The Lion City Sailors have signed brothers Obren and Novak Kljajić to bolster their striking options for the upcoming 2024/25 campaign.
Obren will fill the second of three permitted Under-21 foreign players’ slots for the Sailors’ Singapore Premier League (SPL) squad, while Novak will primarily feature for the club’s Under-21s side.
The Australians both stand at 1.86m tall, and bring similar qualities to the Sailors – versatility across the front line, and a keen eye for goal.
Obren comes with experience playing in the Serbian SuperLiga with FK Voždovac, and was part of Brisbane Roar’s Under-21 side, on top of being a former Bosnia Under-18 international.
The 20-year-old first trained with the Sailors in the 2023 pre-season and having enjoyed that stint, he had no qualms coming over again when he got an offer from the club this off-season.
“I was pretty stoked to get the call to come back as I feel there’s unfulfilled business for me in Singapore with the Sailors,” said the energetic left-footed forward, who played for Peninsula Power in the National Premier Leagues (NPL) Queensland – a level below the professional A-League.
“It’s great to be teammates with Bailey (Wright), who played for the Australia national team. We’ve some top-quality players here, and I’m already looking forward to the start of the season.”
Meanwhile, Novak – two years younger than Obren – played for Brisbane Roar at the Under-16 level, and has represented Queensland Lions in the NPL for the past two seasons alongside former Sailors forward Andy Pengelly.
“I’m excited to get this chance at a big club like the Sailors, where there are great facilities, amazing coaches and great people. I want to become a more all-rounded player here and contribute to good things for the club,” he said.
