Read Time:8 Minute, 38 Second
International duties are on the horizon for the Lion City Sailors (LCS), who will embark on their first voyage to the returning ASEAN Club Championship, also known as the Shopee Cup.
Returning for the first time since 2005, the competition features the league champions and cup winners from 8 ASEAN countries. The twelve competing teams have been drawn into two groups and will compete in a single round-robin home-or-away format.
Singapore Represent
The Sailors will play three out of their five matches away, beginning with a visit to Indonesia’s Borneo FC on 22 August. With the group stages stretching till early February amidst a congested fixture schedule, this will be a stern test of the quality of the Sailors’ squad.
1. Away day in Kalimantan – Borneo FC Samarinda (22 August 2024)
The Sailor’s first test will be in Indonesia, against Borneo FC Samarinda – the club captured their first major honour after winning the Liga 1 Premiership last season, finishing eight points clear of Persib Bandung.
The Dolphins have enjoyed a steady rise since their 2014 promotion to the top flight, consistently finishing in the top half of the league. In preparation for their first international tournament, Borneo has reshuffled their foreign contingent with signings like Argentine winger Mariano Peralta, who has played top-flight football in Argentina and Uruguay, along with former Brazil U-17 captain Ronaldo Rodrigues. The team also has one of the league’s best wingers in Stefano Lilipaly, who hit 11 goals and 17 assists last season at the age of 34.
Coach: Pieter Huistra
Former Dutch international Pieter Huistra is fondly remembered by the Rangers faithful after a trophy-laden spell during his playing days there. He served as assistant manager at Dutch clubs such as Ajax and Vitesse, before being appointed Indonesia’s technical director from 2014 to 2015. Pieter won the Uzbekistan league and cup double with Pakhtakor in 2021, before moving to Borneo in 2023.
One to watch: Fajar Fathurrahman
Fullback Fajar Fathurrahman stands out as not just one of Borneo’s, but also Indonesia’s most highly-rated talents. A right-back by nature and also capable of playing on the wings, the SEA Games gold medalist racked up 34 league starts for his club last season and collected 5 assists. He was named the league’s best young player last season, earning him a spot in the team of the season.
2. Visit to Hanoi – Cong An Ha Noi FC (26 September 2024)
Cong An Ha Noi FC (CAHN) endured a disappointing 23/24 season, failing to defend their 22/23 title and finishing in 6th. Expectations have been high for the team after they became only the third team to win the V-League in their first top-flight season.
To wrestle back their crown, the club has retained the services of national team star Nguyen Quang Hai till 2027, fighting off interest from several overseas clubs. The mercurial attacking midfielder put up some eye-catching displays last season, scoring eight and assisting a further three goals.
CAHN has addressed their defensive issues by signing former Ligue 2 defender Jason Pendant Quang-Vinh, while also adding 17-goal forward Alan Grafite. Along with other established Vietnamese stars like goalkeeper Filip Ngyuen, defender Doan Van Hau, and forward Van Duc Phan in their ranks, they present a stiff challenge for any side.
Coach: Alexandre (Mano) Polking
A familiar name with the Singaporean fans in CAHN’s dugout with the newly appointed Alexandre Polking.
The former Thai Head Coach brings heaps of experience and expertise to CAHN, having spent the last 12 years coaching in Southeast Asia. The Brazilian has coached teams like Bangkok United and Ho Chi Minh City, before taking charge of the Thailand national team and leading them to back-to-back AFF Championship titles. He will tap on his intimate understanding of the region and its players to help him achieve his target of winning the entire competition.
One to watch: Van Thanh Vu
The 44-capped Vietnamese international’s versatility allows him to play on both the left and right side of midfield or even as a right back, but he looked most threatening when deployed further forward on the right wing. The 28-year-old clocked 7 assists and 3 goals last season and will continue to create dangerous opportunities for his teammates.
3. Causeway rivals clash – Kuala Lumpur City FC (9 January 2025)
The Sailor’s first home game in the competition looks will be a mini-Causeway derby as they welcome Kuala Lumpur City (KLFC) to Jalan Besar. Despite being plagued with salary issues and potential bans, KLFC has previously proven that they thrive when the odds are stacked against them.
Led by Brazil-born captain Paulo Josue, the City Boys are equipped with a close-knit dressing room full of strong characters. They have also strengthened their squad by securing the services of experienced midfielder Brendan Gan, adding further steel to the team.
