Few players embody what it means to wear the Lion City Sailors badge quite like Song Uiyoung.
Closing in on 125 appearances in all competitions, the midfielder remains a joy to watch when in full flow.
However, it has been a disrupted 2025/26 season for the 31-year-old, with just six appearances in the ongoing Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaign due to injury setbacks. Nonetheless, there were encouraging signs last weekend, though, as Song marked his return to the starting line-up in a 4-1 win over Hougang United with an assist.
“I was happy to play the match from the start. The most important thing for me is not about being a starter, but that I can play again after my injury. Finally, I can focus on football and my team again,” said Song.
The Hougang clash was only his second start since the turn of the year, following January’s Singapore Cup final triumph over BG Tampines Rovers, as he continues his gradual return to full fitness.
Behind the scenes, the Sailors’ medical team have played a key role in his recovery.
“I follow all the programmes and instructions of our physios and rehab trainers. It has helped me regain my match fitness and recover from injury,” he shared.
A central figure in the Sailors’ journey, Song has been part of both the club’s SPL title-winning campaigns in 2021 and 2024/25, with brief overseas stints in Thailand and Indonesia in between.
Amongst the current squad, only Hafiz Nor and Hariss Harun have made more appearances than Song, underlining his importance to the team.
“The previous title wins are very good memories, and I want to continue winning as many trophies as possible here. To clinch the SPL title this season, the most important thing is to focus game by game and put in the effort in every match.”
Since the arrival of Head Coach Jesús Casas, the Sailors have adopted a more attack-minded approach, scoring 18 goals in five league matches.
“If I simplify Coach Jesús’ philosophy, it is about attacking football. The most important thing is that the players are enjoying this style of play and adapting well,” said Song.
That approach will be on show again when the Sailors face Young Lions on Monday, 20 April at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Young Lions head into the fixture on a high after a 1-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United, with Brazilian forward Sérgio Mendonça netting his sixth goal of the season. On-loan Sailors goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud described it as a “win that we wanted for so long”, but Song is clear on his side’s focus.
“Once I step onto the field, I always try to give my best and enjoy the game. Our target is always three points in every SPL match.
“I will give maximum effort and try to play my part in this final stretch of the season. That is the most important thing now.”
With five crucial fixtures remaining, the Sailors remain in control at the top of the table, keeping their title rivals at bay.
For Song, the goal is simple: to rediscover his best form and contribute when it matters most.
“I need to put in good performances in every training session and the remaining matches of the season,” he said.
“I’m really motivated, and these upcoming matches are important for my ASEAN Hyundai Cup and next year’s Asian Football Confederation Asian Cup dreams (with the Singapore national team).”
