Noor ready to spring surprises in the new season

Geylang International Football Club Head Coach Noor Ali believes his new-look squad can spring several surprises when the 2022 Singapore Premier League season kicks off this month.

Boosting a rich mix of experience and youth now, the 46-year-old has transformed his squad with the aim of making it a season to remember for all the right reasons after enduring a frustrating 2021 season where they finished sixth in the league table.

“We are looking forward to the start of the new Singapore Premier League season. The goal has always been to mount a serious title challenge, and this season is no different. We have the ability to create upsets and win games. I have faith in the boys, and I can see the hunger in them to excel as we prepare for a long season ahead,” said Noor. 

The Eagles have added firepower to the attacking line-up by snapping up prolific forward Sime Zuzul. The 26-year-old Croatian is no stranger to the Singapore Premier League, having played for Balestier Khalsa for three seasons before putting pen to paper for the Eagles this season. 

“I’m very excited to be part of the Geylang family, and I’m looking forward to doing more great things for the club in the coming new season,” said Zuzul, who has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances for the Tigers last season.

In Vincent Bezecourt, who previously played in the Major League Soccer (MLS) and Europa League, the Eagles have also found themselves a proven attacking midfielder, expected to marshal midfield along with Umar Akhbar, Huzaifah Aziz and Japanese recruit Takahiro Tezuka.

The backline has also been shored up with the signing of Rio Sakuma, the ex-Albirex Niigata defender, who makes his return to the Singapore Premier League after spending one season with Tiffy Army Football Club in Cambodia.

Together with the experienced Zaiful Nizam between the sticks, Abdil Qaiyyim, Ilhan Noor, Fadli Kamis, Sakuma is expected to improve their defensive record and help keep the clean sheets. 

The Eagles will open their campaign at home with a mouth-watering clash against reigning league champions Lion City Sailors on March 4 before travelling to face Hougang United and Tanjong Pagar United on March 11 and 19, respectively.

For full list of fixtures, click here.

Geylang International 2022 Squad list