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 take a closer look at Tanjong Pagar United.
Seasons: 19 (originally Tiong Bahru FC from 1996-1997)
Nickname: The Jaguars
Highest finish: 2nd (1997, 1998, 2000)
2024/25 finish: 9th
Chairman: Raymond Tang
Head coach: Noh Alam Shah
Captain: Aaron Evans
Key signings: Yousseff Ezzejjari (Spain), Aaron Evans (Australia), Naqiuddin Eunos (Singapore)
Social media platforms: Instagram | Facebook
The 2024/25 Singapore Premier League campaign was anything but smooth sailing for Tanjong Pagar United. The Jaguars spent much of the season anchored to the foot of the table, managing just three victories all season, their 22 losses painting a stark picture of their struggles. Offensively, they scored a league-low 35 goals, and at the back, no team conceded more than their 103 goals.
But the new season brings about renewed optimism for Tanjong Pagar. With a new sponsor on board and a slew of promising new signings, the Jaguars will be looking to re-establish themselves as a competitive force in the league.
One of those eye-catching additions is Spanish forward Yousseff Ezzejjari, who adds firepower to a frontline that struggled for goals last season. The well-travelled forward scored 61 goals in 129 games while playing in countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Andorra, showcasing his knack for finding the net wherever he goes.
He will look to combine with the likes of Chinese Taipei international Emilio Estevez, who provides pace down the flanks, alongside Brazilian playmaker Bruno Dybal in midfield. Joining Bruno in the middle of the park is former Australia Under-20 international Jesse Daley, who previously featured in the A-League for Brisbane Roar.
On the defensive front, the Jaguars have snapped up centre-back Aaron Evans, who has over a century of appearances in Indonesia’s top flight under his belt. The 30-year-old famously scored a goal and provided an assist while playing for PSM Makassar in the 2018/19 Piala Indonesia final, helping his team secure the trophy.
To ensure continuity within the team, Tanjong Pagar have held on to key players the likes of goalkeeper Matt Silva and winger Zenivio Mota, while also strengthening their local contingent with the addition of Zaiful Nizam and Naqiuddin Eunos.
With a mix of seasoned campaigners and hungry young talents waiting in the wings, the Jaguars are looking to ruffle a few feathers this season – perhaps starting with their first league match against BG Tampines Rovers on 13 September.
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Squad (at time of publication)
Goalkeepers: Matt Silva, Zaiful Nizam, Kenji Rusydi, Sunny Tia, Hazwan Afiq
Defenders: Aymeric Ngankam, Aaron Evans, Faizal Roslan, Kim Likwan, Syed Akmal, Syahrul Sazali, Emmeric Ong, Danish Haqimi, Farid Jafiri, Aiqel Muhamad
Midfielders: Aloysius Pang, Danny Ali, Kai Pin Lim, Raihan Rahman, Jesse Daley, Azim Akbar, Fathullah Rahmat, Naufal Ilham, Shodai Nishikawa, Emilio Estevez, Bruno Dybal, Risvi Aaqil, Ryan Effendy, Samuel Pillai
Forwards: Zenivio Mota, Naqiuddin Eunos, Guilherme Rodrigues, Yousseff Ezzejjari, Syahadat Masnawi, Saiful Azhar, Sahil Suhaimi
