Category: News
For Lion City Sailors centre back Lionel Tan, 2023 was a transformative year in both his professional and personal life.
On the professional front, the 27-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough year, making his debuts for both the Sailors and the Singapore senior national team. But behind the scenes, few knew of the personal struggles he was grappling with.
“I was going through some personal problems that I had to face alone,” Lionel admitted. “It affected me mentally — sometimes, even when I was in peak physical condition, that mental barrier made things difficult on the pitch.”
However, with sheer determination and the unwavering support of his club and teammates, Lionel managed to push through the tough times.
“Learning to appreciate the smaller things in life helped me stay mentally strong,” he reflected. “That balance allowed me to stay focused and give my best on the pitch. Looking back, I’ve come out of it much stronger.”
Lionel’s renewed focus and mental resilience have translated into stellar performances this season. Amidst established names like Bailey Wright and Toni Datković, he has cemented himself as one of Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković’s most trusted defenders — playing every minute of the Sailors’ Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two campaign so far.
Indeed, his defensive prowess has been instrumental in the Sailors’ historic run to the knockout stages, where they will face Thailand’s Muangthong United on Thursday (13 February).
But despite the Sailors’ strong record against Thai teams this season — with two wins over Port FC and a draw against Buriram United — Lionel is not taking anything for granted when his team goes up against Muangthong.
“This is one of the biggest tournaments in the region, and it’s the first time a Singaporean side has made it this far. The level is extremely high, so we cannot take anything for granted,” Lionel said. “We’re loving the challenge, and we’ve worked hard to get here. Now, our goal is to go to Thailand and return home with a victory.”
Looking back on his journey since signing for the Sailors two years ago, Lionel is proud of how he has evolved, both as a player and as a person. But he insists there is still more to come from him.
“I’m happy to keep progressing at a high level with the Sailors,” he said. “Despite the ups and downs, I love the pressure and demands that come with playing for this club. This is just the beginning for me. As long as I’m wearing the Sailors badge, I will give my everything.”
With the Sailors still competing on three fronts — the SPL, the Singapore Cup, and ACL Two — Lionel is determined to play his part in bringing silverware to the club.
“Every single person in this club knows our objective is to win trophies,” Lionel said. “We’re working hard every day, and I’m confident that by the end of the season, we will achieve our goals — not just for ourselves, but for the fans who have supported us all the way.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of young Syrian defender Ali Alrina on loan from Al Ittihad Ahli of Aleppo Sports Club until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Strong in the air and brave in the tackle, the 21-year-old centre-back adds depth to the Sailors’ defensive line as they gear up for a crucial final stretch of the season, with three major competitions still to fight for.
Having already lifted the Community Shield last May, the Sailors have set their sights on reclaiming the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title and winning the Singapore Cup, while also targeting a strong campaign in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) Two — where they have already secured a spot in the Round of 16.
Ali, who made his senior international debut for Syria in a 2-0 win over Mauritius at the Intercontinental Cup in September 2024, has been a regular call-up for his national team in the past few international windows. Most recently, he was an unused substitute against Russia in November.
On the continental stage, Ali brings valuable experience from the 2023 AFC Cup, where he played all six group-stage matches for Al Ittihad.
This move marks Ali’s first stint outside of Syria, and he is eager to test himself in a new environment while helping the Sailors achieve their goals.
“I’ve come to Singapore because I want to challenge myself at a club with big ambitions like the Sailors. I really like how everyone here is pushing towards the same goals,” said Ali, who is set to become the first Syrian player in SPL history.
“I spoke to some of my Syrian national teammates, and they told me this was the right step to take. My goal is to keep improving and showcase my abilities here. Most importantly, I want to help the team win trophies, and I’m really looking forward to these next few months.”
The Lion City Sailors produced a commanding display on Sunday (9 February) night to secure a 4-1 victory over Tanjong Pagar United in the Singapore Premier League (SPL), with Lennart Thy bagging his first hat-trick for the club in an eye-catching performance at the Bishan Stadium.
With the chance to go six points clear at the top of the SPL, Sailors head coach Aleksandar Ranković — back in the dugout after recovering from illness — named a strong starting XI which featured the likes of Maxime Lestienne, Shawal Anuar, and Bailey Wright.
The Sailors wasted no time asserting their dominance, carving out their first chance as early as the 4th minute. Bart Ramselaar released Maxime Lestienne down the right, and the Belgian managed to get a shot off from a tight angle, but Tanjong Pagar goalkeeper Matthew Silva was equal to it.
