The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have laid down a clear marker ahead of the 2026 domestic season by bolstering their squad with a blend of returning title winners, proven foreign quality, and emerging local talent as they set their sights on reclaiming the Women’s Premier League (WPL) crown.

Leading the reinforcements is the return of 2022 WPL Golden Boot winner Nur Izzati Rosni, who is back in Sailors colours after two seasons away. During that spell, the 26-year-old featured for fellow WPL sides Albirex Niigata (S) (now Albirex Jurong) and Still Aerion, before gaining overseas experience with Selangor FC.

Having scored 22 WPL goals across the Sailors’ first two title-winning campaigns in 2022 and 2023, Izzati’s return adds proven firepower and familiarity to the Sailors’ frontline.

A delighted Izzati said, “The opportunity to compete for this club and challenge myself again was something I couldn’t miss. Having been here before, the familiarity has helped make the transition smooth.

“I’m focused on staying consistent and fit, and contributing whenever I’m called upon, whether that’s through performances, work rate or experience. We’re taking things step by step, and if we prepare well and do our jobs properly each day, we’ll put ourselves in a good position to win back the title.”

Also rejoining the club is two-time WPL winner Venetia Lim, who returns after stints in Australia’s second tier with Boroondara-Carey Eagles FC and Eltham Redbacks. The technically gifted midfielder will, however, only be available from February onwards as she continues her recovery from a recent injury layoff.

In addition, the Sailors have secured the services of Japanese attacking duo Ami Takeuchi and Eri Kitagawa for the 2026 WPL season, following their impressive performances during the club’s run in the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Preliminary and Group Stages last year.

Ami was a standout in the Preliminary Stage, scoring four goals in three matches against top opposition from across the continent, while both she and Eri (pictured below) bring valuable experience from Japan’s top-tier WE League.

Staying true to the club’s commitment to youth development, the Sailors have also promoted a few promising youngsters to the senior squad.

Fifteen-year-old Remi Ogawa earns her step up after a standout campaign in the Women’s National League (WNL) with title-winning Mattar Sailors, where she was crowned the 2025 WNL Young Player of the Year. The versatile midfielder is comfortable both in central midfield and central defence.

Defender Irsalina Irwan and goalkeeper Alysha Nasrina have also been included after first featuring during last November’s AWCL Group Stage campaign, alongside teenage winger Nur Ain Salleh. Free-scoring French forward Priscille Le Helloco returns as well after missing the second half of 2025.

After a frustrating 2025 campaign, the Sailors’ ambition is clear: to wrest back the WPL title and secure a return to the AFC Women’s Champions League stage in 2027.

Head Coach Daniel Ong welcomed the strengthened squad, saying, “I’m very happy to have the full support of the management to secure Ami and Eri for the season. They bring experience from Japan’s WE League, but just as importantly, great character. Their quality and know-how will help elevate our local players.

“Having trained and competed together during the AWCL last season, they will add real value with their movement and ability to create space, both in and out of possession. This is a great opportunity for our girls to learn from them.

“Izzati and Venetia are also important additions in helping us control the tempo, especially in the attacking third. Last season was long, and we lacked depth to compete on multiple fronts. This year, we want to see more confidence on the ball, purposeful passing, and clearer intent in our play.”

Meanwhile, nine players have been de-registered from the 2025 roster.

Mira Ruzana, Anaya Sehgal, Qarissa Putri, goalkeepers Nurul Haziqah Haszman and Hazel Lim have departed the club, while Putri Alyiah Seow is undergoing rehabilitation following surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained late last year. Dorcas Chu has also retired from the sport.

Ho Hui Xin and Amelia Ng have been redesignated to the Sailors’ WPL B-team, led by reigning WNL Coach of the Year Izz Haziq, which will compete in the WNL this season. Both remain eligible for top-flight action, with regulations allowing up to five B-team players to be named in a WPL matchday squad.

Lion City Sailors’ 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) squad

Goalkeepers

Izairida Shakira, Beatrice Tan, Alysha Nasrina

Defenders
Umairah Hamdan, Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, Syazwani Ruzi, Khairunnisa Anwar, Tia Foong, Tyan Foong, Irsalina Irwan

Midfielders

Sarah Zu’risqha, Nurhidayu Naszri, Dhaniyah Qasimah, Wan Nashirah Mohammed, Nur Ain Salleh, Remi Ogawa, Venetia Lim 

Forwards

Eri Kitagawa, Ami Takeuchi, Raeka Ee, Farah Nurzahirah, Priscille Le Helloco, Nur Izzati Rosni