The 2024 Women’s Premier League (WPL) season saw Manami Fukuzawa at her best—23 goals in 16 matches with two major personal accolades—Deloitte Player of the Year and the WPL Golden Boot—to her name.
But even with all Manami’s individual success, Albirex Niigata (S) still fell just short in the title race, with Lion City Sailors beating Still Aerion 6-0 on the final day – to win the title by a solitary point.
It was a tough pill to swallow, but one that has added steel to the White Swans’ resolve, as they kick off their 2025 title hunt against the Sailors, on Saturday, 8 March 2025 at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium.
“The near miss in 2024 made us more determined. Being so close motivates us to keep pushing and aim for victory this season,” said Manami. Starting in January, the team has been training three times a week, fine-tuning their approach and strengthening their squad. Albirex have brought in key additions, including Lioness Sitianiwati Rosielin, former national captain Izyani Ghani, and Japanese midfielder Ruriko Takashima from Asahi Intecc Loveledge Nagoya in Japan’s Nadeshiko League 1.
“Albirex is more focused this season, with stronger cohesion between players and a more refined strategy. And we’ve worked hard on improving communication on and off the pitch,” explained Manami.
“The squad changes have brought in fresh energy, and with the guidance from our head coach Kana Kitahara, we have been able to sharpen our tactics.”
They’ll be facing a younger Sailors squad this season, with an average age of just 19.3—compared to Albirex’s 27.5—but Manami is not too concerned.
“Younger teams have more energy, but experience gives you composure, game awareness, and a better understanding of how to control a match,” she said. “And we’ll use all that to our advantage.”
At 34, she’s still breaking records and proving that age is just a number—something she reminded everyone of with her seven-goal performance in a single match against Balestier Khalsa, the most by a single goal scorer in 2024.
More than just a goal-scoring machine
When asked what she wanted to achieve on a personal level, she does not hesitate.
“I want to score more than 23 goals this year,” she said.
But then, playfully, she added: “And I want to put on more fun performances so people actually enjoy the game when they watch us.”
Because for Manami, football is not just about winning—it must create memorable moments, excite and draw spectators into the stadiums and onto the edge of their seats.
And that’s what she aims to do after being named in the WPL All-Stars squad.
“It’s a huge honour,” she says. “This match is a milestone for women’s football in Singapore, and it motivates me to take things to a higher level.”
Manami and her WPL All-Stars will take on Brisbane Roar’s Ninja A-League Women’s team on Friday, 4 April, at Bishan Stadium—a marquee clash in a five-day tour (1-5 April 2025) organised in partnership with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS). The initiative aims to grow women’s football locally by giving players more international exposure and engaging the community.
Her selection means she’ll be playing alongside some of the best in the league—a challenge she is looking forward to.
“I can’t wait to team up with players I haven’t played with before,” said Manami. “Getting to know them, understanding their styles—it’s going to be a great experience.
“I hope more young players get the chance to play and develop. The All-Stars initiative is a great way to showcase the talent in the WPL and raise the level of the league.”
Team before self
For all the talk about goals and entertainment, at her core, Manami has always put the team first.
“Football is a team sport, and I couldn’t have won any of these awards without my teammates,
“I fully support Albirex’s commitment to building a close bond between teammates, as I believe success comes from strong unity, so I want to contribute to that vision and help Coach Kana lead the team to victory,” added Manami.
And as Albirex line up at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium against the Sailors, she knows it’s another chance to prove themselves.
“No matter who we play, we need to stay focused, give our best, and fight with respect,” said Manami, with a glint in her eye that suggests if she has her way, there will be goals – and some entertaining football on show.
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