SINGAPORE, 11 MARCH 2021 – Ahead of the 2021 AIA Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, we take a look at each of the eight clubs that are participating in the 26^th season of the domestic top flight. Today’s focus is on the Young Lions!

 

Seasons: 19
Nickname: None
Stadium: Jalan Besar Stadium
Highest finish: 3^rd (2004, 2006)
2020 finish: 7^th
Head coach: Philippe Aw
Captain: Danish Irfan and Syahrul Sazali
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A youthful Young Lions side avoided a bottom-place finish last season and will hope to do likewise this year. There is some familiarity within the squad as the bulk of 2020’s team have been retained, though the loss of influential captain Jacob Mahler (National Service) is a blow. Experienced heads Danish Irfan, Syahrul Sazali, Hami Syahin and Ryhan Stewart will have to step up and lead their team-mates, while new boys Daniel Goh and Joel Chew will hope to make an impact. The exciting Ilhan Fandi will be available to be called upon, while the promising Amir Syafiz and Raoul Suhaimi will aim to impress in their maiden professional campaign.

 

Phillipe Aw takes over head coaching duties from Nazri Nasir, who is recuperating after undergoing a medical procedure last year. It will be Aw’s third head coaching stint in the SPL after spells at Home United and Hougang United. The 44-year-old has stated that he relishes the opportunity to work with youth talent and aims to “improve each and every one” of the players.

 

Squad (as at time of publication)
Goalkeepers: Nurshafiq Zaini, Ridhwan Fikri, Dylan Pereira, Putra Anugerah
Defenders: Danial Crichton, Danish Irfan, Syabil Hisham, Syahrul Sazali, Sahffee Jubpre, Alif Iskandar, Syed Akmal, Raoul Suhaimi
Midfielders: Rezza Rezky, Daniel Goh, Joel Chew, Hami Syahin, Amir Syafiz, Ryhan Stewart, Ilhan Fandi, Nor Hakim Redzuan, Danish Qayyum, Harhys Stewart, Zamani Zamri, Bill Mamadou
Forwards: Khairin Nadim
*Young Lions are required to register a minimum of 20 players, up to a maximum of 35. All players shall be U-23 (born on or after 1 January 1998).

 

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Check out other previews: Tanjong Pagar | Hougang United | Balestier Khalsa | Geylang International | Lion City Sailors | Tampines Rovers | Albirex Niigata (S)