When Aleksandar Ranković took charge of Lion City Sailors in 2023, his mission was clear—turn ambition into reality. And he has already written his name into club history. 

He led the Sailors to their first-ever Singapore Cup title in 2023, as well as the Singapore Community Shield in 2024. Beyond Singapore shores, the team secured memorable victories in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League (ACL) against Kitchee and Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Ranković made history again this season, guiding the Sailors to the AFC Champions League (ACL) Two - the revamped second tier AFC club competition - Round of 16 as group leaders, making them the first Singaporean team to do so.

The 46-year-old Serb is still not done - he is now looking to lead the Sailors to their first title defence in the 2024/25 Singapore Cup. Their first Singapore Cup test comes on Sunday, 16 Feb at the Bishan Stadium, against Tanjong Pagar United.

“Every year we are working towards these kinds of goals, and this year is nothing different,” Ranković said. “I think in the previous years we also wanted to win the [SPL] title. We couldn’t do it, but this year, that’s the main priority, and I’m happy to have a team that can compete on every level,” he added.

The club is entering a fixture crunch —February alone sees the Sailors balancing their domestic campaigns with regional tournaments, including the Shopee Cup and ACL2 where they have already made a strong impression. 

While concerns around fatigue and squad depth may arise, Ranković remains resolute in his approach. “The strategy is simple—we go match by match. We are preparing every week, looking at what we need, which players are available. I don’t like to think too far away,” he said.

The Sailors are ready to face a Jaguar side they defeated in the SPL just a week ago, but Rankovic insists there will be no complacency. While the Sailors controlled that encounter, Ranković is acutely aware that things could be different this time out. 

Sailors faced Tanjong Pagar a week ago in Singapore Premier League.

“We will see on Sunday if they change something or not, but one thing is certain—we are not going to change a lot in the way we are playing,” he said. “Maybe some names will be different, but we have been showing one particular style throughout the season, and you can see that in the results.”

From lifting trophies to making strides in Asia, Ranković’s Sailors have shown they can rise to any challenge. Now, with another title on the line, their focus remains the same.

“We want to win the cup. At least we want to reach the final,” Ranković stated.  “And when you’re there, of course, you want to win it.”

In the evening’s other Group B fixture, Thai side BG Pathum take on Geylang International at Jalan Besar Stadium. Get your tickets to catch BG Pathum here.

All Singapore Cup matches are broadcast ‘live’ on StarHub TV, Singtel TV and mewatch. Fans can also watch Singapore Cup matches on the SPL’s official YouTube platform.