SINGAPORE, 23 FEBRUARY 2022 – Ahead of the 2022 AIA Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, we take a look at each of the eight clubs that are participating in the 27th season of the domestic top flight. The final club to be highlighted is the Young Lions!
Seasons: 20
Nickname: None
Stadium: Jalan Besar Stadium
Highest finish: 3rd (2004, 2006)
2021 finish: 8th
Head coach: Nazri Nasir
Captain: Jacob Mahler
Social media platforms: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
A series of encouraging performances in the latter half of 2021 earned the Young Lions plenty of plaudits, even if they could not avoid finishing bottom.
This season, Nazri Nasir will aim to build on the good work of Philippe Aw as he returns to the Young Lions hotseat and he will have most of last season’s squad to work with. Key players like goalkeeper Ridhwan Fikri, captain Jacob Mahler, defender Ryhan Stewart, midfielders Joel Chew and Shah Shahiran, as well as the likes of Ilhan Fandi and Glenn Kweh will be crucial.
Promising left-back Harith Kanadi will join the squad along with striker Zikos Chua, while youngsters like Irfan Iskandar will aim to prove their worth. Industrious midfielder Jared Gallagher is set to make his debut, having been prevented from doing so last season due to administrative issues.
Squad (as at time of publication)
Goalkeepers: Umayr Sujuandy, Ridhwan Fikri, Dylan Pereira, Rauf Erwan
Defenders: Raoul Suhaimi, Jordan Emaviwe, Danish Irfan, Syabil Hisham, Jacob Mahler, Syahrul Sazali, Ryhan Stewart, Danish Qayyum, Danial Crichton, Syed Akmal, Harith Kanadi
Midfielders: Daniel Goh, Shah Shahiran, Abdul Rasaq, Joel Chew, Rezza Rezky, Amir Syafiz, Zamani Zamri, Arshad Shamim, Jared Gallagher, Irfan Iskandar, Fairuz Fazli, Ryu Hardy
Forwards: Zikos Chua, Glenn Kweh, Ilhan Fandi, Khairin Nadim, Nor Hakim Redzuan
*Young Lions are required to register a minimum of 20 players, up to a maximum of 35. All players shall be Under-23 (born on or after 1 January 1999).Players over the age of 23, and currently serving National Service (NS) shall be allowed to be registered.
Check out other previews: Lion City Sailors | Albirex Niigata (S) | Tampines Rovers | Balestier Khalsa | Tanjong Pagar United | Geylang International | Hougang United
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