As the ASEAN Championship looms on the horizon, Singapore’s national football team finds itself in the crucible of final preparations. With the regional tournament set to kick off on December 8th, the Lions are laser-focused on ensuring they hit their stride at the optimal moment. Central to this mission is head coach Tsutomu Ogura, who is determined to see his charges showcase the fruits of their labor from a recent training excursion to Japan.
Unconventional Approach: Club Clashes over International Friendlies
In a departure from the norm, Singapore opted to forego traditional international friendlies in the past two FIFA windows, instead focusing on intensive training camps and matches against club opposition. September saw the Lions remain on home soil, squaring off against local powerhouse Tampines Rovers and Malaysian giants Johor Darul Ta’zim.
Last month, Ogura took his squad on a voyage to the Land of the Rising Sun, where they tested their mettle against J1 League sides FC Tokyo, Tokyo Verdy, and Yokohama F. Marinos. While the results were mixed – a win over Verdy offset by heavy defeats to Tokyo and Marinos – the experience of facing seasoned professionals was invaluable.
Proving Ground: Myanmar and Chinese Taipei Await
Now, with the ASEAN Championship rapidly approaching, Ogura is eager for his players to demonstrate their evolution on the international stage. On Thursday, Singapore will host Myanmar at the National Stadium, followed by a clash with Chinese Taipei four days later. For the Japanese tactician, these matches represent a vital litmus test:
“Every team in ASEAN is now of a high level, Myanmar are no different. They played rather well even against Japan. This will be good preparation that is very important for us. We must show in the next two games what kind of improvement we’ve had.”
– Tsutomu Ogura, Singapore Head Coach
Hami Syahin: Confidence Personified
Embodying the spirit of self-belief within the Singapore camp is midfield dynamo Hami Syahin. The 25-year-old has been a standout performer this season for Lion City Sailors, who are chasing glory domestically and continentally. Hami’s growth in maturity and leadership has been evident, and he spoke with conviction about the team’s readiness:
“After the preparation we had in Japan, the boys are looking forward to putting in a good display against Myanmar and Chinese Taipei to build the momentum. We’re definitely looking forward to be back playing in front of our home crowd.”
– Hami Syahin, Singapore Midfielder
Cooperation is Key: Ogura Hails Clubs, SPL
Ogura was quick to praise the collaborative efforts between the national setup and Singapore Premier League clubs, highlighting the benefits reaped by Lions players from their participation in the AFC Champions League:
“I’m very appreciative to all the SPL teams because now the league has come to a stop so we can prepare for AFF. Having all the clubs cooperating for Singapore and having them behind us it’s very important, and it’s been very helpful for the national team.”
– Tsutomu Ogura, Singapore Head Coach
Rallying the Fans: Earning Support through Effort
As much as the Lions are focused on on-pitch matters, Ogura recognizes the importance of galvanizing the support of the Singaporean faithful. The Japanese coach called on his players to give the fans something to cheer about:
“We cannot just expect people to come and watch the game. We have to show something for the people to come and want to buy a ticket. We have to show a fighting spirit – that we want to contribute to our country – and then produce football that makes more and more people come to the stadium.”
– Tsutomu Ogura, Singapore Head Coach
As Singapore embarks on the final leg of its ASEAN Championship preparations, all eyes will be on Ogura’s Lions to see if they can indeed roar to life and set the National Stadium alight. The pieces are in place, the work has been put in, now it’s time for the Lions to prove their worth on the pitch and ignite the passion of a nation.
