very deep and waits for counter-attacks,” explained Ranko. “We had to take risks and commit many players forward, but I think my team did a great job of stopping their attacks in the second half.”
Sailors midfielder Song Uiyoung had the best opportunity of the game when Chatchai parried his initial header into his path, but the 31-year-old blazed the follow-up effort over the bar from close range.
The home side continued to push for the elusive goal, and came close to a late winner in the 85th minute when substitute Shawal Anuar met Maxime’s cross with a diving header, but his effort flew agonisingly wide of the post.
“I think we deserved more today, but I also feel we can be proud of ourselves because we gave our best,” said man-of-the-match Maxime. “Although we didn’t take our chances, we defended well, and those are the positives we can take away and be happy with.”
Ranko’s charges gave it one last push deep into stoppage time, but Chatchai stood firm, denying Bailey Wright’s header before denying Lennart Thy’s rebound effort to earn his side a crucial away point.
There will be little time for Ranko to dwell on his team’s missed opportunities, however, as an in-form Geylang International awaits them in their next Singapore Premier League (SPL) assignment on Sunday (26 January). The Sailors will then travel to face bottom-placed Philippines outfit Kaya FC–Iloilo to conclude their Shopee Cup campaign on 6 February.
“I will definitely rotate the team, as some players are going to be fatigued, but we’ll have to wait and see who is available to play,” said Ranko. “We did well to win our last two league games, but Geylang is a very different kind of opponent, so we need to prepare well for the match.”
A tantalising ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup showdown awaits on Thursday (23 January) night as the Lion City Sailors host reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United in a pivotal Matchday Four clash at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
A mammoth task
Make no mistake, this is the Sailors’ toughest hurdle in the competition so far, with Buriram widely regarded as one of the best sides in Southeast Asia – they have not finished outside the top two in their domestic league since 2016, and have claimed the last three Thai League 1 titles.
The Thai powerhouse are overwhelming favourites to make it four league titles in a row this season – they currently sit eight points clear of second-placed Bangkok United with 12 games to go.
A recent first defeat of the season to Bangkok United only seemed to ignite them, as they responded with emphatic 8-0 and 9-0 victories over 13th-placed Chiangrai United and bottom side Khon Kaen United, respectively, in the lead-up to this upcoming match against the Sailors.
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The statistics back up their fearsome reputation — Buriram have scored an astounding 63 goals while conceding just eight in 18 league matches this season, and their remarkable goal difference of +55 towers over the next best, Bangkok United’s +15.
Alongside the Sailors, Buriram are one of only two Southeast Asian teams still competing on two regional fronts, balancing campaigns in both the AFC Champions League (ACL) and the Shopee Cup, in addition to their domestic commitments.
In the ongoing ACL Elite group stage, they have secured impressive victories over Australia’s Central Coast Mariners and Korea’s Pohang Steelers.
As for the Shopee Cup, they rebounded from an opening 2-1 defeat to Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC with dominant 7-0 and 4-0 wins over the Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo and Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda. These results meant they now hold the crucial second spot in Group B as they aim to claim the inaugural title.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Buriram Head Coach Osmar Loss Vieira outlined his team’s ambitions in the competition, while cautioning against underestimating the Sailors.
“This competition is very different, and we know we have a big challenge here in Singapore. We must remember that different competitions require different approaches to win,” said the 49-year-old Brazilian, who has guided Buriram to 21 wins and five draws in 30 games across all competitions since taking charge in June 2024.
“Playing away requires respect for the conditions. Of course, we know we need the result to achieve our goals, but it’s also important to understand the history that lies ahead of us.”
“It’s important to play safely and maintain control of the game. I think the Sailors have a good team shape, and they know how to play on artificial grass. This will be a challenge for us, but we cannot use it as an excuse because we are playing at a high level. I think it will be a good match between two strong teams, and I hope the fans enjoy the game.”
Buriram’s star-studded cast
The sheer quality within the Buriram ranks is enough to strike fear into opponents across the region.
