Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Geylang International have welcomed the return of its former youth player Sahil Suhaimi to its list of new additions for the 2016 S.League campaign.

Sahil last played for Courts Young Lions in the S.League and joins fellow former LionsXII players Al-Qassimy, Faritz Hameed and Gabriel Quak as the Bedok-based club looks to improve on its eighth position finish in 2015.

“I’ve made the right decision to join Geylang as I will be getting more playing time,” said Sahil.

“With the good exposure, I’ll be able to prove and show people what I’m capable of. It definitely feels good to reunite with the club as I was from Geylang youth side in previous years.

“I am actually looking forward to bring back and ignite the glory days we had before. It is an honour to be a part of this year’s squad.”

Geylang, who retained only four players – Hairul Syirhan, Shawal Anuar, Nor Azli and Japanese defender Yuki Ichikawa, have also appointed former player Hasrin Jailani as its new head coach.

“Hasrin is a talented young local coach. He was a member of Geylang Championship winning team of 2001. He understands what it takes as a player to win the League. We are confident that Hasrin will impart the tradition and values of the Club to the 2016/17 team,” said the club in a statement on its official Facebook page.

Sahil will find another familiar figure at the club as the Eagles have appointed ex-Courts Young Lions coach Aide Iskandar as its sporting director

“Aide is a member of the management committee on a voluntary basis and his role in the club is to provide valuable inputs to the management committee,” explained Andrew Ang, Geylang’s general manager.

Retained Players: Hairul Syirhan, Shawal Anuar, Nor Azli Yusoff, Yuki Ichikawa

New Signings: Faritz Hameed, Al-Qassimy, Stanely Ng, Taufiq Ghani, Syazwan Buhari, Safirul Sulaiman, Shafiq Ghani, Amy Recha, Gabriel Quak, Sharif Abdul Samat

Promoted Prime League Players: Shafeeq Faruk, Dhukhilan s/o Jeevamani, Brandon Koh