When Head Coach Robert Eziakor took the reins at a struggling Hougang United in the middle of the 2024/25 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, optimism briefly returned to the Cheetahs. With three wins, including triumphs over Albirex Niigata (S) and BG Tampines Rovers, and just one defeat in his first six games, it seemed like a long-awaited turnaround was on the cards.
But inconsistency once again crept up on the Cheetahs, with four consecutive defeats subsequently seeing them slump to 7th in the table. Although the season ended on a disappointing note, those experiences provided valuable lessons for Hougang.
Experience has been central to their recruitment strategy ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. To plug a defence that shipped 76 goals last season, Hougang have recruited American international Sam Strong, who brings valuable playing experience from his time in the USL Championship. The 28-year-old defender also previously featured for Dynamic Herb Cebu in the Philippines, featuring prominently in their AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) campaign.
Last updated: Feb 16, 2026 | List Updated Weekly
Hougang United Football Club was founded as Marine Castle United Football Club, which was formed by Newcastle United fans in the Marine Parade area.
The club has gone through a few mergers and name changers, with it being named Hougang United Football Club in 2011 after an improvement in their financial status.
The club has a group of supporters known as The HOOLS (Hougang Only One Love). The club also had its fair share of marquee players in the earlier days, like Grant Holt (formerly Norwich City), Michael Currie (formerly Queens Park Rangers), and Kim See-man (former South Korea youth international).