Leading the way is vice-captain Theerathon Bunmathan, who boasts 105 caps for Thailand and won the J1 League title in 2019 with Yokohama F. Marinos. He is joined by prominent names such as Neil Etheridge, the former Cardiff City goalkeeper with English Premier League experience, ex-Melbourne City defender Curtis Good, and Malaysia’s former Belgian Under-21 defender Dion Cools.
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Up front, Buriram possess a formidable attacking trio.
Suphachai Jaided — the Thai League’s top scorer and Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the past two seasons — is complemented by former São Paulo striker Guilherme Bissoli, who leads the Thai League 1 scoring charts with 19 goals in 18 matches. Joining them is fellow Brazilian Lucas Crispim, a former Vasco da Gama player and the current Shopee Cup top scorer with four goals in just two games.
While Buriram recently added seven new players to their roster earlier this month, including rising star Suphanat Mueanta, most of them will not feature in the Shopee Cup due to the tournament’s closed player registration period.
However, Osmar remains confident that his team has the quality to achieve their goals in the competition even without the new signings.
He elaborated, “We have a lot of foreign and Asian players, so selecting the right players to fit the regulations and quota was a challenge. Managing this, especially with so many games, requires us to work together. We need to carefully choose players for each competition to keep them fresh and minimise the risk of injuries. It’s our job to ensure the players remain safe and ready for the season ahead.
“I’m really happy with the team so far, but now, in the second half of the season, it’s important for us to maintain this level. That’s our challenge: to keep improving the way we play.”
Buriram captain Narubadin Weerawatnodom emphasised his team’s determination to win the Shopee Cup and establish themselves as the best in the region.
“The Shopee Cup is very important for us because we want to be the top team in Southeast Asia,” declared the two-time AFF Cup winner.
“It’s exciting for the players, and we know we have great experience and quality in the squad. There’s pressure on us, but we’re ready to handle it well. It will be an exciting game, and we will do our best.”
Sailors undaunted and up for the challenge
The home side enters this tie as underdogs, but their qualification for the ACL Two Round of 16 and a strong start to 2025 have instilled belief that they can overcome the odds.
The Sailors have won all three of their games since the turn of the year, reigniting their Shopee Cup hopes with a 2-0 victory over Kuala Lumpur (KL) City and sweeping aside Brunei DPMM and Albirex Niigata (S) to move three points clear at the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL).
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković believes his team’s good run of form has instilled the confidence needed to go toe-to-toe with Buriram, a side he considers possibly the best in Southeast Asia.
“Coming into this game in good form is very important as it gives us a certain level of confidence, and you can see that all the players I’m using feel involved, which makes me happy,” said Ranko. “Our break wasn’t very long, especially for those who went away with the national team, so we haven’t lost much momentum.
“For me, Buriram are the best team in Southeast Asia. If you look at their squad, they’re dominating their league and performing well in the ACL. It’s a great challenge for my team, but we’ve proven over the last year and a half that we’re up to the task.”
Trailing Buriram and third-placed KL City by three points with two group matches remaining, the Sailors know they must win to keep their hopes of progressing to the last four alive. Defender Christopher van Huizen believes this is a challenge well within their capabilities.
“This is a very big challenge for us — they’re one of the best teams in Southeast Asia,” said the 32-year-old, who has featured in all 15 of the Sailors’ continental games (12 in the ACL and 3 in the Shopee Cup) since joining the club at the start of last season.
“We’ve got good morale from winning our past few games, so we’re looking forward to the match. I think this competition is quite similar to the ACL Two.. We’re doing well, and they’re at the top, so it’s important for us to focus on who we are and what we’re capable of.”
Since arriving in Singapore with a stellar reputation after nearly a decade in the Dutch Eredivisie, Bart Ramselaar has steadily settled into his first year with the Lion City Sailors.
The former PSV Eindhoven and FC Utrecht star has registered eight goals and 10 assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this season, firmly establishing himself as a key player in Aleksandar Ranković’s side.
