Author: Lion City Sailors
With their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals of the 2024/25 ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup hanging by a thread after back-to-back defeats, the Lion City Sailors delivered a strong response in their third Group B match, securing a 2-0 victory over Kuala Lumpur (KL) City at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday (9 January) night.
Goals from skipper Bailey Wright and Maxime Lestienne, one in each half, sealed the Sailors’ first points of the tournament in front of a 1,813-strong crowd. The win provided a much-needed boost for Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković and his team after a disappointing start to their Shopee Cup campaign.
“Today was a well-deserved win. We played a very mature game, controlled the match from start to finish, and restricted our opponents to very few shots,” said a visibly satisfied Ranko.
“This victory will give us plenty of motivation heading into the next game. However, as much as we’d like to keep celebrating, the next match is just a few days away, so we have to quickly prepare and assess who is fit and ready to play.”
Ranko’s words of praise for his players were well-deserved, as the Sailors stamped their authority on the match right from the first whistle.
They landed the first blow in the 26th minute when Bailey Wright displayed tremendous strength to outmuscle his marker and head home Song Uiyoung’s inswinging corner. The 32-year-old’s opener marked the first goal KL City had conceded in the tournament, ending their run of two consecutive clean sheets.
Anchored by a resolute defence, the hosts made it difficult for the visitors to find their rhythm, limiting them to a few speculative efforts that posed little threat to Izwan Mahbud in the Sailors goal.
That defensive solidity was a marked improvement from the Sailors’ first two group games, where they conceded three goals to Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda and five to Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC.
“Of course, the first two matches didn’t go our way, unfortunately. We experimented with a new system in the first match against Borneo, and while that’s no excuse, I’m happy we learned from those games and that my team could bounce back with such a performance,” Ranko explained.
“I think we’ve grown into the tournament, and playing in the AFC Champions League Two has helped us a lot. If we could play matches like these week in and week out, I’m confident we’d continue to improve physically, tactically, and mentally.”
With the two sides still separated by Bailey’s goal heading into the second half, Sailors’ key man Maxime stepped up to drive his team forward in search of a second goal.
He fired a warning shot in the 65th minute, whipping a stunning curling effort from range that crashed off the upright of goalkeeper Azri Ghani’s goal.
It proved to be a sign of things to come, as Maxime’s quality shone through just two minutes later.
Picking up the ball just outside the penalty area, he played it into Bart Ramselaar, who swiftly returned the favour with an inch-perfect through ball to meet the Belgian’s run into the box. Maxime made no mistake from close range, coolly clipping the ball into the bottom corner to double the Sailors’ lead.
Despite notching his 13th goal in all competitions, Maxime was quick to credit his teammates for their collective effort.
“It was very much a team effort from front to back. We knew we’d be out if we lost today, but everyone worked hard and gave their best,” reflected the forward. “We have plenty of quality in our team, so now we just need to stay focused and take it game by game from here.”
KL City’s best chance came in the closing minutes when Kamal Azizi’s ambitious effort rattled Izwan’s crossbar, but the Sailors held on to secure the first clean sheet of their campaign.
This crucial victory lifted the Sailors off the bottom of Group B, ahead of Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo, who suffered a 1-2 defeat to group leaders CAHN FC on the same night.
The Sailors will host Thai League 1 powerhouse Buriram United next in a crunch Matchday Four clash on 23 January.
For now, though, Ranko’s team will shift their focus back to league action in the SPL, starting with an away trip to the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium to face Brunei DPMM next Monday (13 January).
“We haven’t played in the SPL for a while after missing a couple of games, so we’re very eager to be back,” said Ranko. “DPMM are not the same team they were before the break, so we have to embrace this new challenge.”
An intriguing Causeway battle awaits on Thursday night (9 January) as the Lion City Sailors host Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur (KL) City in a Matchday Three Group B clash of the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.
Going up against Group A’s joint-top leaders
KL City pose a serious challenge, given their strong performances in the competition so far. They are one of only two teams, along with group leaders Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC, to maintain a 100% record after the first two matchdays.
Back-to-back 1-0 wins over the Philippines’ Kaya FC–Iloilo and Indonesia’s Borneo FC Samarinda at home have put them in a strong position — second in the five-team table — and they will be looking to continue that momentum against the Sailors.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, KL City Head Coach Miroslav Kuljanac acknowledged the threat that the Sailors pose.
“I’ve analysed the Sailors and the way they play — they don’t change their style much, and I’m sure they’ll approach this game the same way and attack us in the same manner as they usually do,” said the 54-year-old Croatian, who has guided his side to 10 wins and two draws in 22 games across all competitions since taking charge in March 2024.
