Sunisa Srangthaisong stood tall at the Lansdowne Stadium, her gaze fixed on the sea of red, white, and blue Thailand flags waving in the stands. This was 2015 in Ottawa, Canada, and the Thai National Anthem was reverberating off the walls of the stadium.
Thailand had made history—qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time—and the captain’s armband weighed heavily on her arm. But more than the pressure of responsibility, Sunisa can still feel that overwhelming sense of pride on that day.
“I cried,” she admitted. “Seeing our fans, knowing we made it—it was an unforgettable moment.”
That tournament was a trial by fire. In their opening match, Thailand faced Norway, a team with decades of experience at the highest level. Sunisa found herself marking Ada Hegerberg, one of the best strikers in the world.
“She played with so much confidence,” recalled Sunisa. “She knew she belonged. That’s something I realised I needed—to believe in myself the same way.”
Four years later in 2019, Sunisa returned to the World Cup, this time facing the reigning champions, the United States of America. And across from her was the Alex Morgan.
Photo courtesy of Sunisa Srangthaisong.
“I had admired her for so long,” said Sunisa. “She was professional in everything she did—her movement, her focus, the way she carried herself. But when you step on the pitch, admiration turns into competition. You have to fight.”
Competing at that level transformed Sunisa’s approach to football. “At the World Cup, you learn fast. You have to ask yourself why you play. You must be confident, you must enjoy it. If you don’t, then why are you here?”
An admirable commitment to the women’s game
Photo courtesy of Sunisa Srangthaisong.
Now, nearly a decade later, as Sunisa, who goes by Nancy in Singapore, gears up to stand with the Women’s Premier League (WPL) All-Stars against the NInja A-League’s Brisbane Roar in an exhibition match at the Bishan Stadium on Friday, 4 April, that question is still wildly relevant.
Largely because Nancy is now in Singapore, playing for Still Aerion in the WPL, worlds away from the big-time bright lights of the FIFA World Cup. Her answer to that question is a tad different, but still critical: her passion for the game, and for developing the next generation, remains the same — and that is why she is here, and excited about taking on the Roar.
Before coming to Singapore in 2023, she did not know much about the country’s football scene. “I had played against Singapore before, but I was curious—how is football here? How do the players train?” she recalled wondering then…
That curiosity has since turned into admiration.
“There’s so much potential here. The players are hardworking, disciplined, and eager to improve, and many of them balance work or school alongside training, and I respect that so much,” she said, pointing to the WPL and the league below that, the Women’s National League (WNL), which are both recognised as amateur competitions.
“It shows how much they love the game.”
At Still Aerion, Nancy has taken on a dual role, a player and mentor. And she sees her job not just as leading on the pitch, but as guiding younger players in their development. “I always tell them—football is not just about skill; it’s about attitude. You must have the right mindset to grow.”
One of the biggest differences she has noticed between Thailand and Singapore is the approach to training. “In Thailand, we had two- to three-month camps before major tournaments. Here, there’s less time together as a squad, so every session must count.”
Despite the challenges, she believes the level of football in Singapore has improved significantly. “The players now understand the game better, the technique is sharper, and I see more tactical awareness. There’s a strong foundation to build on, especially that heart players here have, and I truly believe that some of these players have what it takes to play overseas.”
Beyond the pitch, Nancy has embraced life in Singapore. “I’ve made so many friends here,” she said with a smile. “The football community is small but passionate. People care about the sport, and I see more fans coming to support the league. That’s what we need—to keep growing, to make people believe in women’s football.”
Time to roar
On the horizon is Nancy’s next big challenge: the Brisbane Roar women. The match is not just an opportunity to play against high-caliber opposition, but also a statement of how much Singapore football has grown.
Nancy is relishing the opportunity. “I want to win,” she said, with a determined smile. “But more than that, I want my team to play good football. Winning is great, but if we show improvement, if we enjoy the game and give everything—that’s a victory too.”
She knows matches like this can shape the future of women’s football in Singapore. “It’s not just about this one game. Experiences like these can inspire young players, make them believe that they belong on bigger stages.”
Photo courtesy of Sunisa Srangthaisong.
Nancy is confident that if the team embraces the challenge with confidence and commitment, they can put on a strong performance. “It’s important that we go into the game with a good mindset. We have worked hard, we believe we deserve to be here – now we have to prove it.”
Every challenge is a stepping stone—especially the hardest ones.
No matter where she is, Nancy knows she will always support our women in football, having witnessed the first-hand dedication of local players and the league’s growing audience.
“Even when I go back to Thailand, I will continue to follow and cheer for Singapore; I hope to see Singapore play in the World Cup one day,” said Nancy, who is firm in her belief that matches like Friday’s that pit the WPL All-Stars against Brisbane Roar are a crucial part of that journey.
“Playing against teams like the U.S in 2019, especially facing someone like Alex Morgan, taught me so much. Losing was painful, but it showed me the level of confidence and mentality needed to compete at the highest level. It wasn’t just about winning—it was about playing good football, staying committed, and always looking to improve,” she said.
“That’s why games like these against Brisbane Roar are so important. Facing strong opponents will push the team forward and bring more attention to the league. But beyond the game itself, it’s about building a culture where women’s football is seen, supported, and given the platform it deserves.”
Stand with Nancy and be a part of that movement—get your tickets now and stand with our WPL All-Stars as they take on Brisbane Roar on 4 April at Bishan Stadium.