Bart’s growing influence was on full display in the Sailors’ recent 6-0 win over Albirex Niigata (S) in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), where he recorded a hat-trick of assists and a goal. One standout moment saw him cut into the Albirex box and unleash an unstoppable shot into the top corner that left the opposition stunned.
“Going into the match, we knew it would be difficult because Albirex had won four of their last five games and were in good form,” explained Bart. “But we played a really good game and capitalised on most of the chances we created. This result gives us a lot of confidence for the upcoming matches.”
The 27-year-old was one of the Sailors’ marquee signings in the pre-season transfer window, with the Dutchman earmarked as someone who could help the club make a strong impression on the continental stage.
While settling into life more than 10,000km away from the Netherlands was initially challenging, Bart credited the supportive environment at the Sailors for helping him transition seamlessly to life in Singapore.
“I had to get used to playing in the heat, but luckily, the long pre-season made it easier for me to adapt to the weather,” said the Dutchman.
“Off the pitch, my wife and I are loving life in Singapore. The staff, players, and everyone at the club have been so welcoming, and we’re really happy to be here.”
With the Sailors sitting atop the SPL and competing in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, Bart called on his teammates to work hard to sustain their excellent form on all fronts.
“At top clubs, the second half of the season is always the most important because that’s when you win trophies,” said Bart. “For a top club like the Sailors, that’s our goal. We’re just getting started and will be ready for the challenges ahead.”
One of the Sailors’ toughest challenges of the season awaits in their next ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup match, in which they will face reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (23 January).
The Thai outfit currently leads their domestic league and sits second place in Group B, two points behind Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC, and three points ahead of the Sailors, who are in fourth.
Despite the prospect of facing one of the strongest teams in the region, Bart remains confident that the Sailors’ quality and team spirit will see them through against the Thai side.
“I know Buriram have a lot of quality players, and it’s going to be a very tough game. However, we always go into every match — especially at home — looking to win,” said Bart.
“We have quality players who are in form, and more importantly, the balance and spirit within the team is fantastic. We all get along really well and celebrate each other’s successes, but now it’s time to show that spirit against a top-class team like Buriram.”
Bart and the Sailors, however, can take confidence from their performances against other Thai sides this season, having beaten Port FC twice in the ACL Two group stages to secure their spot in the competition’s knockout stages.
“Our performances in the Champions League group stages give us a lot of confidence heading into this game,” said the former Netherlands international. “If we can reach our highest level — attacking, defending, and fighting as a team — that energy and team spirit will help us achieve the result we want on Thursday.”
Bart also urged the Sailors faithful to turn up in force at Jalan Besar Stadium, as he emphasised the vital role they play in driving the team forward on big occasions like this.
He said, “We really need their support, just like in the game against Port, where their voices helped us reach the next round. As a player, you always feel the extra motivation when the crowd is behind you, so I’m looking forward to seeing them cheering for us on Thursday.”
The Lion City Sailors marked their return to Bishan Stadium in style, as they delivered a scintillating performance to secure a 6-0 win over defending champions Albirex Niigata (S) in their first Singapore Premier League (SPL) home game of the year on Friday (17 January).
In what was their first league match back at their Bishan den in nearly three months, the Sailors put on a masterclass that not only thrilled the home crowd, but more importantly, extended their lead at the top of the SPL table to three points over title rivals BG Tampines Rovers, who have played a game more.
The Sailors were relentless from the start, scoring four goals in the first half — a feat they last achieved during the opening match of their triumphant Singapore Cup campaign in 2023 against Balestier Khalsa.
Equally impressive was the variety in the Sailors’ attack, with four different players finding the net in the first 45 minutes. Shawal Anuar, Lennart Thy, Bart Ramselaar, and Song Uiyoung each contributed to a dominant opening half, as Aleksandar Ranković’s men dismantled the defending champions with precision and flair.