Some key absentees but a key threat remains
KL City’s bid for a third consecutive win is slightly hampered by the absence of two key players. In an interview with Malaysian television station Astro Arena last week, head coach Kuljanac revealed that experienced midfielder Brendan Gan and Bosnian winger Jovan Motika will miss out due to injury and family commitments, respectively.
Nonetheless, the City Boys can rely on a strong lineup, including Malaysian trio Paulo Josué, Haqimi Azim Rosli, and Declan Lambert, as well as veteran Philippines forward Patrick Reichelt, who returned unscathed from international duty at the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup.
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“It won’t be easy without them (Gan and Motika),” Kuljanac admitted. “When we’re at full strength, I would say we’re a very dangerous team. But even though they’re not with us, we’ll do our best.
“The substitutes are ready to prove themselves, and I hope the players who step in are 100% ready to fight for new points. We have a lot of good players, and we are a well-structured team. Every minute, our players know exactly what they want to do, and so we’ll see how it plays out.”
Josué, in particular, could pose a significant threat to the Sailors, having scored 11 goals in 13 Malaysia Super League (MSL) matches this season, making him the second-highest scorer in the league, behind Johor Darul Ta’zim’s Bérgson da Silva.
“We played two games at home and managed to get six points,” said the Brazil-born Malaysian international, who faced several Sailors during the Tigers’ 0-0 draw with Singapore three weeks ago — a result that saw Malaysia bow out of the ME Cup in the group stages.
“Now it’s time to play away. It’s a different environment, a different pitch, and strong opponents make it very tough for us, but we hope to collect some points here and stay alive in the race to qualify for the semi-finals. When we come here, it’s always just one game — anything can happen. We could beat them here, or they could beat us there. We have tough teams in the group, and that’s great. It’s great to be part of this and to be involved in such a tournament.”
Sailors looking for a first win
For the Sailors, a historic end to 2024 — becoming the first Singaporean team to qualify for the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two — has fuelled their ambitions and strengthened their belief as they look to turn things around in the Shopee Cup.
The seven players who represented Singapore at the ME Cup have returned to training this week after a week’s break, providing the Sailors with a boost in their continental aspirations as they look to represent Singapore with pride in this competition.
After back-to-back away defeats to Borneo and CAHN FC, the Sailors are determined to secure their first win in the competition, and belief within the camp remains strong as they seek a much-needed lift-off.
“The first two matches didn’t go the way we wanted. In the first match, I’d say we were a bit unlucky. But both games were played away, and this is a new competition for us — we’re still settling in. Tomorrow, we play at home, and it’s a great chance to get our first points,” said Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković.
“It’s our first game after a short break, and we’re going straight up against very good opponents who already have six points in the group, so they’ve proved their quality. But we’ve prepared well. All the players are back from the national team, and apart from one or two who can’t play, there are no major injuries. We’re ready to prove something in this competition.”
As the Sailors prepare for their first home game in this competition, midfielder Rui Pires hopes the fans will turn out in force to support the team.
“When the stadium is full, it helps us a lot,” said Pires, who returns to the squad after serving a one-match ban against CAHN last September. “I hope the fans come tomorrow to support us because their presence is very important.
“As I’ve said before, we need to win these three points because if we don’t, we’ll be out of this competition. We know how crucial this game is, and we’ll do everything to secure the three points.”
As the Singapore national team players in the Sailors squad swapped their blue-and-white kits for the red Lions jerseys for the 2024 ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup last December, one notable name was absent from the Lions squad — Song Uiyoung.
While the ME Cup was underway, the 31-year-old midfielder returned to South Korea to spend some much-needed time with his family.
Family has always held a special place in Song’s heart, and so this long-overdue trip was especially meaningful to the Incheon native.
“Ever since I came to Singapore, I haven’t had many opportunities to spend time with my family,” said Song, who moved to the Lion City in 2011.
“Going back to Korea this time was a precious experience. I had a great time with my family, especially my mum. I didn’t do much other than spend time with them, but that was more than enough for me.”
After twelve days in his hometown, Song is now back in Singapore and ready to fight for the Sailors as the club navigates challenging waters in 2025.
The Sailors are set to compete on four fronts when club competition resumes this month: the Singapore Premier League (SPL), the Singapore Cup, and challenging regional tournaments such as the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup, and the knockout stages of the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two.
Despite the demanding schedule of games ahead, Song emphasised that it is the players’ responsibility to manage their heavy workload.
“It’s up to us to manage the tight schedule. Although it won’t be easy with all the regional games, we are professionals, so the key is to prepare well and stick together as a team,” explained Song.
“Honestly, we don’t have the biggest squad, so it’s also crucial to take care of our bodies and stay injury-free. That will help us achieve our desired results in the upcoming games.”
