Ahead of the 2025/26 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, we look at each of the eight clubs participating in the domestic top flight. Today, we turn the lens on Hougang United.
Seasons: 26
Nickname: The Cheetahs
Highest finish: 3rd (2019, 2021)
2024/25 finish: 7th
Chairman: Bill Ng
Head coach: Robert Eziakor
Captain: Anders Aplin
Key signings: Yotsakon Burapha (Thailand), Sam Strong (United States), Zharfan Rohaizad (Singapore)
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When Head Coach Robert Eziakor took the reins at a struggling Hougang United in the middle of the 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, optimism briefly returned to the Cheetahs. With three wins, including triumphs over Albirex Niigata (S) and BG Tampines Rovers, and just one defeat in his first six games, it seemed like a long-awaited turnaround was on the cards.
But inconsistency once again crept up on the Cheetahs, with four consecutive defeats subsequently seeing them slump to 7th in the table. Although the season ended on a disappointing note, those experiences provided valuable lessons for Hougang.
Experience has been central to their recruitment strategy ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. To plug a defence that shipped 76 goals last season, Hougang have recruited American international Sam Strong, who brings valuable playing experience from his time in the USL Championship. The 28-year-old defender also previously featured for Dynamic Herb Cebu in the Philippines, featuring prominently in their AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) campaign.
He is joined by left winger Victor Blasco, who made 53 appearances for Canadian Premier League side Pacific, winning the league title in 2021. Known for his technique, dribbling ability, and ability to score from range, the Spaniard will add a new dimension to Hougang’s attack.
The Cheetahs have brought in Thai striker Settawut Wongsai to serve as the focal point of their attack. The 28-year-old, who has made over 100 appearances in Thailand for clubs including Chonburi and Police Tero, comes off the most prolific season of his career, having scored 11 goals for Phrae United in Thai League 2.
Hougang have also pulled off a major coup by securing the services of up-and-coming Thai star Yotsakon Burapha on loan. The 20-year-old forward has already featured for the Thailand senior national team in friendlies against Georgia and Estonia. Yotsakon also made 26 appearances for Chonburi in the 2023/24 season, underlining the wealth of experience he has already accumulated at such a young age.
As part of a complete squad overhaul, Hougang have also brought in Japanese midfield trio Yuma Suwa, Ryohei Yoshihama, and Yuta Kikuchi, among other recruits.
On the local front, goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad and winger Haiqal Pashia bring title-winning experience from Lion City Sailors, while former Geylang International anchor Huzaifah Aziz brings steel and grit to Hougang’s midfield.
With many new additions, getting the squad to gel quickly will be crucial for Robert Eziakor as he looks to guide Hougang United into the 2025/26 SPL season.
His side open their season with a stern test against defending champions Lion City Sailors on 25 August.
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Squad (at time of publication)
Goalkeepers: Mykel Gabriel, Zharfan Rohaizad, Ridhuan Barudin, Rauf Erwan, Isaac Lee
Defenders: Anders Aplin, Jordan Vestering, Kanok Kongsimma, Parinya Nusong, Rishon Soroya, Rauf Sanizal, Iman Adli, Samuel Strong, Matin Manaf, Ryan Sanizal, Adam Ali, Algirdas Karlonas, Mikhail Ismail, Huzaifah Aziz
Midfielders: Chonlawit Kanuengkid, Yuta Kikuchi, Brant Tan, Khilfi Aniq, Ryohei Yoshihama, Woo Chun Wei, Christopher Lee, Yuma Suwa, Farhan Sahlan
Forwards: Hugo Kametani, Yotsakon Burapha, Farhan Zulkifli, Settawut Wongsai, Haiqal Pashia, Syady Sufwan, G Jeeva, Shahreez Basheer, Victor Blasco
