With the 2026 Women’s Premier League (WPL) set to kick off this week, the Lion City Sailors Women will begin their campaign with a season-opening clash against Balestier Khalsa this Sunday (25 January) at the Bukit Gombak Stadium.
A new season brings fresh faces, and a new leader at the helm. With regular captain Umairah Hamdan sidelined by a medial collateral ligament injury for at least the first few games, defender Syazwani Ruzi will step up to wear the armband as she leads the Sailors into the new campaign.
For Syazwani, the responsibility is one she has embraced naturally, having long been a vocal and influential presence within the squad.
“With or without the armband, I still aim to help lead the team in one way or another, on and off the pitch,” shared the 24-year-old. “Preparation has been good since pre-season began earlier this month.”
The Sailors have spent the early weeks of January laying the foundations for what will be a short, fast-paced season that will conclude in June, thus leaving little margin for error from the opening whistle. And for a side that relinquished the WPL crown last season for the first time in four years, the motivation to respond is clear.
That reality has shaped Syazwani’s message to her teammates ahead of the opener.
“Take one game at a time, focus on our strengths, keep improving our weaknesses, stay focused, but also remember to enjoy ourselves,” she said.
“We want to regain the title this year, qualify for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League (AWCL) again, and deliver consistent performances throughout the season as a team.”
Beyond the team’s ambitions, Syazwani is also intent on pushing her own standards as the campaign unfolds.
“I hope to win the league, grow in consistency in my performances, and continue developing through every training session and match,” she added.
And when it comes to reclaiming the championship crown, the blueprint is clear.
“We have to focus on our own gameplay and what we can control, such as the pace (of our game), the tempo, and dictating play. Most importantly, it comes down to team spirit and togetherness.”
(Photo: Football Association of Singapore)
Alongside Syazwani’s leadership, the Sailors will also be buoyed by the form and confidence of attacker Sarah Zu’risqha, who heads into the new season fresh off being named the 2025 WPL Young Player of the Year at the recent Football Association of Singapore (FAS) Amateur Leagues Awards Night.
For the 19-year-old forward, the accolade is both a source of pride and motivation.
“I’m really honoured, especially with so many great young players in the league,” said Sarah, who scored 12 goals in the WPL last season. “This award belongs to my coaches, teammates and friends who constantly support and push me to improve.”
“I want to grow in all areas of my game, not just physically, but tactically as well. That will help us build stronger chemistry as a team.”
That team-first mindset carries into her expectations for the season opener against Balestier.
“We should take it one game at a time. I hope this weekend’s match won’t just be about getting the win, but also about strengthening our bonds and igniting our spirit as a team,” she said.
With new leadership, renewed hunger, and a clear objective in mind, the Sailors will be aiming to lay down an early marker as they begin their 2026 WPL title charge this Sunday.
