Latest news with #SafuwanBaharudin
Independent Singapore
09-07-2025
- Sport
- Independent Singapore
Lion City Sailors bolster squad with Safuwan loan deal, extends coach Rankovic's contract
SINGAPORE: Singapore Premier League champions Lion City Sailors have strengthened their squad ahead of the new season, signing national defender Safuwan Baharudin, and extending the contracts of head coach Aleksandar Rankovic and Portuguese left-back Diogo Costa. Head coach Rankovic was offered a two-year extension with the club, as the Sailors are looking to continue building on the strong foundation laid during a historic 2024-2025 season, including leading the club to the final of the inaugural Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two. The Sailors became the first Singaporean side to reach the final of a major Asian club competition. Although the team narrowly fell 2-1 to UAE's Sharjah FC, the campaign firmly cemented the Sailors' reputation on the continental stage. 'It's an honour to continue this journey with the Lion City Sailors. The trust from the management, the players, and the fans means a huge deal to me. What we've achieved last season was extraordinary and will be difficult to replicate, but we relish this challenge,' said 46-year-old Rankovic, who has a record of 50 wins and 12 draws in 79 matches in charge. Aleksandar Ranković signs a two-year extension with Lion City Sailors after historic treble-winning season. (Photo credit: Lion City Sailors) Since taking the reins in June 2023, the Serbian native has guided the Sailors to four trophies, including a domestic treble last season, winning the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title, Singapore Cup, and Community Shield. Rankovic also lifted the Singapore Cup in 2023, just six months into his tenure with the club. 'We're in the midst of assembling a strong squad for the season ahead, and we're determined to write new chapters in the club's history,' added Rankovic, who previously held coaching roles at Dutch Eredivisie sides Vitesse Arnhem, Sparta Rotterdam, ADO Den Haag, and FC Utrecht. The club will also welcome the return of Singapore national defender Safuwan to the Singapore league after he played nearly ten years abroad, including a stint with Australia's Melbourne City in 2015. Safuwan, who had been with Selangor since 2023, was reportedly not in their new head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi's plans for the upcoming Malaysia Super League campaign. With a year left on his contract, the lanky defender was allowed to leave the Malaysian club and join the Sailors on loan. 'I'm very excited to be part of a team that's doing everything it can to raise the bar for Singapore football,' said Safuwan in a media release by the Sailors. 'Safuwan is a proven top player in the region. His calming presence, winning mentality and versatility will add valuable strength and depth to our squad,' commented Sailors executive director Bruce Liang. There will be familiar faces when Safuwan joins his new team for the pre-season training, as he will be reunited with national teammates such as Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan, and Shawal Anuar. 'I followed the club's run in last season's ACL Two closely — it was something truly inspiring for the country. The club's lofty ambitions are very much aligned with my own goals, and I'm ready to help us reach even greater heights this season,' added the 33-year-old. Diogo Costa (left), and Rui Peres winning the 2025 Singapore Cup. (Photo credit: Lion City Sailors) The Sailors have also decided to convert Diogo Costa's loan spell into a permanent move after a successful season in which he played a key role in the club's historic treble-winning campaign. Blending European pedigree with a fearless style of play, Costa added steel to the Sailors' defence while posing a constant attacking threat with his overlapping runs and pinpoint deliveries. 'From the moment I arrived, I felt something special building here — from the players and fans to the club's ambition, I feel a deep connection and a strong desire to contribute to this project,' expressed Costa, who came through the youth ranks at Primeira Liga side FC Famalicão. 'It's an honour to be a Sailor for the next five years, and I'm committed to doing my part to help us realise our dream of becoming one of Asia's top football clubs.' The 21-year-old arrived in Singapore during the mid-season transfer window in January 2025 and wasted no time in making his mark as he quickly became a fan favourite, earning plaudits for his dynamism, grit, and relentless work rate down the left flank. Costa recorded 11 assists in 21 appearances across all competitions, including four in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League (ACL) Two, where he played a pivotal role in the club's dream run to a first-ever continental final. The Sailors have begun their pre-season preparations as they have a massive campaign ahead, with the club not only aiming to defend their domestic titles, but also make further strides in both the ACL Two and the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup. In the regional ACC Shopee Cup, Sailors have been drawn in Group B alongside Johor Darul Ta'zim (Malaysia), Bangkok United (Thailand), Nam Dinh FC (Vietnam), and Svay Rieng (Cambodia). The competition will begin with qualifying play-off matches on Aug 8 and 15 involving clubs from Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, and the Philippines. The winners will advance and join 10 top ASEAN clubs in the group stage proper, which is scheduled to kick off on Aug 20.