But the Sailors did not have to wait long to take the lead as in the 11th minute, a cleverly taken quick free-kick caught the Jaguars’ defence off guard, allowing Maxime to force another fine save from Silva. However, the rebound fell kindly to Lennart, who swivelled and finished emphatically to give the Sailors an early advantage.
The duo combined again in the 21st minute, with Maxime whipping in a teasing cross for an unmarked Lennart, who rose to meet it but could only direct his header straight at Silva.
Three minutes later, Song Uiyoung’s inswinging corner found Bailey, and the Australian made no mistake from close range as he guided the ball past the despairing Silva. The goal, his fourth of the SPL campaign, saw Bailey match his highest-ever season tally – a record he last set with Preston North End in the 2013/14 season.
Just before half-time, the Sailors thought they had a third when Diogo Costa, making his second consecutive league start, delivered a delightful low cross that Lennart smartly finished at the far post. However, the goal was rightly ruled out for a marginal offside.
The first-half statistics painted a clear picture of the Sailors’ superiority — 68% possession and 10 attempts on goal, while Tanjong Pagar failed to register a single shot, leaving goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud a mere spectator.
However, Tanjong Pagar came out fighting after the break, and Izwan was finally called into action in the 47th minute when Syahadat Masnawi unleashed a fierce volley, which the Sailors custodian tipped over the bar.
But normal service soon resumed, and in the 59th minute, the Sailors got their third goal – Silva misjudged the flight of a cross into the box, allowing the ball to fall kindly to Shawal, who unselfishly squared it for Lennart to tap into an empty net for his second of the night.
The goal deflated Tanjong Pagar, and they nearly conceded again just six minutes later. However, Rezza Resky’s goal-line clearance denied Toni Datković, whose header from Maxime’s corner was mere inches from crossing the line.
But there was no denying the Sailors in the 69th minute when the impressive Diogo was set free down the left and delivered a pinpoint first-time cross for an onrushing Lennart, who finished with aplomb for his hat-trick. Initially flagged for offside, the goal was eventually awarded after a VAR review.
The treble meant Lennart has now netted 18 goals in as many SPL appearances for the Sailors, and he is now the league’s joint-second highest scorer alongside Dejan Račić (Hougang United) and Kodai Tanaka (Balestier Khalsa).
Things went from bad to worse for Tanjong Pagar in the 74th minute when Faizal Roslan received his second yellow card for lashing out at Bart after a tussle, as the Jaguars were reduced to 10 men.
New Sailors signing Akram Azman made his debut against his former club in the 76th minute and did enough in his short cameo to impress Ranko, as the Serb said, “I think he played well — it’s not easy to go up against a team that defends solidly, but he had one or two chances where, with a little bit of luck, he could have had an assist.”
But it was another substitute, Abdul Rasaq Akeem, who came close to getting on the scoresheet in the 85th minute, when a cross from the right found him unmarked at the back post, but his effort was well saved by Silva.
Two minutes later, Maxime played a neat through ball into the path of Hafiz Nor, who tried to side-foot his effort home, but Silva was once again on hand to keep the scoreline from becoming more lopsided.
Tanjong Pagar did manage to grab a consolation goal in the 89th minute though, with Tomoki Wada’s free-kick going in off the post to deny the Sailors what would have been their seventh clean sheet of the season.
Ultimately, it was a comfortable victory for the Sailors, who have now moved six points clear at the top of the table, despite having played one game fewer than their nearest rivals, BG Tampines Rovers.
Reflecting on his team’s commanding display, Ranko said, “The guys did a great job maintaining the tempo even after going 2-0 up, so we’re happy. The only downside is conceding a goal, but we can’t be too critical. We deserved to win — we were the better team, created plenty of chances, and with the incredible support at home, we gave everything we had.
“We have many games this month, and today’s performance was a positive step. We controlled the game well, and I’m pleased with (Lennart’s) hat-trick. It was a solid performance, and we’re looking forward to the challenges ahead.”
The Sailors will now shift their focus to continental action this Thursday (13 February) when they face Thai powerhouse Muangthong United in the first leg of their AFC Champions League (ACL) Two Round of 16 tie at the Thunder Dome Stadium in Nonthaburi, Thailand — a match Ranko has hailed as one of the most important of their season.
