He might have only just signed for the Lion City Sailors, but striker Stipe Plazibat is already dreaming of achieving great things at his new club.
“I want to win everything. That’s why I’m here at the Lion City Sailors,” was the 31-year-old’s unequivocal proclamation when asked what his ambitions at the club were.
In fact, Plazibat revealed that it was the prospect of winning silverware that attracted him to the Lion City Sailors project in the first place.
“The biggest reason I joined the club is because their ambitions are the same as mine,” explained Plazibat. “They also want to win as many trophies as possible, and I can tell that our Chairman (Forrest Li) is very serious about having us fight for the top spot every season.
“I also spoke with coach Aurelio (Vidmar)…we shared our ideas with each other, and we realised that we’re both looking in the same direction. So, I’m feeling really great about joining the Sailors, and I can’t wait to start my new adventure with the team.”
While winning every available trophy is a bold dream, it is one that could very well become a reality with Plazibat leading the line for the Sailors.
After all, the Croatian is regarded as one of the deadliest strikers in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at the moment – to date, he has recorded an incredible 54 goals in 70 SPL matches, including the first hat-trick of the current season.
More than just goals, however, Plazibat – who has plied his trade in countries like Thailand and Japan – believes his experience and professionalism will also have a positive impact on the team.
“Obviously, I want to score many goals for the Sailors to help us win games,” he said. “But I also hope to help the team by providing leadership, and use my experience to guide the younger players. I intend to lead by example by working hard and behaving professionally, both on and off the pitch.
Plazibat, who will don the number 29 jersey at the Sailors, is no stranger to the Bishan Stadium, having played for Home United during the 2017 season.
And the ex-Hougang United star admitted that he was happy to be reunited with some of his team-mates from that campaign, which include the likes of Song Ui-Young, Abdil Qaiyyim, and club captain Izzdin Shafiq.
Reflecting on his first training session with the Sailors, Plazibat said: “Everything was perfect because I know almost all the players, having played with them previously in 2017. So, it was very easy for me to gel in with them, and it was a joy to be able to play with them again.
“In particular, I’m very happy to be on the same team as Song again, because we share a good understanding on the pitch, and also have a close bond and friendship outside of football.”