AsiaOne
07-07-2025
- Sport
- AsiaOne
Lions stalwart Safuwan Baharudin returns to the Singapore Premier League after 14 years, Singapore News
SINGAPORE — The last time Singapore national team stalwart Safuwan Baharudin played in the domestic league, it was still called the with teams such as Etoile FC, Singapore Armed Forces FC, Woodlands Wellington and Gombak United, while the iconic Aleksandar Duric powered Tampines Rovers to the league title. That was 2011 and Safuwan was an up-and-coming player with the Young Lions. Now, 14 years later, Safuwan is back home as a Lions veteran. The 33-year-old has joined Singapore Premier League (SPL) and Singapore Cup champions Lion City Sailors on a season-long loan from Malaysia Super League (MSL) giants Selangor FC. Singapore Premier League (SPL) and Singapore Cup champions "To be honest, I have not been counting the years. But it feels surreal knowing it has been that long," said Safuwan, who has 124 caps for the national team. "When I was still playing for the Young Lions, there were very different teams to what there are now. I remember playing against Beijing Guo'an Talent (2010) and Etoile. "But I am excited to be back and I want to give credit to Selangor, for agreeing to this deal. "The Sailors came in strong, we had a good discussion on what we can expect of each other. That was important to me." The loan move ends a period of uncertainty for Safuwan, who was left in limbo at Selangor. Safuwan made his professional debut in 2009 with the Young Lions and made 58 appearances in the local competition before joining LionsXII — the now-defunct Singapore team in the MSL — from 2012 to 2015. He had a memorable, but short, loan stint in the A-League with Melbourne City in 2015. A year later, his journey as a foreign player in Malaysia started. He joined PDRM in 2016 and spent two seasons there, initially in the MSL before a season in the second-tier Malaysia Premier League after they were relegated. He then joined Pahang FA for the 2018 season and won the Malaysia FA Cup before he was snapped up by Selangor for the 2020 season. Safuwan left the Red Giants to join Negeri Sembilan for the 2023 season, but rejoined Selangor later that year. In two stints, he racked up 71 appearances with Selangor, donned the captain's armband and was also a firm fans' favourite. But in June, The Straits Times reported that although he still had a year left on his contract with Selangor, the defender had been told he was no longer part of their plans for next season. The ambiguity surrounding his career took a personal toll on Safuwan, who in the past two weeks had even been made to train with the club's Under-23 side. "It was very tough mentally. After the last national team break, there was still a lot of uncertainty and I was not sure what was going to happen in terms of my club career. But I am glad that now everything is in place and it feels good to know that I am in a club of the Sailors' calibre," said the centre-back, who has also been deployed in midfield or even up front on numerous occasions. As he looks back on his time in Malaysian football, Safuwan is grateful for the experience which has shaped him as a footballer. While he admitted that he is unsure if that spells the end of his Malaysian stint, he is looking forward to showcasing his ability to Singapore football fans on a more regular basis as well as winning over new fans. He said: "When you are away and miss out playing here for so long, not many of the newer generation know you too well. Yes, they do see me playing for the national team but it is a bit different to playing week in and out. Now it's time for me to prove myself. It doesn't matter what credibility that you had before, if you don't come back and prove yourself." In sorting out Safuwan's immediate future, the Sailors have also added arguably the best local defender to a backline that already has two players who made last season's SPL Team of the Year - Australian defender Bailey Wright and Croatian centre-back Toni Datkovic. Sailors' executive director Bruce Liang said: "Safuwan is a proven top player in the region. His calming presence, winning mentality and versatility will add valuable strength and depth to our squad." The Sailors will be looking to go on a deep run in the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) again, improve on last season's display in the ASEAN Club Championship — where they were knocked out at the group stage — and defend their domestic titles. Safuwan said: "I have already looked out for the first match of the season which is the Community Shield and I can't wait to get started. This club has made the ACL2 final and still wants to do better and I am going to do my best and help them progress even more." The Sailors' season will kick off with the Community Shield clash against BG Tampines Rovers on Aug 16, followed by SPL's first round on Aug 23. [[nid:719423]] This article was first published in The Straits Times . Permission required for reproduction.