He said, “The game against Muangthong will be our biggest of the season so far. We’ve come a long way, so we’ll give our best and show everyone what we’re capable of.”
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.”
The Lion City Sailors closed the chapter on their inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Kaya FC–Iloilo at the Biñan Football Stadium on Thursday (6 February) night.
Although both teams were already out of contention for the knockout rounds, the match was still played with competitive intensity, and remained a hard-fought contest that was ultimately decided by two second-half goals from the hosts.
Led by Assistant Coach Marko Perović, who deputised for the unwell Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković, the Sailors made several changes to the starting XI that had beaten Geylang International in a Singapore Premier League (SPL) clash on 26 January, with the likes of goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad, winger Bart Ramselaar, and young striker Abdul Rasaq Akeem coming into the lineup.
As the rain poured down at the Biñan Stadium, both teams started cautiously, with Kaya seeing more of the ball in the early stages. While the Sailors gradually grew into the game, they, too, found clear-cut opportunities hard to come by.
The first real chance of the match finally came in the 21st minute, when Kaya winger Shuto Komaki — who previously played for SPL side Albirex Niigata (S) — skipped past his marker and unleashed a fierce drive that forced Zharfan into an instinctive save.
Four minutes later, a set-piece opportunity saw veteran Kaya defender Simone Rota rise unmarked in the box, but his header lacked conviction and deflected wide.
The Sailors’ best opportunity of the half came just before half-time, with some excellent build-up play leading to Christopher van Huizen teeing up Maxime Lestienne for a shot. The Belgian’s thunderous effort, however, was well saved by Kaya goalkeeper Walid Birrou, and though Rasaq pounced on the rebound, he could not generate enough power to trouble the Kaya goal.
The visitors started the second half brightly, with Bart, in particular, causing problems for the Kaya defence down the left flank. Indeed, the Dutchman was at the heart of the first real chance after the break in the 58th minute, as he delivered a delightful chipped pass into the path of Maxime, but the 32-year-old’s close-range header sailed off-target.
After the game, Marko highlighted the missed chances as a key factor in the defeat, as he said, “In terms of possession, we had a good performance, but we needed to be more aggressive. If you don’t take your chances, you will lose the game.”
The hosts went on to break the deadlock in the 65th minute, with substitute Lucas del Rosario slotting home the rebound after Zharfan had parried Komaki’s well-directed shot into his path.
Marko refused to place blame on Zharfan for the goal, stating, “For the first goal, it was a long ball over our defence, and our goalkeeper tried to deal with it, but the wet field made things difficult. The weather may have caused the ball to move faster than usual, but overall, I don’t think it played a significant role in the game.”
Before the Sailors could regroup from the setback, controversy struck in the 67th minute. A long ball from the back found Kaya winger Jesus Melliza on the right flank, and as he broke into the box, he went down under minimal contact from Hariss Harun. To the Sailors captain’s disbelief, the referee pointed to the spot, and even booked him for the challenge.
After a lengthy VAR review, the penalty stood, and Melliza duly sent Zharfan the wrong way to double Kaya’s lead on 71 minutes.
With time running out, the Sailors then threw numbers forward in search of a comeback. However, they struggled to break down a compact Kaya defence, and despite their best efforts, failed to truly test Birrou in the final moments of the game, as the hosts held on for their first points of the competition.
Despite the win, Kaya finished bottom of the six-team Group B with three points, while the Sailors placed fifth with four points, having recorded one win, one draw, and three defeats.
Reflecting on the Sailors’ Shopee Cup campaign as a whole, Hariss said, “I think we didn’t start the campaign well, and we put ourselves in a difficult position with the first two games (defeats to Borneo FC and CAHN). But we can take heart from the performances against KL City and Buriram United.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, and coming into today’s game, there was nothing but three points to play for. Credit to Kaya — they made the most of their chances. We let two balls slip behind us and conceded two goals.
“We tried to put in a good performance, but it is what it is. Now, we have to put this behind us, look forward, and prepare for the next games.”
The Sailors will next take on Tanjong Pagar United in the SPL at the Bishan Stadium this Sunday (9 February).
The Lion City Sailors will look to wrap up their inaugural ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup campaign on a high when they face reigning Philippines champions Kaya FC–Iloilo on Thursday (6 February) night at the Biñan Football Stadium.
Up against a dominant force in Philippines
Kaya FC are undoubtedly the dominant force in their domestic league, having won the last two Philippines Football League (PFL) titles. Last season, they went unbeaten with 13 wins and a draw, scoring an impressive 82 goals and conceding just five across 14 matches.
