26-strong squad includes four overseas-based players and return of familiar faces
SINGAPORE, 28 MARCH 2024 – The Singapore Women’s National Team will be heading to Dammam, Saudi Arabia this month for a 10-day training camp, as part of their preparation for upcoming official competitions, including the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand.
The 26-strong squad, with an average age of 22.3 years, will also be taking part in closed-door friendly matches with local clubs, Al-Nassr and Qasedeya on 3 April and 6 April 2024 respectively. The team will depart for Dammam tomorrow, Friday, 29 March 2024, and will return to Singapore on Sunday, 7 April 2024.
Head Coach Karim Bencherifa shared with FAS.org.sg that the training camp marks the initiation of the team’s strategic plan for 2025, which consists of two distinct phases. He elaborated: “This year is divided into two distinct phases: the first half focuses on intensive training to enhance fitness levels and refine players’ skills across all aspects of the game, while the second half involves participating in international matches.
“During this camp, which is part of the initial phase, we will conduct two training sessions daily. The first session will take place indoors to focus on physical conditioning through gym work, while the second session, held in the evening, will be on the field for practical skill development. Additionally, the two practice matches will also help to simulate game scenarios and assess our progress.
“Furthermore, we recognize the importance of holistic player development. Therefore, we will organize two lectures on nutrition and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, we will facilitate team bonding sessions to foster camaraderie and cohesion among players.”
Coach Karim also provided insights into the selection criteria behind the squad, stating: “It’s always based on merit and takes into consideration the individual quality of the players, as well as their attitude, behaviour, and commitment in training, international matches both in Singapore and overseas, despite various challenges.”
He added that player selection was also based on their commitment and performances during training and matches with their respective clubs throughout the Women’s Premier League (WPL) seasons last year and this year, as well as during last year’s Women’s National League (WNL) season.
“Though we’ll be missing out on a few players due to various reasons, I hope the training camp will facilitate the growth and improvement of the team, equipping them with the essential skills and a winning mindset, ensuring they are fully prepared to excel in the forthcoming competitions,” he concluded.
Two players – Tanjong Pagar United’s goalkeeper Elizabeth Tan, as well as Albirex Niigata (S)’s midfielder Nahwah Aidilreza – have been called up to the national team set-up for the first time.
Albirex Niigata (S)’s Nadhra Aqilah in a recent training session. She returns to the national team set-up after a year’s absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, March 2024.
Familiar faces are also making a comeback to the national team set-up, such as defenders Angelyn Pang, former Lioness captain who was last called up in 2018, and Nadhra Aqilah, who returns after a year’s absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. Joining them are overseas-based players Putri Syaliza, Venetia Lim, Nicole Lim and Summer Chong, who will also be linking up with the squad.
For Nadhra, being called up again to the national team felt like the culmination of all her efforts in recovering paid off, and she is determined to prove her worth on the pitch once again. She shared with FAS.org.sg: “I may not be in the shape I was before, but I believe in making the best of what I have and forging ahead with relentless effort. I am hoping to make this year my comeback season in the country’s colours once again.”
Singapore Women’s National Team Squad for Saudi Arabia Training Camp
| S/N | Name | Pos | Caps | Goals | DOB | Club |
| 1 | Beatrice Tan | GK | 14 | 0 | 29-Jun-92 | Lion City Sailors |
| 2 | Haziqah Haszman | GK | 1 | 0 | 29-Apr-03 | Albirex Niigata (S) |
| 3 | Izairida Shakira | GK | 1 | 0 | 02-Jun-07 | Lion City Sailors |
| 4 | Elizabeth Tan | GK | 0 | 0 | 06-Feb-02 | Tanjong Pagar United |
| 5 | Angelyn Pang | DF | 19 | 0 | 13-Apr-91 | Hougang United |
| 6 | Khairunnisa Anwar | DF | 13 | 0 | 21-Feb-03 | Lion City Sailors |
| 7 | Nadhra Aqilah | DF | 7 | 0 | 12-Apr-94 | Albirex Niigata (S) |
| 8 | Syazwani Ruzi | DF | 29 | 1 | 20-Dec-01 | Lion City Sailors |
| 9 | Umairah Hamdan | DF | 27 | 0 | 11-Mar-02 | Lion City Sailors |
| 10 | Qarissa Ramadhani | DF | 2 | 0 | 24-Sep-08 | Lion City Sailors |
| 11 | Nurerwadah Erwan | DF | 6 | 1 | 26-Jun-04 | Geylang International |
| 12 | Rosnani Azman | DF | 40 | 0 | 22-May-97 | Albirex Niigata (S) |
| 13 | Putri Syaliza | DF | 21 | 1 | 17-Mar-03 | Oakland University (USA) |
| 14 | Dorcas Chu | MF | 18 | 1 | 29-Jul-02 | Lion City Sailors |
| 15 | Ho Hui Xin | MF | 35 | 0 | 23-Apr-92 | Lion City Sailors |
| 16 | Mastura Jeilani | MF | 24 | 0 | 10-Jul-92 | Geylang International |
| 17 | Nahwah Aidilreza | MF | 0 | 0 | 04-May-07 | Albirex Niigata (S) |
| 18 | Dhaniyah Qasimah | MF | 28 | 0 | 07-Jul-04 | Albirex Niigata (S) |
| 19 | Sarah Zu’risqha | MF | 5 | 0 | 24-Jul-06 | Lion City Sailors |
| 20 | Summer Chong | MF | 2 | 0 | 18-Dec-04 | Springfield College (USA) |
| 21 | Nasriah Ibrahim | MF | 0 | 0 | 01-Sep-04 | Hougang United |
| 22 | Venetia Lim | MF | 19 | 0 | 14-Oct-03 | Boroondara Eagles FC (AUS) |
| 23 | Sitianiwati Rosielin | MF | 29 | 0 | 26-May-97 | Hougang United |
| 24 | Farhanah Ruhaizat | FW | 38 | 1 | 26-Jul-98 | Geylang International |
| 25 | Raudhah Kamis | FW | 25 | 5 | 04-Mar-99 | Hougang United |
| 26 | Nicole Lim | FW | 9 | 1 | 10-Apr-02 | University of Edinburgh (SCT) |
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