The Sailors’ first assignment of the new year is a Matchday Three clash in the ACC Shopee Cup against Malaysia Super League side Kuala Lumpur FC this Thursday (9 January) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
Aleksandar Ranković’s men find themselves bottom of the table after bruising defeats to Indonesia’s Borneo FC and Vietnam’s Công An Hà Nội (CAHN) FC in their opening two games — and are yet to register their first goal in the tournament.
Despite their rough start, Song remains confident that it is not too late for the Sailors to turn their campaign around.
“Everybody knows the past two results weren’t what we wanted, but we’re still confident that we can get the result against KL City,” Song insisted.
“We don’t need to change anything — just prepare the way we always do and believe in ourselves. As long as we give our best, I’m sure we can secure the three points.”
Song has displayed a knack for rising to the occasion on the continental stage. He ended 2024 with five goals and an assist in just four ACL Two games, including a stunning hat-trick against Port FC that helped the Sailors qualify for the tournament’s last 16 for the first time in the club’s history.
Now, the 31-year-old is aiming to carry that excellent form into the new year.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back on the pitch,” said Song. “I have my routine and prepare for each game seriously. Even after the hat-trick against Port FC in my last game, I made sure not to overreact or become overconfident.
“I’m very clear about the role Coach Ranko wants me to play in this team, and overall, I’m feeling confident and motivated to work hard for the team and the club.”
Song also expressed his gratitude to the Sailors fans for their unwavering support over the past year and believes they will give the team a crucial boost on Thursday.
“I’m always happy to see the fans standing by us and constantly supporting the team at the stadium. We’ll keep working hard for them and aim to get the result we need on Thursday.”
The Lion City Sailors are aiming for another strong performance in the Singapore Cup, which is set to kick off in February.
The Cup holders will face Thai League 1 powerhouse BG Pathum United, Geylang International, Tanjong Pagar United and Balestier Khalsa in Group B, following the tournament’s official draw which was held at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Monday (6 January) morning.
Meanwhile, in Group A, reigning Singapore Premier League champions Albirex Niigata (S) were drawn with Young Lions, Brunei DPMM, BG Tampines Rovers and Hougang United.
The Sailors will open their 2024/25 Singapore Cup campaign against Tanjong Pagar at home on 16 February, before taking on Geylang International away on 2 March.
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Aleksandar Ranković’s men will then host Balestier Khalsa on 16 March, before wrapping up the group stage with a plum tie against BG Pathum at Jalan Besar Stadium on 30 March.
The top two teams from each group will progress to the two-legged semi-finals, which is scheduled to take place on 22 April and 6 May. The grand final is set for Saturday, 31 May, with the fixture marking the conclusion of the 2024/25 domestic football season.
Last season’s Singapore Cup was a memorable one for the Sailors, as they triumphed over Hougang United 3-1 in the final to claim the trophy — their first since the club’s inception in 2020.
Sailors captain Hariss Harun has urged the team to replicate their success and finish the season on the best possible note.
“Last season’s triumph was a significant step forward for the club, and our goal is to defend this title,” said the 34-year-old.
“It won’t be straightforward, with plenty of matches on both the domestic and continental fronts ahead. But we’re ready for the challenge, and we want to give our fans plenty of moments to celebrate by the end of the season.”
(Photo: Unleash the Roar! /Ng Chrong Meng)
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce that Nur Ain Salleh, our first female Scholar of the Sailors Football Academy, has been awarded the Unleash The Roar! (UTR!) Overseas Football Scholarship, and will be leaving for Spain to further her football education.
Ain, who turns 15 on 7 January, will spend the next four years training and playing for the youth team of Madrid CFF. The Spanish club’s senior team is currently 10th in Liga F, Spain’s top-tier women’s professional league. Liga F ranks among the top six national leagues under the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) coefficient, and thus offers a high calibre of competition and development for emerging players like Ain.
Notable players who have emerged from Madrid CFF’s youth system include members of the current Spanish national women’s team, Ona Batlle and Vicky López, both of whom now play for FC Barcelona.
Ain will also continue her academic pursuits in Spain, and will enrol in King’s College School Soto de Viñuelas, a British international school in Madrid. There, she will work towards completing the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which is equivalent to the Singapore-Cambridge General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level (GCE O-Level).
The latest addition to the 2024 cohort of UTR! Overseas Football Scholarship recipients, Ain joins Nadila Nur Danisha and Charlotte Chong to complete a trio of national Under-19 starlets at Madrid CFF.
Ain’s football potential has been evident since the age of six, when she began her journey in organised football through the Football Association of Singapore’s (FAS) Girls’ Programme. She later joined the LFA Protectors in 2017, and in June 2020, became the first female scholar in the Lion City Sailors Football Academy Elite Development Programme (EDP) following the club’s revamp.