They have started the 2024/25 season strongly as well, coming from behind to defeat Dynamic Herb (DH) Cebu 3-1 over the weekend (2 February) to extend their lead at the top of the table to four points, with seven wins and a draw so far.
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While they were unable to progress beyond the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two group stage, they have secured some credible results, including a 2-1 away win over Hong Kong’s Eastern SC, and a 1-1 home draw against Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima — the only team to take points off the Japanese side.
However, things have not gone according to plan for them in the ACC Shopee Cup, with four defeats in as many matches consigning them to the bottom of Group B.
Kaya’s clash with the Sailors will be played at Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna, approximately an hour’s drive from downtown Manila, instead of Rizal Memorial Stadium, which is undergoing pitch renovations ahead of the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.
Nonetheless, Kaya head coach Yu Hoshide is determined to secure their first points in the competition on Thursday.
“We haven’t picked up any points so far, and with this being our last game, we’re obviously disappointed. But we’ve improved, and tomorrow we hope to get all three points,” said the 47-year-old Japanese coach at the pre-match press conference.
“It won’t be easy playing in a different stadium, and on an artificial pitch, but we still have an advantage (playing in the Philippines), and we’ll give our best. Overall, it’s been a good experience in the Shopee Cup, and hopefully, we can get a win for our supporters tomorrow.”
Some familiar faces
The Sailors will come up against a couple of familiar faces in Kaya’s Japanese duo, Kaishu Yamazaki and Shuto Komaki. Kaishu was part of the Sailors’ squad in their inaugural 2020 season, where he scored two goals in 13 Singapore Premier League (SPL) appearances, while Komaki featured for Albirex Niigata (S) in their title-winning campaign last season, playing three times against the Sailors.
The rest of Kaya’s squad includes several seasoned Azkals veterans, such as 40-year-old vice-captain Simone Rota, along with Fitch Arboleda, Jovin Bedic, Marwin Angeles, and Patrick Deyto.
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Kaya’s bid for a win has been slightly affected by the recent departures of key attackers Daizo Horikoshi and Robert Lopez Mendy, although the loan signing of Pocholo Bugas and the return of Gavin Muens from loan have bolstered the team.
Kaishu, however, is confident his team can overcome the Sailors, with the Japanese defender eager to show how much he has grown since leaving the club in 2021.
“We’re focused on getting all three points tomorrow, and on a personal level, I want to show the Sailors how much I’ve improved,” said Kaishu. “I’m really excited and happy to see them again, and I know a few of the players in their squad. But tomorrow, I’ll give 100% — I’m doing it for myself, for Kaya, and for our fans.”
No letting up for Sailors
The Sailors battled hard to hold Thai League 1 powerhouse Buriram United in their last outing, but it was not enough to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Nonetheless, they remain determined to finish on a high, with third place in the group still up for grabs.
“We’re coming off two strong performances in this competition. This is our last game, and we want to end it in the best possible way,” said Assistant Coach Marko Perović, who deputised for Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković who did not fly to the Philippines due to illness.
“We’re representing Singapore, so it’s very important to leave a good impression. We’re up against Kaya, who have a few quality players and are well-organised, but as I’ve said, we’ve had two solid performances, and we want to keep that momentum going.
“Against Buriram, we delivered a very good performance. They’re one of the best teams in Southeast Asia, and that result gives us a lot of optimism heading into a busy month with many games. We always play to win.”
While there may be not much riding on the outcome of this match, young Sailors forward Abdul Rasaq Akeem insists his side will approach it with the same seriousness as any other.
“This game is important for us because we didn’t start well in this competition, but we’ve improved as a team as the season has progressed,” said the 23-year-old, who will be hoping for his first continental goal for the Sailors.
“We want to show our supporters that we take every game seriously. It’s not going to be easy, but we’re well-prepared and have strong belief in this team.
“Overall, this competition has been a dream for us — to play against top teams in the region, to challenge ourselves, and to seize the opportunity to show what we can do.”
The Lion City Sailors are proud to announce that promising Singaporean attacker Khairin Nadim has secured a move to Portuguese second-division side FC Vizela on a one-and-a-half-year deal.
This move marks an exciting new chapter for the 20-year-old, who will take his talents to one of the world’s top footballing nations as he continues his upward trajectory.
