Lion City Sailors’ last match of the season against Geylang International in 2025.
Seasons: 5
Nickname: Sailors
Highest Finish: 1st (2022, 2023, 2024)
2025 Finish: 3rd
Head Coach: Daniel Ong
Captain: Umairah Hamdan
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At a Glance
The Sailors look to enter the new Women’s Premier League (WPL) season with clear ambition and renewed focus after a challenging but valuable 2025 campaign. While results did not fully meet expectations, the year provided important lessons both domestically and on the continental stage.
Notably, they became the first Singaporean team to compete in the AFC Women’s Champions League (AWCL) group stage, gaining invaluable experience along the way. With that experience, the Sailors now turn their attention to strengthening fundamentals, rebuilding confidence on the ball, and pushing toward reclaiming the league title.
From the Camp
Daniel Ong, Head Coach
Credit: Lion City Sailors
On reclaiming the title this season
“Of course, our aim for this season is to reclaim the title. That is our first objective.”
On key areas of focus on and off the pitch
“Off the pitch, the players’ bonding is definitely the first thing we look at every year. On the pitch, it will be confidence with the ball and passing the ball with objective.”
On AWCL experience driving motivation for title
“The group stage was a totally different level of football. The players are much stronger and technically so much better than us. There were a lot of things we could improve, especially our touch and fitness, which are the first things we need to work on. Qualifying for the group stage was a new experience and the girls really want to get back there again. I think that will be a good motivation for us to win back the title this season and proceed into the AWCL again.”
On areas to improve for the 2026 season
“Back to basics again. The basics must be strong.”
On integrating experienced players into the squad
This season, we got experienced players such as Ami (Takeuchi), formerly with Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, and Eri (Kitagawa), who previously played for Omiya Ardija Ventus and joined us in the AWCL. They are confident on the ball and the girls can learn a lot from them. Izzati (Rosni) will also be coming back. She has experience and I think she will be a great addition.”
Syazwani Ruzi, Vice-Captain & Defender
On growing into a leadership role
“I would say I am more outspoken now. I used to be an introvert who did not talk a lot, but I knew I had to step up as one of the experienced players.”
On adapting to the pace of continental play
“The biggest challenge was the pace of the game. It was a higher intensity level and you could see the difference between AWCL and our local league. Competing there showed that we can actually compete, and it was a very good experience.”
On mindset shifts after playing continental football
“It influenced me to be more composed, because at that higher level you really see the difference. Having that composure helps me stay in the team and lead by example.
On belief in the team heading into the season
“If we keep up the team spirit and bonding with new players coming in, I believe we can compete and win back the title. I think we can go forward together.”
Squad (as of 21 January 2026)
Goalkeepers: Izairida Shakira, Beatrice Tan, Alysha Nasrina
Defenders: Umairah Hamdan, Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, Syazwani Ruzi, Khairunnisa Anwar, Tia Foong, Tyan Foong, Irsalina Irwan
Midfielders: Sarah Zu’risqha, Nurhidayu Naszri, Dhaniyah Qasimah, Wan Nashirah Mohammed, Nur Ain Salleh, Remi Ogawa, Venetia Lim
Forwards: Eri Kitagawa, Ami Takeuchi, Raeka Ee, Farah Nurzahirah, Priscille Le Helloco, Nur Izzati Rosni
