It was a debut to remember for the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team’s latest addition, Priscille Le Helloco, as she bagged a brace to spur her side to a 3-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United on Saturday (3 August) night at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.

With her two goals, the Sailors now boast 16 different scorers this season, as Daniel Ong’s side consolidated their spot at the top of the 2024 Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL) table with only four matches left to play.

They now lead closest rivals Albirex Niigata (S) by six points, with the White Swans looking to close the gap when they take on Hougang United tonight (4 August) in their game in hand.

Deployed on the right wing, Priscille was determined to make her Sailors debut a special one despite feeling nervous before the game.

“There’s so much talent on this team. Starting and being able to play with all these players meant so much,” gushed the 17-year-old, who has only had three training sessions with the Sailors so far.

“It was nerve-wracking at first because everyone on the team knows each other, and I was a mid-season signing. But the kindness shown by my teammates calmed my nerves. It’s only the first game, and I have to earn my place. I still have a lot to prove.”

Daniel was all smiles after seeing yet another young talent in Priscille make her mark with the Sailors. He said, “I’m very happy (with Priscille’s performance). It shows that everyone is giving their very best for the team and deserves to start the game when given the opportunity.”

The Sailors, however, initially struggled to break the deadlock as Tanjong Pagar custodian Elizabeth Tan made a series of saves to keep the game goalless.

But the Sailors’ relentless pressure eventually told in the 24th minute. Nurhidayu Naszri’s pass through the middle found Raeka Ee, who unselfishly squared it for an unmarked Priscille to tap the ball into an empty net to give the Sailors a 1-0 lead.

The French teenager came close to doubling the lead just after half-time with a superb curled effort from range, but her shot cannoned off the crossbar.

But Priscille did not have to wait long for her second goal. In the 55th minute, she found herself one-on-one with Elizabeth after being set through by Raeka, and the Sailors’ new signing calmly rounded the goalkeeper before placing it into the back of the net.

Reflecting on her two goals, Priscille credited her new teammates for giving her the confidence to perform at her best and make an impact in her debut.

“I had Sara Hayduchok, one of my former teammates at Tampines Rovers, guiding me in trainings and helping me to assimilate into the team. Raeka was also instrumental, assisting with the goals. We had even planned a celebration before the match, so it was wonderful to be able to execute it,” Priscille revealed.

“It felt surreal to play alongside so many players with great reputations. Scoring really helped me feel at ease. It’s incredible to combine with these players, especially since I had been watching them from afar before joining the team.”

The Sailors then wrapped up the three points through substitute Josephine Ang, who scored for the 11th time this season with yet another free-kick goal – her fourth of the campaign.

“Everyone in the team knows that Josephine’s free-kick technique is exceptional,” Daniel said. “Scoring more goals will boost her confidence, and in turn, she’ll show what she is capable of. The best is yet to come from her.”

With the Sailors — who will face Balestier Khalsa next on 17 August — set to ramp up their preparations for the upcoming Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League, Daniel believes his charges are heading in the right direction.

“The team is showing a lot of positive movement on and off the ball, which is a good sign,” said Daniel. “It demonstrates that everyone is applying what they’ve practised in training. As long as they give their best and work together, everyone will benefit and help each other develop their game further.”