A right winger with superb technical ability and a steely determination, Ain has consistently impressed over the past few years, representing the Academy’s Elite boys’ teams in both local and international matches, where she showcased her potential against European counterparts of her age.
In June 2024, Ain was promoted to the Sailors Women’s Team, becoming one of the youngest players ever to feature in the Deloitte Women’s Premier League (WPL). She played a significant role in helping the team secure a historic three-peat, scoring five goals despite only joining mid-season.
Ain was also a standout performer in Daniel Ong’s side during their inaugural Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women’s Champions League campaign, where she started both matches against India’s Odisha FC and Jordan’s Etihad Club.
The Sailors had initially planned to nominate Ain for an overseas stint in the latter stages of 2025. However, her exceptional performances and rapid development led the club and the UTR! Overseas Football Scholarship committee to accelerate her trajectory, as they recognised that playing abroad now would be most beneficial for her growth.
Sport Singapore’s Chief of Sport Development Group, Mr Marcus Tan, said, “We are delighted to be able to help Ain in her pursuit of becoming a professional player.
“At just 14, she has proven that she is a top prospect, having set the Women’s Premier League alight with some assured performances. We are confident she will benefit from her time in Spain, the current Women’s World Cup champions.”
Sailors Academy General Manager Tan Li Yu believes Ain is fully ready to take this big step toward her pursuit of a professional football career.
“We’ve been looking for opportunities to send Ain overseas and we felt this is the right time and the right move for her. While she has the talent, it is her attitude and hunger to learn that will take her far in achieving her goals,” he said.
“She has shown consistently over the years that she is one of the best in her age group, despite playing against boys. She is an exciting talent that we in Singapore football should cherish and properly nurture. We feel that Spain is the right environment for her to develop her game and we’re excited at what comes of this for her.”
Yeong Sheau Shyan, Head of the Sailors Women’s Programme, first spotted Ain’s talent when she was just six years old, and has since backed her to become a catalyst for the rise of women’s football in Singapore, with the potential to become the country’s first bona fide female football star.
“From when she was six years old playing with the FAS Cubs, to her stints with Arion FA and the LFA girls, anyone who has watched her could see that she’s different. She’s hugely talented and easily outplays everyone, including boys of her age,” said the former national player.
“The worry I had was whether we had the kind of environment in Singapore for a girl of her talent to develop into her fullest potential, but the rise of the LCS Elite Programme filled that gap. Over the years, I’ve seen her take her talent up quite a few notches to a level that was unimaginable before.
“I’m proud of how far she’s come and I hope she’ll keep working hard over in Spain and eventually become the player who can change Singapore women’s football.”
As she prepares to embark on a journey of over 10,000 kilometres to chase her dreams, Ain is determined to follow in the footsteps of current Brisbane Roar star Danelle Tan and become one of the few Singaporean female footballers to play professionally abroad — while paving the way as a trailblazer for future generations.
“It has always been a goal of mine to play professionally overseas, and I want to play in the Liga F one day. It won’t be easy – I will need to adapt to the physicality and the technicality of the game there, but I want to get out of my comfort zone and make my family proud,“ said Ain, who already had a taste of Spain during two-week training stints with Atletico Madrid’s Under-14 girls’ team in December 2022 and December 2023.
“I’m really grateful to everyone who made this move possible, including my coaches at the Sailors Academy, and I’m going to work my hardest to show what I’m capable of over there.”
Ain’s move comes on the heels of another milestone for the Sailors Academy: in July 2024, Nur Muhammad Asis became the first Singaporean in history to sign a professional football contract with a top-flight Portuguese club, securing a one-year loan to Portuguese Primeira Liga side C.F. Estrela da Amadora.
The Sailors Academy are one of only four academies in Southeast Asia to be conferred a Two-Star Academy status by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) under its AFC Elite Youth Scheme.
From being hailed as a precocious teenage prodigy and the next big thing in Singapore football, to donning the Lions jersey and becoming a two-time Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup winner, Adam Swandi has accomplished more in his footballing career than most in the country could dream of.
His talent was evident from a young age, as he dazzled crowds with his repertoire of skills and stepovers during the 2011 Lion City Cup (LCC) at just 15.
Accolades soon followed. In the same year, he won the Dollah Kassim Award — an annual honour recognising Singapore’s top football talents under 18 — and finished as the top scorer of the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Under-16 Youth Championship. He went on to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award at the 2012 LCC and the Football Association of Singapore’s U18 COE League in the following year.
Adam’s youthful exuberance and unbridled joy on the pitch back then were reminiscent of a kid playing freely on a street soccer court — an attitude that stayed with him even as he transitioned into professional football.
“Everyone who knows me knows that I’m really into tricks and the things that make the game beautiful. I love how players like Ronaldo and Ronaldinho bring entertainment to football and make it enjoyable to watch,” said Adam.
