After a near three-month break from Women’s Premier League (WPL) action, the Lion City Sailors Women are set to return with renewed fire — and fresh faces — as they prepare to face Tanjong Pagar United at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium this Saturday (16 August) evening.
The Sailors currently sit second in the WPL standings, two points behind Albirex Niigata (S), who surged to the summit with a 7-0 win over BG Tampines Rovers on Wednesday (13 August).
Bolstered by three mid-season arrivals from Geylang International — centre-back Siti Nurerwadah Erwan, winger Wan Nashirah Mohammed, and forward Farah Nurzahirah — the Sailors will be aiming to reclaim top spot with a win against the eighth-placed Jaguars.
And new signing Nashirah, known for her speed and flair on the left flank, cannot wait to link up with seasoned teammates like attack-minded defender Syazwani Ruzi.
“Players like Wani have such great vision and awareness, and they can change a game in a single moment. I’m looking forward to building that understanding on the field, knowing where she wants the ball and how we can create chances together,” said 20-year-old Nashirah.
“From the experienced players in the team, many of whom also represent the senior national side, I want to learn composure and decision-making under pressure. They’ve played at the highest level and know how to handle big moments. Watching how they prepare and react in games is something I can absorb and apply to my own game.”
Wani, who has already scored twice this season from defence, is equally excited about the boost the newcomers will bring.
“It’s been really exciting as most of us already know each other from the national team. They will give us a lift because all of them have quality. Nashirah is always dangerous and creating something. Having a player like that opens up so many possibilities on the pitch,” she said.
Since joining, the new signings have worked hard to adapt to the Sailors’ style of play and build on-pitch chemistry with their teammates.
“The sessions have been intense but positive. Everyone’s helped me settle in quickly, and every day we’re fine-tuning the details so we’re ready to hit the ground running,” Nashirah shared.
She is also relishing the chance to make her debut in front of the Sailors faithful, as she said, “I’m buzzing to make my debut, honestly. Wearing Sailors colours is a huge honour, and I can’t wait to step onto the pitch and feel that energy from the fans. Whether it’s scoring, assisting, or doing the hard work off the ball, I just want to help the team win.”
Facing a real battle to win a fourth successive WPL title, Wani has emphasised on focus and composure as the season heads into its final months.
“We take one game at a time,” she said. “We’ve been working on our weaknesses in training, and now it’s about executing, getting the three points in both games, and giving the fans a strong performance.”
