For Ilhan Fandi and the Lion City Sailors, the games in October are coming quickly. And so must the improvement.
After a frustrating start to the season, the Singapore forward is backing the team’s growing chemistry under Head Coach Mark Jackson to translate into results, starting with Sunday’s (11 October) Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash against Young Lions at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Sailors head into their first home league fixture of the campaign looking to bounce back from Thursday’s 1-0 defeat to Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC in their ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup opener, which followed draws against Hougang United in the SPL and BG Pathum United in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two.
“It was a tough start to our Shopee Cup campaign, but we have to look ahead to the next game because we have many matches this month,” said Ilhan.
“It was disappointing to concede the decisive goal just before half-time. It came down to a lack of concentration in a match where we had chances but didn’t take them. When you play at this level, missed chances can come back to bite you, and that’s exactly what happened.”
Leo Artur’s goal in first-half stoppage time proved the difference for CAHN, and left the Sailors still searching for their first victory under Jackson, who was appointed on 9 September.
While the players continue adapting to the Englishman’s demands, Ilhan believes there are encouraging signs to build on as they prepare for a busy run of domestic and continental fixtures.
“We are still adapting to how Coach Mark wants us to play. There have been glimpses of good play, and we have to stay positive and build on those,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get back on track with a better performance and a win against the Young Lions on Sunday.”
On paper, the Sailors’ first home SPL fixture of the season presents an opportunity to do just that, with the Young Lions sitting bottom of the table after conceding nine goals in defeats in their opening two league matches.
But there is quality in Firdaus Kassim’s squad, which includes former Sailors Izwan Mahbud, Hafiz Nor and Nathan Mao. However, one player holds a particularly close connection to Ilhan: his brother, Iryan Fandi.
“It will be nice to play against my brother, but my focus will be on helping my team score goals and win the match. At the end of the day, I’m here to do my job for the Lion City Sailors,” said Ilhan, who scored 13 SPL goals for Young Lions earlier in his career.
Sunday’s match begins a crucial stretch for the Sailors, with seven fixtures to navigate before the November international window. Building understanding within the squad will be key, especially as several players spent two weeks away on national team duty.
For Ilhan, who is one of several new arrivals this season, the time together on the training ground is already making a difference.
“Gradually, the chemistry in the team is improving. It’s been a little challenging with a new coach coming in and the national team boys returning after two weeks away,” he said.
“Now that we have more time together, we can build a better understanding and gel as a team for the upcoming matches. We’ll all hungry to deliver for the team and we’ll go all out for the three points on Sunday.”
