When the full-time whistle blew at Bishan Stadium last Monday night (27 October), Ivan Sušak dropped to his knees, pointing both fingers skyward in a moment of pure emotion.

After all, the Croatian goalkeeper had just played a starring role in helping the Lion City Sailors shut out an in-form Albirex Niigata (S) side in a commanding 3-0 victory, as he made a number of key saves to secure his first clean sheet for the club. In doing so, the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions became the first team this season to prevent Albirex from scoring in a league match.

“I’m very happy with the win and my first clean sheet,” said the 28-year-old. “However, that wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of the entire team. This win is a big mental boost for us, and it showed that we can bounce back from the loss to Bangkok United.”

Finding his feet in a new team and country

Having only joined the Sailors in July, the 2.03m-tall shot-stopper has begun to forge a good understanding with his defensive teammates. Having already faced tough continental opponents — such as Bangkok, Selangor FC, and Persib Bandung — Ivan believes the backline will only grow stronger as the season progresses.

“I can only speak positively about guys like Bailey (Wright), Hariss (Harun) and Lionel (Tan), both on and off the pitch,” he said. “The relationship we share is important. We depend on each other, and we’re always talking about the little things we can do to keep improving as a team.”

The move to Singapore from Croatian top-flight side Slaven Belupo was a major step in Ivan’s career, and while the transition was initially challenging, the camaraderie within the Sailors’ dressing room has helped him settle seamlessly.

“Singapore is an amazing city. I’d heard a lot about it from my brother, who was here 10 years ago. It’s strange to be here myself, but I’m happy,” he said with a smile. 

“I knew Toni (Datković) before I came, and he’s helped me a lot, but all the players and staff have been very kind and supportive. Their help means a lot since I’m far from home, and now that my family is here too, everything is going well.”

With Singapore international Izwan Mahbud also in the squad, the Sailors boast two reliable goalkeepers competing for the number one spot — a dynamic that Ivan believes will only push both to greater heights.

“Izwan is a good goalkeeper and an even better person. We’re professionals and we fight for our spot, but that’s normal in football,” said Ivan. “We have a good relationship and push each other hard in training. That helps us both improve.”

Eyes on the continental prize

With close to 100 appearances in the Croatian top flight, Ivan’s experience and leadership will be vital as the Sailors continue their quest for a Round of 16 berth in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.

He has already made his mark in the competition, most memorably with a stunning fingertip save in stoppage time to preserve a 1-1 away draw against Indonesia Super League side Persib on Matchday One. 

“A goalkeeper can influence the outcome of a game, and I was happy to help the team,” he said. “It was just one save, but it was our collective effort that earned us that point.”

That moment was one of 15 saves Ivan has made in the competition so far — the second-highest tally in the AFC’s player rankings, just behind BG Tampines Rovers’ Syazwan Buhari and has drawn some praise from opposition fans online, though Ivan remains focused on the task at hand.

(Screengrab from the official AFC website)

“I didn’t play much attention to comments, be it good or bad ones. I’m here to help the team because that’s my job and I’m very focused on what I need to do as a goalkeeper.”

A chance to make amends

The Sailors’ qualification hopes took a hit after a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Bangkok United, which left them third in Group G. Despite the setback, Ivan believes the team can still take heart from their battling performance against the Thai outfit.

“We deserved more from that game. It’s hard to play with 10 men, but we still ran a lot and created good chances,” he reflected. “Sometimes you lose even when you play well, and that’s football. But I believe we can still qualify.”

Two weeks on, the Sailors will have the chance to exact revenge when they face Bangkok again this Thursday (6 November) at Bishan Stadium. It is a fixture that Ivan sees as a golden opportunity to get their campaign back on track.

“They’re a strong team, but I believe in our quality and our strong mindset. Our goal is to qualify, so we must stay focused and give everything to get all three points,” he declared. 

“It’s important we defend well because we have the players up front who can score. Many of us have experience in big games, and we’re determined to get the job done.”

Securing his first clean sheet for the Sailors has only fuelled Ivan’s hunger to reach even greater heights, though he remains firmly focused on the team’s success.

“Every goalkeeper wants clean sheets, but what matters most is that the team gets the result,” he said. “For me, it’s about making the saves that help us win games.

“I know that playing with this team and staff will help me grow and improve every day. I’m happy here, and I want to stay at this remarkable club.”

And as the Sailors prepare for another crucial continental clash, Ivan has a simple message for the fans.

“We’re very grateful to the fans for being our 12th man. We hope they’ll come in big numbers on Thursday to push us towards our goal of taking all three points.”