“Of course, the game has evolved and now has certain tactical aspects, but I firmly believe that the main thing that attracts people to football is its entertainment value. Skills are a crucial part of the game — they create hype and excitement for everyone watching.”
From rising talent to accomplished star
Adam’s sheer talent brought immense pressure from a young age. Touted as one of Singapore football’s brightest prospects, he faced the weight of expectations that only grew when he secured a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 side FC Metz to play for their Under-19 team. Balancing such high expectations at a young age was far from easy, but it shaped his journey as a footballer.
“Starting from the Lion City Cup, fans and those around me were really pinning their hopes on me to elevate Singapore football to a higher level,” he acknowledged. “I have to say it wasn’t easy, but I never wavered in the face of challenges and have always given my best.
“Everyone has their own opinions on whether I ‘made it’ or not, but I know I have no regrets about my football journey.”
Adam’s football journey has undoubtedly been a fruitful one. In 10 seasons, he played a total of 205 competitive matches, winning the Community Shield four times, the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title twice, and the Singapore Cup twice. He was also named the SPL’s Young Player of the Year in 2018.
Above all, however, what gives Adam the greatest sense of satisfaction is being able to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a professional footballer.
“As a footballer — or anyone in life — you always feel like you could do better, but I wouldn’t go back and change anything. I’m happy to have made my family proud. It’s not easy to become a professional footballer; it’s not the kind of job you can simply apply for, and I’m one of the lucky few to have done this as a career,” he reflected.
“When I was around 10 or 11, I always looked up to players like Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan, so it felt surreal that just a few years later, they were my teammates, and I was sitting beside them in the dressing room. To learn from the best and build friendships with some of the biggest players in the country is something I’m truly grateful for.”
Adam earned 22 caps for the Singapore national team and still holds the distinction of being the Lions’ third-youngest debutant — behind Hariss Harun and Fandi Ahmad — at 17 years and 143 days, when he came on as a substitute in a friendly against Myanmar on 4 June 2013.
Like any footballer, Adam faced challenges during his career — most notably in 2019, when he suffered a severe anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that sidelined him for 15 months. Critics doubted whether he could return to his previous form, but Adam remained resilient in the face of adversity.
He recounted, “There were many people saying things like, ‘Oh, once you’re back from your ACL injury, you won’t be able to dribble like you used to.’ But I was extremely motivated to get back on the pitch, so I worked really hard during the rehab period.
“In the end, it’s about your mental strength and whether you truly want it. I didn’t want one injury to define my career.”
A career cruelly cut short
Unfortunately, Adam has been forced to prematurely end his career at the age of 28 following the recent discovery of an underlying heart condition known as cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that reduces the heart’s ability to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. In severe cases, it can lead to serious complications, including heart failure.
The news was understandably devastating for Adam, and coming to terms with this reality has been a significant mental challenge.
“Physically, I feel perfectly fine. Every day I wake up, I feel like I can push myself to play. But medically, I’ve been advised by the doctors and cardiologist that I shouldn’t play again. It’s definitely a tough pill to swallow, and I’m still trying to come to terms with the fact that I’m no longer a professional player,” he shared.
“In those quiet moments when I’m alone, after my wife and son have gone to bed — when I’m supposed to be sleeping — I sometimes find myself thinking about what really happened. Why did this happen to me? I’ve been doing this for the past 15 years of my life, and now it has to stop just like that.”
Nonetheless, Adam understands that he has to make the sensible decision for his family and future.
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“I’m also a husband and a father. I know I have to set aside my desire to play football and prioritise my family,” Adam explained. “I shouldn’t risk my life just to play football, especially when it doesn’t matter to them whether I’m on the pitch or pursuing another profession — they just want me to stay healthy.
“I’ve now found peace with this situation. I’ve realised that this is life — it’s unpredictable, and I have to begin a new journey.”
This was certainly not the way Adam had envisioned ending his career; after all, he had hoped to retire around the age of 35. However, he now sees the bigger picture, and feels fortunate simply to be alive.
“I was watching on TV when Christian Eriksen collapsed during the European Championship in 2021, and it’s surreal to think that something similar could happen to me as well. I feel blessed to have discovered this condition before something truly bad happened. I thank God for still being here and being able to live my life,” he said.
It was perhaps poetic that Adam scored in his final professional appearance — a precise and powerful header in the Sailors’ 6-0 win over Tanjong Pagar United in September 2024 — bringing a fitting end to his football career.
A part of the Sailors family, always
Adam spent the bulk of his career with the Sailors, making close to 100 appearances, winning multiple trophies, and featuring in a couple of Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) campaigns.
Looking back, Adam is filled with gratitude for being part of the Sailors’ exciting journey since its inception in 2020 and for the unwavering support the club’s management has shown him since his heart condition diagnosis.
