While a 2-0 defeat to Kaya FC-Iloilo was far from an ideal conclusion to their maiden ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup voyage, the Lion City Sailors will have little time – less than 72 hours – to dwell on the result, as they turn their attentions to a resurgent Tanjong Pagar United side in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) on Sunday (9 February).
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a semi-final berth in the Shopee Cup, midfielder Hami Syahin remains confident that the Sailors will bounce back quickly as they gear up for a busy few months ahead.
“It’s disappointing that we didn’t qualify for the next stage, but football is full of ups and downs,” said Hami. “We can’t change the past, but there’s still so much to look forward to, especially in the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two. We just have to stick together and focus on what we can control.”
That sense of unity will be crucial as the Sailors continue their demanding February schedule, in which they will play six games in two weeks.
The packed fixture list includes two back-to-back clashes against Tanjong Pagar in both the SPL and Singapore Cup, as well as a high-stakes ACL Two two-legged Round of 16 tie against Thailand’s Muangthong United. They will then wrap up the month with SPL matches against Balestier Khalsa and BG Tampines Rovers.
“Having so many games in quick succession is tough, especially against strong teams,” acknowledged Hami. “But we’re professionals — we adapt quickly. Everyone in the squad has a role to play, so we have to prioritise recovery and keep pushing forward.”
The Sailors’ immediate challenge comes against a rejuvenated Tanjong Pagar side, who have found new energy under interim head coach Noh Alam Shah. Since his appointment last month, the Jaguars have earned a series of credible results, including a commanding 3-0 victory over Brunei DPMM, as well as a narrow and hard-fought 2-1 loss to Thailand’s BG Pathum United in the Singapore Cup.
Tanjong Pagar have also bolstered their defence with the signing of Canadian goalkeeper Matt Silva, who has provided much-needed stability to a backline that has conceded the most goals in the league this season.
However, history favours the Sailors, who are gunning for their 14th consecutive victory in this fixture. Indeed, the last four league meetings between the two sides alone have seen the Sailors rack up an impressive 19 goals.
Nonetheless, Hami, who previously worked under Alam Shah at the Singapore Under-23 level, is anticipating a difficult encounter this weekend, although he remains confident in his side’s ability to get the win.
“Tanjong Pagar will be a tough side to face with Alam Shah in charge,” he admitted. “But what matters most is our performance. As long as we execute what coach Ranko wants, getting all three points shouldn’t be a problem.”
Hami also took the time to acknowledge the unwavering support of the Sailors faithful who had travelled to the Philippines to cheer on the team.
“They were incredible — we could hear them loud and clear on the field,” said the 26-year-old. “Even when the rain came and the result didn’t go our way, they stood strong and backed us all the way.”
“We’re blessed to have such passionate die-hard fans, and we’ll do everything we can to bring the SPL trophy home for them.”
