Having secured a stunning three-peat last season, the Lion City Sailors Women’s Team now have their sights set on their next challenge — defending their Women’s Premier League (WPL) crown in 2025.
A successful title defense would see them draw level with Warriors FC and BG Tampines Rovers as the teams with the most WPL titles, with four each. The Sailors are also aiming to match both clubs’ record of four consecutive league triumphs — Warriors achieved this from 2016 to 2019, while BG Tampines did the same from 2000 to 2003.
Daniel Ong’s charges will kick off their 2025 campaign with a blockbuster clash against last season’s runners-up, Albirex Niigata (S), on Saturday, 8 March, at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium. The two sides were locked in a thrilling title race last season, with the Sailors ultimately clinching the trophy by just one point.
The Sailors will then face Balestier Khalsa on Sunday, 16 March, at the same venue, before playing their next four matches in April.
Set to compete in a 16-match double round-robin format, the Sailors Women will wrap up their season on Sunday, 5 October, against Geylang International.
While acknowledging the magnitude of the challenge ahead, skipper Umairah Hamdan is relishing the opportunity to lead and inspire the team to a fourth straight WPL title.
“It was a great honour and a fantastic experience to be part of a team that won three consecutive WPL trophies. Last season wasn’t easy — we were pushed hard by Albirex, and Geylang International gave us a real fight in both encounters,” said the 22-year-old.
“The competitiveness and challenges we faced helped our young team grow, and I’m proud to see many of our younger players stepping up. It’ll be a similar situation this season, with plenty of teams eager to take the crown off us.
“But our focus remains on how we want to play and continuing to refine the game model implemented by Coach Daniel. If we stay true to that, we can enjoy another successful season together.”
The full fixtures list for the 2025 WPL season can be accessed here, with the squad lineup to be announced in due course.