New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Selangor outcast Safuwan lands loan move to Sailors
KUALA LUMPUR: Unwanted by Selangor despite having a year left on his contract, defender Safuwan Baharudin has officially joined Singapore Premier League champions Lion City Sailors on loan for the 2025-2026 season. Selangor confirmed the move with a brief social media post on Sunday. "Centre-back Safuwan Baharudin has officially joined Lion City Sailors (Singapore) on loan for the 2025/26 season. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, Saf," read the statement. No further details were provided. The announcement ends weeks of confusion and speculation, following Timesport's report last month on what was dubbed the "curious case of Safuwan." The 34-year-old Singapore international had publicly claimed that he had been told he was no longer part of Selangor's first-team plans, and was later spotted training with the club's Under-23 squad in Shah Alam. Safuwan made history in 2015 as the first Singaporean to play in Australia's A-League, with Melbourne City. He has since become a familiar presence in the Malaysia Super League, having turned out for several clubs over the past decade. Now, he is eager to begin a new chapter with the Sailors, a move that reunites him with national teammates Hariss Harun, Hami Syahin, Lionel Tan and Shawal Anuar. "I'm very excited to be part of a team that's doing everything it can to raise the bar for Singapore football," said Safuwan in a statement. "I followed the club's run in last season's Asian Champions League 2 closely — it was truly inspiring for the country. The club's lofty ambitions are very much aligned with my own goals, and I'm ready to help us reach even greater heights this season."
Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Lions stalwart Safuwan Baharudin returns to the Singapore Premier League after 14 years
SINGAPORE – The last time Singapore national team stalwart Safuwan Baharudin played in the domestic league, it was still called the with teams such as Etoile FC, Singapore Armed Forces FC, Woodlands Wellington and Gombak United, while the iconic Aleksandar Duric powered Tampines Rovers to the league title. That was 2011 and Safuwan was an up-and-coming player with the Young Lions. Now, 14 years later, Safuwan is back home as a Lions veteran. The 33-year-old has joined Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup champions Lion City Sailors on a season-long loan from Malaysia Super League (MSL) giants Selangor FC. 'To be honest, I have not been counting the years. But it feels surreal knowing it has been that long,' said Safuwan, who has 124 caps for the national team. 'When I was still playing for the Young Lions, there were very different teams to what there are now. I remember playing against Beijing Guo'an Talent (2010) and Etoile. 'But I am excited to be back and I want to give credit to Selangor, for agreeing to this deal. The Sailors came in strong, we had a good discussion on what we can expect of each other. That was important to me.' The loan move ends a period of uncertainty for Safuwan, who was left in limbo at Selangor . Safuwan made his professional debut in 2009 with the Young Lions and made 58 appearances in the local competition before joining LionsXII – the now-defunct Singapore team in the MSL – from 2012 to 2015. He had a memorable, but short loan stint in the A-League with Melbourne City in 2015. