Singapore’s Under-16 Girls’ Team are gearing up for their opening match of the inaugural Lion City Cup Girls Tournament, set to take place tomorrow, 8 July, at Jalan Besar Stadium. The team will face Korea Republic in what will be a landmark moment — the first girls’ edition of the tourney — and for many of the players, their first taste of international football at home.
Led by Head Coach Yeong Sheau Shyan and captain Tyan Foong, the squad has been approaching the challenge with focus and enthusiasm.
“Our preparation has been going pretty well,” said Yeong. “It’s very encouraging to see that the players are motivated, committed, and bringing high energy to training. We’ve been working on getting the team aligned in how we want to play, both in attack and defence, and they’re doing really well.”
Yeong is also happy with the progress her girls have shown off the pitch.
“For these girls, coming together and shifting from the academy level to stepping up to the national team is a big transition. They’ve moved from being playful and friendly to becoming more serious and focused on their performances,” said Yeong.
“The way they’re bonding and working together as a team is a really good sign.”
Yeong is already looking forward to pitting her team against international opposition, including girls from the much-vaunted Korean youth development system.
“These girls will be playing at a level they are not used to, and I just hope they will be brave and resilient,” said Yeong. “They will face strong opponents and meet challenges on the pitch, but I believe they will stay united, solve problems together, and keep fighting until the final whistle.
”And more than that, I hope they will be brave enough to show their football.”
Team captain Tyan sang from the same hymn book, and spoke with pride and belief in her team.
“It’s a huge honour to represent Singapore. This is a big step forward for girls’ football here,” said the 16-year-old defender. “Being able to play in front of family and friends is something I’m really proud of.”
Looking ahead to the match, she added, “I hope my teammates give everything we’ve got, every bit of effort, with a positive mindset. I want us to go into the tournament striving for the best and to play our hearts out until the final whistle.”
Yeong, a two-time Women’s Premier League Coach of the Year award winner, rounded off the press conference by outlining her expectations, keeping the team’s long-term development at the forefront.
She said: “My expectations are that the players grow closer as a team and show technical and tactical progress. I want to see how far they’ve come since the start of our preparations and how they deliver on the pitch against actual opponents.”
The Lion City Cup 2025 kicks off with the Girls’ edition on Monday with Cambodia facing Hong Kong, China at 5pm, followed by Singapore taking on Korea Republic at 8pm.
All matches will be played at Jalan Besar Stadium.
Tickets are available via Ticketek.