Khairin’s burgeoning potential has been evident since his historic debut in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) at just 15 years and 298 days with the Young Lions in March 2020 — making him the youngest-ever player to feature in the league at the time. While that record has since been surpassed by Raoul Suhaimi in 2021 and Nathan Mao in 2023, Khairin remains the third-youngest debutant in SPL history.
A trailblazer in more ways than one, Khairin still holds the record as the second youngest Singaporean to score in the SPL, netting his first goal against BG Tampines Rovers at 16 years and 194 days. He also became the youngest player ever to reach five SPL goals at 16 years and 316 days – an achievement that underlines his knack for making an impact on the big stage.
Khairin’s journey with the Sailors began when he joined the Sailors Academy, where his skills were further honed and refined, laying the foundation for him to become the dynamic, versatile attacker he is today.
The Sailors subsequently arranged for him to attend trials with FC Vizela. There, he impressed with his talent and technical ability — earning himself this opportunity to ply his trade in Europe.
Having signed a contract that runs until 30 June 2026, Khairin will feature primarily for Vizela’s Under-23 squad that competes in the Liga Revelação, while being closely monitored by the first-team coaches.
Vizela’s first team currently competes in Liga Portugal 2 (LigaPro), where they sit eighth in an 18-team league that includes the B teams of Benfica and FC Porto.
Importantly, Vizela has demonstrated a strong commitment to youth development, with 16 of their Under-23 players featuring for the first team over the past four years — a pathway that Khairin will be determined to follow. Indeed, Vizela’s current top scorer, Prosper Obah, was part of the club’s Under-23 squad as recently as last season, highlighting the clear opportunities available for young talents to make their mark.
Vizela Sporting Director Toni Dovale, who played a key role in the deal, said, “We’ve been investing a lot in our youth development program in the past few years, and signing top international talents is a part of our step forward as a club.
“Having played in Asia as a player, I’ve heard very good things about Khairin Nadim, and that was why I was keen to find out more about him. That proved to be the case in his trials with us, and we’re excited to see how far his potential can take him.”
Sailors Technical Director Luka Lalić is optimistic that Khairin has the qualities and mental fortitude to succeed at Vizela.
“As the youngest senior debutant in the SPL at one point, Khairin showed immense promise. Signing him for the Sailors at 17 was a no-brainer for me because he displayed a range of qualities that define a modern-day winger,” said Luka.
“Technically gifted, quick to find solutions in tight spaces, and adept at beating defenders 1v1 with pace and natural flair — Khairin has the kind of abilities that make him stand out from the crowd. He’s earned this opportunity to compete in Portugal, and he must make the most of these 18 months to prove he’s ready for the next step in his development.
“Given Vizela’s club structure, the people working closely with him, and Khairin’s own mindset and desire to succeed, I believe — with a bit of luck — he can do very well and make both clubs proud.”
Khairin is set to make his European debut on 25 February when Vizela’s U23s take on Benfica B in the Liga Revelação. Inspired by his peer Nur Muhammad Asis — who made history as the first Singaporean to sign a professional contract with a top-flight Portuguese club, C.F. Estrela da Amadora, in July 2024 — Khairin is determined to carve out his own path and make Singapore proud on the European stage.
“My friend Asis is doing well in Portugal now, and that motivates me. It makes me believe that taking this step is possible,” said Khairin, who has represented Singapore at the Under-23 level. “I’m grateful to the Sailors not just for shaping me into the player I am today, but also for creating this incredible opportunity for me.
“Playing in Europe has always been my goal, and I’m happy to be able to realise this dream. I’m not just representing the Sailors, but also Singapore as a young player here. I’ll train hard, prove myself, and show that I belong on the big stage.”
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.
If there is one player in the Sailors’ squad who embodies the phrase “body on the line,” it is centre-back Toni Datković. The Croatian is known for his fearless commitment, and often throws himself into challenges to protect the Sailors’ goal.
Toni’s uncompromising defensive style has been instrumental in the Sailors boasting the tightest defence in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) so far, conceding just 24 goals in 20 games. Since the turn of the year, he has also helped the team keep clean sheets against formidable continental opponents, which include Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur City and reigning Thai League 1 champions Buriram United.
But Toni’s contributions to the team are not limited to just his defensive work. The 31-year-old has also developed a knack for scoring, and recently netted his fourth goal of the season — a crucial equaliser in the Sailors’ 2-1 league win over Geylang International.