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore First BTO project in Sembawang North to be offered in July HDB launch Singapore Woman on SMRT bus 190 injured after bottle thrown at vehicle leaves hole in window Singapore Over half of 106 new MRT trains added to North-South, East-West lines; fleet completion by 2026 Asia 'Don't be seen in India again': Indian nationals pushed into Bangladesh at gunpoint Business High Court orders Instagram seller to pay Louis Vuitton $200,000 in damages over counterfeit goods Singapore MOH studying 18 proposals to integrate TCM into public healthcare Asia Malaysian commando dies during military diving exercise off Kuantan coast Singapore His world crashed when he got F9 in O-level Tamil but PropNex co-founder Ismail Gafoor beat the odds A year later, his journey as a foreign player in Malaysia started. He joined PDRM in 2016 and spent two seasons there, initially in the MSL before a season in the second-tier Malaysia Premier League after PDRM were relegated. He then joined Pahang FA for the 2018 season and won the Malaysia FA Cup before he was snapped up by Selangor for the 2020 season. Safuwan left the Red Giants to join Negeri Sembilan for the 2023 season, but rejoined Selangor later that year. In two stints, he racked up 71 appearances with Selangor, donned the captain's armband and was also a firm fans' favourite. But in June, The Straits Times reported that although he still had a year left on his contract with Selangor, the centre-back had been told he was no longer part of their plans for next season. The ambiguity surrounding his career took a personal toll on Safuwan, who in the past two weeks, had even been made to train with the club's Under-23 side. 'It was very tough mentally. After the last national team break, there was still a lot of uncertainty and I was not sure what was going to happen in terms of my club career. But I am glad that now everything is in place and it feels good to know that I am in a club of the Sailors' calibre,' said the centre-back, who has also been deployed in midfield or even up front on numerous occasions. As he looks back on his time in Malaysian football, Safuwan is grateful for the experience which has shaped him as a footballer. While he admitted that he is unsure if that spells the end of his Malaysian stint, he is looking forward to showcasing his ability to Singapore football fans on a more regular basis as well as win over new fans. Safuwan said: 'When you are away and miss out playing here for so long, not many of the newer generation know you too well. Yes, they do see me playing for the national team but it is a bit different to playing week in and out. Now it's time for me to prove myself. It doesn't matter what credibility that you had before, if you don't come back and prove yourself.' In sorting out Safuwan's immediate future, the Sailors have also added arguably the best local defender to a backline that already has two players who made last season's SPL Team of the Year – Australian defender Bailey Wright and Croatian centre-back Toni Datkovic. Sailors' executive director Bruce Liang said: 'Safuwan is a proven top player in the region. His calming presence, winning mentality and versatility will add valuable strength and depth to our squad.' The Sailors will be looking to go on a deep run in the AFC Champions League Two again, improve on last season's display in the Asean Club Championship – where they were knocked out at the group stage – and defend their domestic titles. Safuwan said: 'I have already looked out for the first match of the season which is the Community Shield and I can't wait to get started. This club has made the ACL2 final and still wants to do better and I am going to do my best and help them progress even more.' The Sailors' season will kick off with the Community Shield clash against BG Tampines Rovers on Aug 16, followed by SPL's first round on Aug 23.
