The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team may have dominated the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) with back-to-back titles — and a strong chance of securing a third this season — but they will face their toughest test yet as they kick off their campaign in the inaugural AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) this weekend.
The Sailors, who have been drawn in Group B, will first face Indian Women’s League champions Odisha FC in Jordan this Sunday (25 Aug), before hosting Etihad Club three days later (28 Aug). Only the group winner will advance to the next round, which is scheduled for October.
With the stakes this high and the team’s desire to give a strong representation of women’s football in Singapore, Sailors midfielder Ho Hui Xin admits that the nerves are starting to set in.
However, Hui Xin believes they turn this pressure into an advantage, as they look to make history in the competition.
“Feeling the nerves is a sign of how much we care. It’ll push us to become the best versions of ourselves on match day,” the 32-year-old explained. “This is the first time playing in such a tournament for everyone, including the senior players. I believe we will feed off each other’s energy and really go for it.”
Seri Nurinsyirah, one of seven teenagers to make their WPL debuts this season, echoed her vice-captain’s sentiments. The 15-year-old said, “I’m feeling a mix of nerves and excitement. It’s an honour to play in the AWCL, and I’m thrilled to be here. My team and I have worked hard to get to this point, and now it’s time to focus on the game plan and trust in each other’s abilities.
“Representing Singapore and the Sailors in this historic tournament is an absolute privilege, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity. There’s a strong sense of pride and responsibility to make my country and team proud. I’m excited to gain this experience and showcase our team’s talent.”
Two years ago, the Sailors competed in the SingaCup’s Women’s Football Championship, where they had the chance to pit themselves against teams from Southeast Asia such as Philippines’ Kaya FC-Iloilo, Indonesia’s Persib Bandung Putri and Thailand’s Phranakorn FC.
“The intensity and level of play in the SingaCup were more advanced,” Hui Xin recalled. “I think the AWCL is going to bring that and more. With the AWCL being several levels above the WPL, it will be interesting to see where we stand in the region. That’s something I’m really looking forward to. It’s going to be a good test for the team.”
Indeed, both Odisha and Etihad Club are regarded as the cream of the crop in their respective leagues. Odisha recently concluded their domestic season as champions, while Etihad Club currently sits at the summit of the Jordan Women’s Pro League.
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Despite Odisha and Etihad Club’s undoubted quality, however, the Sailors are confident of putting up a good show against the two much-more fancied opponents.
“We’ll need to work together as a unit, stay focused under pressure, and play smart,” Seri elaborated. “Playing in the WPL has taught me how to remain calm under pressure, think tactically, and build my endurance, which has prepared me for the AWCL.”
Hui Xin added, “We’ll follow our tactical preparations, and Coach Daniel (Ong) will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the best outcome for us. It’s also up to the players to adapt on the pitch. While we may not have experience at this high level, we are mature enough to make adjustments as needed.
“We control what we can and will stick to our playing style. Ultimately, it’s a fair 11v11 contest. For us, it’s always about working for each other. Regardless of the opponent, our focus remains the same: communication, teamwork, and running for one another. As long as we maintain that, we’ll make it work.”