“I didn’t expect to become one of the longest-serving players at this club, but it’s a huge blessing and honour to have represented one of the biggest and most ambitious clubs in Singapore. I truly felt like I belonged here, and I believe the club feels the same way about me,” Adam said.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the entire club for standing by me through this chaotic time, especially our chairman Forrest Li and executive director Bruce Liang for their unwavering support. The Sailors have been with me throughout my playing career, and now, even in retirement, they’re still here for me.
“It’s been a smooth transition out of football, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead.”
Having spent so many years in the football environment and forged genuine friendships, Adam believes it is the time with his teammates that he will miss the most.
“As a footballer, you probably spend more time with your teammates than with your own family. You’re always together — training, traveling to matches, showering, even sleeping in the same rooms. Sometimes my wife jokes that I sleep more with my teammates than with her!” he said with a laugh.
“I’ll definitely miss walking into the dressing room, talking about anything and everything under the sun, and just enjoying each other’s company before things get serious. They’re not just teammates — they’re brothers. They’ve always been there for me during tough times. People like Maxime (Lestienne), Hariss, and Hami (Syahin) are constantly checking up on me, and without them, I wouldn’t be who I am today.
“Football has given me much more than just trophies, medals, or caps with the national team. I’m truly grateful for the lifelong friendships and unforgettable memories it has brought me.”
A new journey awaits
As the saying goes, when one door closes, another — or several — opens. Adam admits he is grateful for the opportunity to spend more time with his family and is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter as he explores both technical and non-technical roles within the Sailors.
“I’m excited yet nervous at the same time. All my life, I’ve been a footballer, and now I have to step into something different. But I feel like the world is my oyster now — I’m free to explore what I want to do, and I’m always open to trying something new,” he elaborated.
“Coaching is definitely something I want to pursue, as it’s the best way for me to pass down the knowledge I’ve gained to younger kids aspiring to be footballers or simply those who want to play the game. At the same time, I’d love to contribute to the club in areas like marketing. As a club, we’re just getting started, and there’s so much more to achieve.
“While I’m sad that I can’t contribute to the club on the pitch anymore, I’m excited to help steer the ship in other areas.”
As Adam hangs up his boots, he hopes to be remembered as someone who never backed down on the pitch — a trait he sees in many of his Sailors teammates. This is why he is confident they can lift the 2024/25 SPL title at the end of the season.
“Everyone has different opinions, but I hope I’m remembered as someone who always gave everything on the pitch and never stopped working hard, even when times were tough,” he said.
“The team is on the right track, both in the league and in regional competitions. I know the boys have been working really hard since last season, and they definitely deserve success at the end of this one. As long as everyone continues to play their part, it’s not impossible for us to achieve everything that’s up for grabs.”
Lion City Sailors midfielder Adam Swandi is retiring from professional football at the age of 28 due to a medical condition affecting his heart.
Adam was substituted at half-time during the Sailors’ Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash with Tanjong Pagar United in September 2024 after feeling unwell. His condition stabilised following immediate medical attention, but subsequent tests revealed an underlying heart condition in the form of cardiomyopathy.
Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle that makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body. It can lead to serious heart conditions and, in more severe cases, symptoms of heart failure.
The condition puts Adam at an extremely high risk of a potentially fatal cardiac event if he continues playing competitive football. As a result, the ex-Singapore international has regretfully decided to end his decade-long professional football career.
It brings the curtain down on the career of one of Singapore’s most precocious footballing talents in recent years. Adam first shot to fame in the 2011 Lion City Cup, where he captained the Singapore Under-15s to victories over Newcastle United and Juventus, leading the team to a third-place finish.
He continued to dazzle with his skill and flair in the following edition, which saw him go up against top teams like Ajax Amsterdam and FC Porto. In 2013, his performances earned him a two-year contract with French Ligue 2 side FC Metz, where he represented their Under-19 team.
Adam returned to Singapore in 2015 and played for the Young Lions for two seasons before making history as the first Singaporean to sign for Albirex Niigata (S). During his time with Albirex – which was sandwiched between two separate spells with Home United – he won the league title and was named the league’s Young Player of the Year in 2018.
Adam was part of the inaugural batch of players when the Lion City Sailors were formed in 2020. He is one of only three current Sailors, alongside Hafiz Nor and Haiqal Pashia, to have been with the privatised club since its inception.
Adam made 93 appearances for the Sailors, securing the 2021 SPL title, the 2023 Singapore Cup, and two Community Shield trophies. Following his premature retirement, the Sailors have pledged their support to help him transition smoothly into life after football, as he explores opportunities in technical and non-technical areas within the club.
