A Crucial First Win of the SPL Season

The boys in Yellow and Black continued their impressive start to the new season with a hard-fought victory over Tanjong Pagar United, maintaining their unbeaten record and extending their run of clean sheets to two. 

The Away fixture could not have come at a better time for the travelling faithful - because of the FIFA International Window, 20 days separated Saturday night’s clash with the Jaguars from the season opener against Geylang International on August 24. The return of club football and the sight of our beloved Stags were a welcome relief.

Fittingly, this was a contest where such patience proved decisive. After a disciplined and tight opening spell, Takeshi Yoshimoto produced the breakthrough with a well-taken finish that caught Jaguars’ custodian Zaiful Nizam wrong-footed, scoring not only his first goal for Tampines, but also his first goal in his professional career.

Reflecting on his strike, the enterprising left back said:

“By shaping up like I was going to shoot to the far post, and then finishing at the near post, I managed to catch the keeper off guard. First of all, I feel relieved to have scored a goal that led the team to victory. From here, I’ll keep working hard to contribute even more to the team’s wins.”

While the scoreline remained narrow in the remainder of the first half, the Stags looked composed throughout. The backline - marshalled by the pair of Shuya Yamashita and Dylan Fox - limited Tanjong Pagar to few real chances, and this defensive stability grew into the second half as well. The latter defender later reflected on the performance:

“It was a solid performance from the team - it was never going to be an easy game, but credit to the boys, we did our job and executed the game plan well,” said Fox. “A clean sheet is always an added bonus. The game was our chance to keep the rhythm going heading into some important matches, and we spoke about how we needed to stay together and put in a good shift.”

The second half came, and this defensive solidarity turned into offensive sharpness - a pair of nice team goals brought us into the ascendancy, with the first, a well-worked breakaway down the wing, seeing Koya Kazama smartly and patiently finding Glenn Kweh for a tidy bottom corner finish. We spoke to the Singapore International, who echoed the sentiment of staying disciplined.

“It can get a little tricky coming back from the (international) break, but credit to the whole squad - we stayed focused throughout the week and played our football, which got us the win. I think last night showed the character of the team. We stuck to the game plan, stayed disciplined, kept our shape and created chances. This gives us the momentum we need heading into the upcoming continental games.”

The second goal of the half was equally sweet, as after a bounce pass combination from Faris Ramli and Shah Shahiran saw the latter finding Kazama, who found the net after a peach of a finish, putting the cherry on top of a comfortable 3-0 victory.

It was also a moment of celebration for the fans as Faris Ramli made his long-awaited return in Rovers colours, while Tara Ndao also earned his SPL debut, after both players scored in midweek SPL2 action.

“I felt like a kid again just enjoying what I love to do most, which is playing football again,” said Faris. “I started the year with injuries and setbacks, so to be back on the pitch is special. I can’t wait to play more in the upcoming games.”

Fox added:

“It’s great to see Faris back - he’s been working hard to get fit. And I’m also happy to see Tara get his debut. Both will bring real quality into the team with big fixtures coming up.”

Big fixtures indeed, as the team gets in action on 2 fronts - the AFC Champions League Two on the 18th against Kaya F.C.–Iloilo in the Philippines, and the Shopee Cup on the 24th against Selangor FC in Malaysia. However, Dylan and the team are staying calm as they make preparations for the fixtures. 

“It’s all about taking one game at a time and staying united as a team,” Fox emphasised. “We’re pleased with our start, and as you can see, this team believes in each other. We’ll continue to give our all for the club and the fans.”

Speaking of the fans, The Stand once again made their presence felt, travelling from the East to back their side in numbers.

“We felt their presence today and are extremely grateful for the support,” said Glenn. “We will keep giving everything on the pitch to make them proud.”

Faris echoed that sentiment:

“Thank you once again to those who travelled from the East to come and support us! You guys are our fuel to keep pushing every single game.”

With regional and continental fixtures looming, this victory - Noh Rahman’s first in a Head Coach position - provided not just three points, but also momentum, belief, and a reminder that BG Tampines Rovers remain a side with depth, resilience, and ambition.