The Lion City Sailors Women’s Team have added significant firepower and depth to their squad with the signing of four Japanese players, as they aim to secure a spot in the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) Group Stage this season.

Defensive reinforcements

Capable of operating both in central defence and at full-back, Sakurako Ohashi joins from Toyo University to strengthen a backline led by captain Umairah Hamdan and anchored by local talents Qarissa Putri and Syazwani Ruzi. 

A Japan Under-19 international in 2023 and a member of the Japan University All-Star team earlier this year, the 21-year-old is known for her astute reading of the game and tight man-marking ability.

Midfield maestros

Also arriving from Toyo University is Riari Kitaoka, a technically gifted central midfielder who is recognised as one of the top university players in Japan.

The 22-year-old is lauded for her vision, defence-splitting passes, and ability to strike the ball accurately from distance.

Joining her in the middle of the park is Miyu Inayama, a versatile midfielder who is capable of playing across the midfield.

The 22-year-old honed her skills at JEF United Ichihara Chiba Ladies, and progressed through the youth ranks to feature in Japan’s fully professional Women’s Empowerment (WE) League. Known for her nifty dribbling and ability to unlock defences, Miyu is set to add another creative dimension to the Sailors’ midfield.

Proven attacking threat

Rounding off the quartet is Eri Kitagawa, an agile, left-footed forward from Omiya Ardija Ventus who boasts three seasons of WE League experience. 

The 24-year-old is a former Toyo University standout who led the team to the Kanto University Women’s League and All Japan Women’s University Football Championship titles in 2022, scoring the decisive goal in the final of the latter.

Her double MVP honours from both tournaments underline her pedigree, and she will partner 2024 WPL second-top scorer Raeka Ee to spearhead the Sailors’ attack.

Japanese influence grows

The new arrivals follow the recent signing of former Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies midfielder Ami Takeuchi, bringing the Sailors’ Japanese contingent for the AWCL to five.

Drawn in Group C alongside hosts Kelana United, Etihad Club and SDYUSHOR SI – Asiagoal, the Sailors must either top the group or be the best-placed runner-up amongst the five centralised groups to qualify for the tournament proper.

And Head Coach Daniel Ong believes the squad now has the quality and depth to compete at this level.

“We learnt some harsh lessons in our debut AWCL campaign last season, and we’ve worked hard to address the gaps in the squad,” said the 36-year-old.

“Our talented local players now have the chance to train and play alongside top Japanese professionals, who will not only raise our level of play but also be fantastic role models for the team.

“Having already seen good camaraderie within our squad, I’m confident we can achieve something special in this year’s AWCL and make Singapore proud.”