The team has good experience at the international level, reaching three cup finals in the past four years, including a runners-up finish at the 2022 AFC Cup and a memorable domestic cup final upset against Johor Darul Tazim in 2021.
Coach: Miroslav Kuljanac
Former assistant coach Miroslav Kuljanac has been handed the reigns at the club after previous head coach Nenad Bacina resigned in March. The Croatian has already masterminded a crucial 1-0 win against Selangor, snapping a 26-year winless run at home in the Klang Valley derby. Kuljianac’s familiarity with the players will be crucial as he looks to cause more upsets in the competition.
One to watch: Zhafri Yahya
Blessed with incredible technical ability, playmaker Zhafri Yahya can play anywhere across the midfield and on either flank. The 29-year-old is key in providing that creative spark from the middle of the park to unlock defences, and is even capable of scoring the occasional screamer.
4. Test against Thai Champions – Buriram United (23 January 2025)
There was an air of inevitability as Buriram United romped their way to their third-consecutive Thai League 1 title last season, adding to their tally of nine league titles. The club has firmly established itself as Thailand’s dominant force in the past decade, winning domestic treble on five occasions.
Unsatisfied with losing out on both domestic cups last season, Buriram has secured the high-profile signing of Philippines goalkeeper Neil Etheridge. The 34-year-old has played in the Premier League and Championship for clubs like Cardiff City, Fulham, and Birmingham City, earning 81 international caps. Melbourne City’s record appearance holder Curtis Good has also joined the club, having played for the Australian national team.
With other seasoned campaigners like Dion Cools and Theerathon Bunmathan providing more invaluable top-level experience, Buriram United are hot favourites to win the entire competition.
Coach: Osmar Loos
The 49-year-old has plenty of experience coaching top-flight Brazilian sides like Corinthians, Bragantino, Vitoria, and Juventude. His most successful spell came when he was in charge of Iranian side Persepolis, as he guided them to the Persian Gulf Pro-League title and Hazfi Cup last season.
One to watch: Supachai Jaided
Golden boot winner Supachai Jaided enjoyed his most productive season yet, netting 21 goals and contributing eight assists as he fired Buriram to the league title. Equally adept at playing as the focal point or a second striker, the forward’s ability to link play and clinically finish off chances has made him one of the most prolific forwards in Southeast Asia.
5. Final matchday – Kaya FC-Iloilo (6 February 2025)
With only the top 2 from each group qualifying, will this be a dead rubber by then for either sides? Or will it be a case of winner takes all? The Sailor’s last game will be against the newly minted invincibles Kaya FC-Iloilo.
The Fillipino side will look to make a name for themselves on the international stage, after a successful season where they won back-to-back Philippines top-flight titles. They won 13 and lost none of their 14 games in the season, scoring an incredible 82 goals including a 14-0 demolition of Manila Montet.
Despite losing top scorer Jarvey Gayoso, the team can still rely on key players like nifty playmaker Jesus Melliza, who chipped in with seven goals and 10 assists from attacking midfield. The dynamic midfield partnership of ex-Sailors man Kaishu Yamazaki and Korea Park Yi-young also plays a crucial role in the team, with their athleticism and versatility allowing Kaya FC to dictate the tempo of games.
Coach: Yu Hoshide
The Tokyo-born midfielder has played in the United States, Trinidad and Tobago, Japan, and the Philippines, along with a few appearances in the Singapore Cup. Hoshide was appointed assistant manager at Kaya FC in 2019 and was eventually promoted to head coach in 2021. He made history in 2023 by winning the club’s first league title, before repeating the feat the following year.
One to watch: Shuto Komaki
Dynamic winger Shuto Komaki is a familiar name after some captivating performances for Albirex Niigata (SG) in the 2023/24 Singapore Premier League. He made three appearances against the Sailors, which includes an assist in a memorable 4-0 Albirex win. Quick and skillful, he netted 10 goals in addition to eight assists in his maiden campaign in the Philippines last season. The 24-year-old is expected to fill the shoes of the departed Jarvey Gayoso.
Lion City Sailor’s fixtures:
Borneo FC Samarinda v Lion City Sailors (22 August 2024)
Cong An Ha Noi FC v Lion City Sailors (26 September 2024)
Lion City Sailors v Kuala Lumpur City FC (9 January 2025)
Lion City Sailors v Buriram United (23 January 2025)
Kaya FC-IIoilo v Lion City Sailors (6 February 2025)
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
4
0