“It was an important statement win for us,” said Toni. “We had the opportunity to go six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, and we took it. The team has been doing an amazing job over the past few months, so now we just need to stay consistent and maintain this level of performance until the end of the season.”
As Toni’s nickname, El Sicario — a Spanish term that translates to “The Hitman” — suggests, he has added an extra layer of steel and aggression to the Sailors’ backline since signing for the club last February. In that time, he has forged strong bonds with teammates like fellow defenders Bailey Wright and Lionel Tan, and those close-knit relationships are paying dividends on the pitch.
“The relationships we share are a big strength of this team,” explained the Croatian. “We always hang out as a group and spend a lot of time together on and off the pitch — especially during away trips. Everyone is really happy, and that positive mood within the camp helps us perform well in games.”
These bonds will be crucial for Toni and his teammates as they face a hectic February, with seven games packed into just 21 days.
Their schedule could get even more demanding if they advance to the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two, as they will then have to play a two-legged tie scheduled for 5 and 12 March. This could see them playing a match every three to four days until the mid-March international window.
“As footballers, we always want to play more games, so this won’t be a problem,” said an unfazed Toni. “It will be tough on us physically, but we’re already mentally prepared. We expect a lot of rotation, so every player must be ready because everyone is important.”
Having racked up over 100 appearances in Spain’s LaLiga 2, along with stints in top-tier competitions like the UEFA Europa League and Major League Soccer (MLS) in the USA, Toni is eager to lend his experience to help his teammates navigate the packed schedule.
“I’ve played many games in Europe, where there’s much more pressure with tens of thousands of fans in the stands. It may be slightly different here, but the stakes are just as high and we have to be constantly on our toes to make sure our team win matches,” said Toni.
“Besides me, there are other players in the squad who’ve played in Europe and around the world, like Maxime (Lestienne) and Bart (Ramselaar). That experience will be invaluable, especially during times like these.”
The Sailors’ next continental challenge is a trip to the Philippines to face Kaya FC-Iloilo in their final ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup group match. While their place in the semi-finals is now out of their hands, Toni and his teammates remain determined to end their tournament on a high.
“Doing well on the continental stage is very important for this club, so we’re going there with everything to get the win. We want to show how much we’ve grown since losing the first two matches, and that we actually deserve to be in the next stage,” said Toni.
Fully aware of the high expectations surrounding the Sailors as they approach the business end of the season, Toni urged his teammates to embrace the pressure and keep fighting for the club.
“Many people in Singapore expect us to win everything, but this is football, and we’re confident about what lies ahead,” he said. “Everyone here wants to win trophies and continue making history for the club, so we’ll give 100 per cent to ensure we have no regrets at the end of the season.”
The Lion City Sailors came from behind to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory over an in-form Geylang International at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday (26 January), with the win sending them six points clear at the top of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) table, with a game in hand.
Taking on the league’s leading scorers — who had won six of their last seven games — was always going to be a challenge. However, goals from Toni Datković and Shawal Anuar overturned Vincent Bezecourt’s early strike to seal all three points for the Sailors.
After being held to draws in their previous two league meetings, the Sailors showed tremendous fighting spirit and resilience to claim their first win over the Eagles this season. The result also marked their fourth consecutive league victory, and reinforced their strong push for the title.
“Today’s win was very important,” said Sailors Head Coach Aleksandar Ranković after the match. “I knew it was going to be a tough game, especially with the short recovery time from Thursday’s fixture. But most importantly, my team showed tremendous character, and that made all the difference in securing the three points.”
With this game coming just three days after the Sailors’ hard-fought ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup draw with Buriram United, it was Geylang who started brighter at Jalan Besar.
And it was the Eagles who took the lead in the 12th minute, with Bezecourt unleashing a stunning shot from the edge of the box that nestled into the top corner of Izwan Mahbud’s goal.
Despite the early setback, the Sailors remained composed and nearly found an immediate response, with Shawal’s header in the 19th minute grazing the post.
The Sailors’ determination and persistence to get the equaliser finally paid off in the 28th minute when centre-back Toni rose highest to head home Maxime Lestienne’s corner for his fourth goal in the club’s colours.
Buoyed by the goal, the Sailors pushed forward relentlessly and came close to taking the lead minutes later – Maxime’s precise cross found Song Uiyoung in the box, but the 31-year-old’s header flew just wide of the target.