“I think the game was more or less decided in the first half. I didn’t expect it to unfold that way — I was anticipating a bit more pressure from Albirex,” admitted Ranko, who oversaw his 50th match in all competitions as Sailors head coach.
“To be honest, we were a little nervous until we scored the first goal, but after that, everything went smoothly.”
The all-important first goal arrived in the 15th minute, courtesy of the red-hot Shawal. The 33-year-old — who has now scored more league goals in his 30s than his 20s — got between the Albirex backline and the onrushing Hassan Sunny to apply a fearless header that broke the deadlock.
Ten minutes later, the visitors had their best chance of the first half when Albirex captain Ryhan Stewart rattled the crossbar with a thunderous strike.
That was about as good as it got for Albirex, as just past the half-hour mark, the Sailors doubled their lead. This time, it was Lennart who rose to the occasion, expertly guiding a perfectly-weighted cross from Toni Datković past Hassan with a precise header to make it 2-0.
Sensing blood in the water, the Sailors launched wave after wave of attacks, which culminated in Bart Ramselaar’s spectacular goal in the 35th minute. The Dutchman cut inside his man before unleashing a stunning strike into the top corner to make it 3-0.
Reflecting on his team’s return to familiar surroundings at Bishan, a visibly pleased Ranko said, “The pitch helped us tonight — it’s the best I’ve seen so far, and I’ve never seen it in such great condition. The weather was also perfect, so all the ingredients were there.”
In first-half stoppage time, Bart turned from goalscorer to provider, laying the ball off to Song, who delivered a superb finish to cap off a swift counterattack and make it 4-0.
The second half picked up where the first left off, with the Sailors quickly adding to their commanding lead. Christopher van Huizen’s precise pass found Bart, whose shot was parried by Hassan straight into Lennart’s path, and the German striker made no mistake from close range to net his 15th league goal of the season.
“I think it was a good performance from start to finish. We created chances right from the beginning, which made everything easier for us. It was great to stay as focused as we did today,” said Lennart, who has now been named Player of the Match in back-to-back games.
“As a striker, you always want to keep this momentum going for your team. I hope to continue playing the way I have in the last two matches and help the team to more victories.”
Alongside Lennart, however, the Sailors midfielders also played a crucial role in the victory. Bart was at his best, while M. Anumanthan impressed in his first league start since the Sailors’ 6-0 triumph over Tanjong Pagar United last September.
The Sailors’ sixth goal of the night came in the 66th minute, with Chris van Huizen once again playing a key role. This time, the Singapore international set up Sergio Carmona Pérez, who calmly slotted the ball into the net for his second goal of the season — further highlighting the team’s strength in the attacking third.
With a comfortable six-goal advantage, the likes of Hafiz Nor and Haiqal Pashia were brought on to help see out the win. Ranko later revealed that he had encouraged his players to keep pushing until the final whistle, despite their commanding lead.
“I can imagine the players felt the game was over, but that doesn’t matter. Especially in a game like this, you have to keep pushing because goal difference could play a crucial role in the end,” Ranko explained.
“So, I don’t want my players to relax. When you relax, there’s always the risk of picking up injuries or unnecessary cards. That’s why I kept pushing my team.”
Another positive for the Serb was the Sailors’ eighth clean sheet of the season – another mark of the Sailors’ dominant performance against the defending champions.
However, bigger challenges lie ahead, with Ranko’s charges still competing on four fronts this season. Indeed, the club’s upcoming match is set to be one of the most pivotal of the 2024/25 campaign, as they will host Thai League 1 champions Buriram United in an ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup Matchday Four encounter.
A victory would see the Sailors – who notched their first win of the campaign against Kuala Lumpur City FC in the previous round – draw level on points with Buriram. Ranko, however, acknowledges his team will face a tough task when the two sides meet on Thursday, 23 January.
He said, “Our main focus now is going to be Buriram because, for me, they are the best team in Southeast Asia. So, I think competing against them is going to be a big challenge. But we love challenges, and the boys can’t wait.”