Straits Times
09-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
As Safuwan Baharudin focuses on Bangladesh mission, uncertainty looms over his club future
Safuwan Baharudin is eager to lead the Lions to a win over Bangladesh in the Asian Cup qualifier on June 10. PHOTO: FAS As Safuwan Baharudin focuses on Bangladesh mission, uncertainty looms over his club future SINGAPORE – At 33, Safuwan Baharudin remains one of the first names in the Lions' starting line-up. But while his importance to the national set-up is as strong as ever, uncertainty surrounds his club future. Although he still has a year left on his contract with Malaysia Super League runners-up Selangor FC, the centre-back has been told he is no longer part of their plans for next season. The ambiguity surrounding his career has taken a personal toll, said Safuwan, who racked up 71 appearances with the Red Giants across two stints and even donned the captain's armband. 'The sad truth is that coach (Katsuhito Kinoshi) does not want to include me in his plans so I've got to go,' said Safuwan. 'I'm disheartened, and not sure about what lies ahead for me. I've got nothing on the table now. 'It has been a tough few weeks for me. I deactivated my social media, I was quite disheartened.' Safuwan Baharudin training with the Lions at the Armed Police Battalion Field in Dhaka on June 8. He is eager to help the Lions to a win over Bangladesh in the Asian Cup qualifier on June 10. PHOTO: FAS Safuwan, who was part of the Lions' 2012 Asean Championship-winning side, did not rule out a move back home to play in the Singapore Premier League, adding that while he has yet to receive any offers, he is certain that he can still contribute at the top level. He is hoping to have a 'clearer picture' after the crucial Asian Cup third-round Group C qualifier against Bangladesh in Dhaka on June 10. 'I'm just trying to go to a place where I feel that I can end my last few playing years at the highest level that I can possibly be at. I feel that I'm still at my peak,' said Safuwan. Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura praised Safuwan's contributions to the Lions, adding that the defender, who has 123 caps, has brought plenty of experience to the team. The Japanese tactician said: 'He has the fighting spirit and also the ability to still perform at the highest level.' For now, Safuwan will need to put aside his consternation over his club career as a crucial 90 minutes in Dhaka beckons. World No. 161 Singapore kicked off their Asian Cup third-round qualifying campaign with a 0-0 home draw against Hong Kong on March 25, while Bangladesh's visit to India also ended goal-less. Only the group winners will advance to the tournament proper in 2027. Singapore warmed up for the Bangladesh fixture with a 3-1 win over the Maldives in a friendly at the Bishan Stadium on June 5. Safuwan, who played the whole game, conceded a late penalty after he was adjudged to have tripped substitute Hassan Nazeem in the box. Maldives scored from the spot to deny the Lions a clean sheet. While it was a victory, Ogura is hoping to see an improved performance. The Lions' defence was particularly vulnerable when the 164th-ranked Maldivians counter-attacked. The Japanese said: 'We got three goals but in the second half, we could not control the game. It is important that we can control the game because Bangladesh can be a force going forward and we do not want to be on the end of their counter-attacks.' While Bangladesh – at 185th – may be the lowest-ranked team in the group, they showed their mettle by holding the group's top-ranked team India (127th) in their opening match in Delhi. The Bengal Tigers will welcome the Lions at a sold-out, 22,660-capacity National Stadium in Dhaka that is set to be filled with fervent home fans. The hosts have recently been boosted significantly by the addition of Leicester City's former England Under-21 midfielder Hamza Choudhury, 27, who made his Bangladesh debut in the draw with India after switching allegiance last December. Hamza Choudhury in action for Sheffield United, where he was on loan for the past season from Leicester, against Sunderland in the Championship Playoff final on May 24. PHOTO: REUTERS The match against Singapore could also see Canada-born player Shamit Shome, 27, making his Bangladesh debut alongside Choudhury in central midfield. Shome, who made two senior appearances for Canada in international friendlies, has been plying his trade in Canada's top flight since 2021, after having played for Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact. He received Fifa's approval to represent Bangladesh in May. Bangladesh's squad also includes former Sampdoria Under-18 left-back Fahemedul Islam, who plays for Italian fourth-tier side Olbia. The 18-year-old made his international debut in a 2-0 win over Bhutan on June 4. Bangladesh coach Javier Cabrera believes that they boast the best midfield in South Asia with Choudhury and Shome and expressed confidence in beating Singapore, while captain Jamal Bhuiyan noted of the need to nullify the Lions' strengths in ball possession, build-up play and set-pieces. Cabrera added: 'Singapore are a strong side, especially in attack. They are tactically organised and very good in their offensive transitions. But we've prepared well. We believe we've given the team the right information and solutions. We respect Singapore, but we're confident we can get three points.' Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics and government sports announcements. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