Anumanthan Kumar – starting his third consecutive game in place of the injured Rui Pires – also came close to giving the Sailors the lead, with his effort in the 43rd minute forcing a sharp save from Geylang goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah, who managed to parry the shot away.
“We didn’t start well in the first half, but credit must go to the opponent for making it difficult for us,” explained Ranko. “That said, we were also quite unlucky — we hit the bar a few times and created other chances that we just couldn’t convert.”
Shawal, who has been in red-hot form coming into this game, was unsurprisingly at the heart of the action in the second half, as he repeatedly found himself in dangerous positions.
Not long after the restart, Shawal looked certain to add to his goal tally, but the forward saw not one, but two efforts crash against the post within the span of a minute — leaving the crowd in disbelief.
But the 33-year-old’s persistence eventually paid off in the 56th minute, as he latched onto a deft flick-on from Lennart Thy and coolly poked the ball past Rudy to finally put the Sailors in the driving seat.
“We were up against a strong opponent, but we stuck to the coaches’ plan and gave our best,” said Shawal. “Most importantly, the combination and understanding we’ve developed as a team helped us secure the win today.”
Geylang came alive late in the second half, but Izwan was instrumental in preserving the Sailors’ lead. The Sailors no. 1 was called into action in the 82nd minute to deny a long-range effort from Ryoya Taniguchi, and just a minute later, he made another crucial save, pushing away a fierce drive from Shakir Hamzah.
“Once again, we won this game on character, staying mentally sharp even after conceding the first goal,” reflected Ranko. “Last season, we struggled to recover when we fell behind, but now we’re able to stay calm and turn games around.”
He added, “Everyone on the team, including the substitutes, gave their all, and that collective effort allowed us to overcome the challenge today.”
The victory once again underscored the depth of the Sailors’ squad.
New signing Diogo Costa impressed on his debut with his technical ability and relentless runs down the left flank, while Anu showcased his quality in midfield. Tasked with anchoring the Sailors’ defense, the latter played a pivotal role in neutralising the league’s top scorer, Tomoyuki Doi, who had found the net in nine of his last 10 games.
But while the Sailors currently sit firmly atop the SPL table, Ranko is keen to remain grounded, and has already turned his attention to the demanding schedule ahead in February.
The month kicks off with a trip to face Kaya FC–Iloilo in the final ACC Shopee Cup group match, followed by a league clash against Tanjong Pagar United three days later.
“I’m happy that we’ve managed to defend our position at the top, but it’s still very early, and we’re just getting started,” said the Sailors tactician. “For now, it’s time to use the break to recharge before we head into what will be a hectic February.”
The Lion City Sailors are pleased to announce the signing of young Portuguese left-back Diogo Costa on loan from Primeira Liga side FC Famalicão until the end of the 2024/25 season.
The deal, which includes an option to buy, sees Diogo take up one of the three Under-21 foreign players’ slots in the Sailors’ Singapore Premier League (SPL) squad.
A modern-day full-back with lightning speed, aggression, and impressive dead-ball abilities, Diogo has been with Famalicão since his teenage years. He progressed through the ranks to represent the club in Under-15, Under-17, Under-19, and Under-23 national competitions, captaining nearly every age group he has played in.
Since signing professional terms with Famalicão in September 2021, the talented 21-year-old has been a regular in the Liga Revelação U-23 competition. He also gained experience in the Portuguese third tier during a loan spell at Académica de Coimbra in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign.
He was also named on the bench three times for Famalicão’s senior side in the Primeira Liga during the first half of the 2024/25 campaign and most recently scored the winning goal with a free-kick in a 1-0 victory over Braga in the Liga Revelação last November.
The ambitious Sailors project was what drew Diogo to the Lion City, as he aims to showcase his qualities in a new and unfamiliar environment.
“When the club approached me and shared their project, I was really excited because I feel our ambitions are aligned. I want to play more regularly as a professional footballer, and I believe this is the right place to showcase my potential,” said Diogo.
“I’m hungry to show what I can do here. I want to display my qualities in both defence and attack, and the target is to become a top player for the team.”
Having arrived in Singapore at the start of January, Diogo is gradually adapting to life with the Sailors, and is fully determined to contribute to the team’s success in the months ahead.
“It’s still early days, but I can already tell that the level of training is very high, and the boys have made me feel welcome from day one,” said Diogo.
“For me, having a strong mindset is the most important thing. I just want to work as hard as I can to contribute to the team. Playing regularly and winning titles with the team are my main goals here.”
