Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Emmeric Ong has pledged to do whatever it takes to help Warriors FC reclaim the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League title after he was offered a contract extension with the club in December.

Ong’s desire to do so is derived from his gratitude to the club that has shown much faith in him, as compared to his time at the now-defunct LionsXII, where he lacked much playing time.

“I did not have much playing time at LionsXII, so I was hoping for a new start when I came here (Warriors). But I did not even make it into the substitutes list for the first two games,” said Ong.

“I was thinking that it might be another year where I waste my time here. When (former) coach Alex Weaver showed his faith in me, I never look back and have been playing matches ever since,” added the former Courts Young Lions player.

“The management has been very supportive and has been coming down to encourage me. This club have trusted me and extended my stay here and I should repay them in the coming season.”

With the club overhauling the entire first team, Ong believes that the changes will be beneficial to the record nine-time S.League champions.

“It’s been a new start for this club in terms of players and management. The bulk of the team has left. I hope that we can gel together as a team and personally I would like to continue playing regularly and be an important part of the team and prove my worth to the coaches,” the 24-year-old added.

“Warriors are a big club and we are used to winning. I want us to continue challenging for the title and if possible win one of the domestic cup.”

Warriors have released all their foreign players, with goalkeeper Shahrul Rayyan, defender Syaqir Sulaiman and Ong among the few retained.

Shaiful Esah and Zulfadli Zainal.have rejoined the uniformed giants, while the services of Tampines Rovers’ Ismail Yunos and former LionsXII centre-back Madhu Mohana have been secured.

Other players heavily linked to the club included veteran Yazid Yasin, and midfielders Ignatius Ang and Hafiz Nor from Balestier Khalsa and Geylang International respectively.