Sakuma thanks fans, calls for final push as Eagles take on Young Lions next

Rio Sakuma says Geylang International must try to put together a string of wins if the team are to mount a strong challenge for the top-three finish in the AIA Singapore Premier League.

The Eagles powered to a 3-0 win over seventh-placed Balestier Khalsa last Sunday to return to winning ways in their third attempt, and the Japanese centre-back has urged his teammates to make it two wins in a row when they host bottom-placed Young Lions at Our Tampines Hub (OTH) on Saturday.

Geylang International are very much in contention for the top-three spot, which offers a provisional AFC Cup berth, as they are currently sitting just four points behind third-placed Tampines Rovers with seven matches remaining.

“Momentum is very important in football, even more so in the closing stretch of the season. Every point matters,” said Sakuma, who is one of the two Geylang Interantional players along with compatriot Takahiro Tezuka who had featured in all 1,890 minutes this season.

“It was a great performance to beat Balestier last Sunday and picked up all the three points. The win was massive for us after we managed just one point from the last two games. The fans played a huge role with their support, which is also key to our strength and revival.” 

“The onus is now on us to bring in the second “three-point”, third and so on. We need to rake in as many points from the possible 21, starting from the game against Young Lions at home.

“With a top-three finish at stake, we have everything to play for especially with a shot at qualifying for the continental competition.

“The spirit is there, we have to keep this spirit.”

Sakuma has also called on his teammates not to take anything for granted when they face the struggling Young Lions as the young team are still a force to be reckoned with.

The Young Lions will be desperate to prove a point after losing their last four matches, including a 10-1 thrashing by Lion City Sailors.

“We expect a tough encounter from Young Lions. They have nothing to lose and that makes them dangerous to deal with,” said Sakuma

“We cannot let our guard down not even a single minute. We need to keep this going for our last seven matches!”

Ends.