“Adam has been a valuable member of the club since 2020. His warm personality and consistently upbeat spirit have had a positive impact on everyone here. Given his immense talent, we’re all deeply saddened that he has to end his career in this way,” said Sailors chairman Forrest Li.
“As a club, we’re committed to giving him all the love and support he needs as he transitions into his post-football journey, and we hope he will continue contributing to the club in other capacities.”
Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković added, “While we’re saddened to see Adam step away from the game as a player, his health and family must always come first. Adam is not just a footballer; he’s also a father and a husband.
“I’d like to thank him for being an ever-reliable player and the kind of character everyone loves having in the dressing room. We look forward to supporting him as he embarks on the next chapter of his journey.”
Having fulfilled his childhood dream of playing professional football and representing the Singapore national team, Adam steps away from the game with no regrets, and is eagerly looking forward to the next chapter of his career.
“I’ve had big ambitions and dreams in football, and I think I’ve achieved most of them. I’m very thankful for the career I’ve had and deeply grateful to the Sailors for supporting me every step of the way,” said Adam, who has earned 22 caps for the Lions.
“Having seen what happened to players like Christian Eriksen, it’s surreal to think that something like this could happen to me. I’m acutely aware of how lucky I am to still be alive. The management has given me their fullest support, and I’m really looking forward to contributing to the club in areas beyond the field.”
The Lion City Sailors will take on Thai League 1 side Muangthong United in the 2024/25 Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two’s Round of 16.
This was confirmed earlier this afternoon (12 December) following the tournament’s Knockout Stage draw which took place in the AFC headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Having defeated Port FC twice en route to a historical qualification for the ACL Two’s last 16, the Sailors will take on another Thai opponent in the form of Muangthong.
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The Twin Qilins were on the brink of elimination after collecting only two points from three group matches, but remarkably recovered to win their next three to finish second behind South Korea’s Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in Group H.
Having finished top of a group featuring Thailand’s Port FC, China’s Zhejiang Professional, and Indonesia’s Persib Bandung, the Sailors have developed a strong sense of belief within their ranks.
“I think my boys showed incredible mental and physical strength to secure a fantastic ending to our ACL Two group stage,” said the Serb.
“Considering the quality of the teams we played against, finishing at the top of the group is a truly special achievement. I hope everyone is proud of this team — not just Sailors fans, but all of Singapore. We’ve put Singapore on the Asian football map. Now, we’ll recharge, prepare for the next challenges, and stay motivated to compete against the best.”
The Sailors will play the first leg in at the Thunder Dome Stadium in Thailand on 13 February 2025, before returning home to host the second leg at the Jalan Besar Stadium exactly a week later on 20 February.
Should the Sailors progress, they will face either Japan’s Sanfreece Hiroshima or Vietnam’s Nam Định FC in the quarter-finals scheduled for March 2025.
A total of seven Lion City Sailors players have been named in Tsutomu Ogura’s 26-man Singapore National Team squad for the upcoming ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric (ME) Cup 2024.
Lions and Sailors captain Hariss Harun is set to feature in the biennial regional competition for the seventh time, having previously played in the 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020, and 2022 editions.
At the other end of the spectrum, Lionel Tan and Abdul Rasaq Akeem will be aiming to make their tournament debuts.
The Sailors’ contingent also includes Christopher van Huizen, Hami Syahin, Shawal Anuar, and goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud, forming a strong group ready to represent Singapore with pride in their quest for Southeast Asian glory.
Song Uiyoung, however, misses out on the tournament due to family commitments.
The Lions will kick off their 2024 ME Cup campaign against Cambodia next Wednesday, 11 December, at the National Stadium. They will then travel to Vietnam to face Timor-Leste three days later, before hosting Thailand on Tuesday, 17 December.
The group stage concludes with a thrilling Causeway Derby away against Malaysia on Friday, 20 December.
All photos courtesy of Football Association of Singapore
The Lion City Sailors made history by becoming the first Singaporean team to qualify for the last 16 of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, following a thrilling and hardfought 5-2 victory over Thailand’s Port FC on Thursday (5 December) night at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Song Uiyoung stole the show with a spectacular hat-trick, while attackers Shawal Anuar and Lennart Thy also found the net as the Sailors topped ACL Two Group F with 10 points, leapfrogging Port in the process based on a superior head-to-head record.
This also marks the first time in over six years that a Singaporean club has reached the knockout stage of an AFC club competition, with the last being Home United — the previous iteration of the Sailors — when they emerged ASEAN Zonal champions in 2018.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group of players for making history — and not just that, but also for finishing top of the table with the most goals (15) scored. I think Singaporean football fans should recognise this achievement and give these guys the respect they deserve,” remarked a beaming Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković after the game.
Knowing that a victory would secure their spot in the knockout rounds, the Sailors — who made one change to the starting lineup with Bart Ramselaar replacing Lennart Thy — flew out of the blocks and made a dream start by opening the scoring after just 42 seconds.
Lionel Tan’s long throw-in caused chaos in the Port penalty box, allowing Song to pounce and stab the ball home to give his side a 1-0 lead.
The Thai side had a good opportunity to equalise in the 17th minute, when Felipe Amorim played in Bordin Phala, but his shot failed to hit the target.
That was as good as it got for the visitors in the first half, as the Sailors dictated the tempo of the game and confidently controlled possession.
Their dominance eventually paid off in the 36th minute when Maxime Lestienne delivered a perfectly floated ball from the left, finding Song’s late run into the box. The Incheon native made no mistake, calmly slotting the ball into the net with the instep of his foot.
Port Head Coach Rangsan Viwachatchok brought on young Thai forward Teerasak Poeiphimai at half-time in a bid to change his side’s fortunes, and it paid dividends almost immediately.
In just three minutes, Teerasak turned the game around with two crucial assists, setting up Felipe Amorim in the 50th minute and Iraqi international Frans Putros in the 52nd to level the score for Port.
Ranko admitted it was difficult to believe that his side had let a two-goal advantage slip for the third consecutive game. In their previous two matches, the Sailors had also held two-goal leads but went on to lose 3-2 to Persib Bandung and 4-2 to Zhejiang Professional.
“When Port scored their second goal, I thought to myself, I’m not really a religious person, but I was looking up and wondering, did we do something to deserve this?” Ranko revealed.
“We played a perfect match until then. They had two shots on goal and scored both times. We played very offensively, created a lot of chances, and scored two amazing goals.
“So when Port scored, I couldn’t help but think about the last match we lost (against Zhejiang). But this time, finally, karma seemed to be a little bit on our side.”
Putros’ equalising goal also brought an unsettling sense of déjà vu around the stadium, as the 2,357-strong partisan crowd wondered — could this really become the Sailors’ third consecutive defeat after squandering a two-goal lead?
That question was answered emphatically 15 minutes later by none other than Song, who executed a stunning bicycle kick from Maxime’s cross, sending the ball into the top corner to give his team the lead again.
It was not only a goal of the highest quality but also a symbolic moment, signalling that the Sailors had learned from their past two games how to respond to setbacks.
Instead of panicking or letting their heads drop, Ranko’s charges pressed on relentlessly and were duly rewarded for their bravery and determination.
Reflecting on his wonder goal — his 23rd in AFC club competitions in just 34 appearances — Song said, “Maxime gave me the perfect invitation to score that hat-trick goal, and it felt like a miracle. I’ve never scored a goal like that before. I didn’t want to miss this big opportunity to make history for the club and the country.”
Four minutes later, in the 71st minute, full-back Sergio Carmona Pérez won the ball in midfield and delivered a pinpoint through pass to Shawal, who calmly rounded Chanin Sae-Ear in the Port goal and slotted the ball into an empty net to restore the Sailors’ two-goal advantage.
From there, it was a matter of the Sailors seeing out the game professionally — a task they managed with relative ease, as Port failed to seriously test Izwan Mahbud.
There was even time for substitute Lennart to add the icing on the cake in the ninth minute of added time with a clinical finish from a tight angle to seal the Sailors’ fifth goal of the night.
While Song deservedly received the plaudits for his match-winning performance, Ranko credited the substitutes for their equally crucial contributions to the victory.
“We made excellent changes tonight,” Ranko said. “We brought on Carmona, who set up the goal for Shawal. We were also debating whether to keep Shawal on the pitch, and then he scored. Later, we introduced Lennart at just the right moment, and he went on to score as well.
“When you win, every decision looks good; when you lose, every decision looks bad. But tonight, everyone who participated gave their best. Considering the calibre of the teams we’ve played against, we should be very happy with what we’ve achieved.”
The result means that Port, who had already secured their place in the last 16, will finish as group runners-up, while Zhejiang narrowly missed out despite their thrilling 4-3 victory over Persib in the other Group F match of the night.
The Round-of-16 is set to take place in February 2025, and will be played over two legs on a home-and-away basis.
The Sailors could face one of three potential opponents: Australia’s Sydney FC, Vietnam’s Nam Định FC, or Thailand’s Muangthong United. The knockout stage draw will be conducted on Thursday, 12 December.
Until then, however, Ranko shared that he plans to take some time to savour the Sailors’ historic achievement.
“I need a few days to really process an accomplishment of this magnitude. First, we’ll see who we’re going to draw, and when the time comes to play these matches, we’ll obviously give it our all,” remarked Ranko.
“Right now, it’s time for everyone to celebrate. After that, we have the (ASEAN Club Championship) Shopee Cup and league matches to focus on. So, there are many exciting games ahead.”
