While Singapore Premier League (SPL) pre-season headlines were dominated by the likes of Lion City Sailors and BG Tampines Rovers, one team seemed to have slipped under the radar – Balestier Khalsa. 

But the Tigers have already shown that their pre-season work was not to be taken lightly, they can go toe-to-toe with the league’s top sides, losing just once in their first five games to climb to fourth in the table.

Balestier carried that run of form into their Singapore Cup campaign, sweeping aside Tanjong Pagar United in their opening match. Although they fell to a narrow 3-2 defeat against Albirex Niigata (S) in their next outing, optimism is still high in the Tigers’ camp. 

One of the players fuelling that belief is winger Daniel Goh, whose directness and energy have been central to Balestier’s attacking threat. 

“Although we conceded two last-minute goals against Albirex, the team did very well,” said the 26-year-old. “Everyone followed the coaches’ instructions, and we were well-organised, but luck wasn’t on our side. That’s football.” 

With the Tigers just three points shy of the top two, Daniel has quickly shifted his focus to his side’s next assignment against Geylang International at Our Tampines Hub on Sunday (30 November), as the Tigers look to bounce back from that heartbreak. 

“Coach Marko (Kraljević) always reminds us that no matter who we’re up against, we must prepare for the game with the same intensity,” he said. 

“As long as we stick to the coaches’ instructions and game plan, we will have a good chance of progressing. We want to play our football without putting too much pressure on ourselves.”

Daniel shrugged off the notion that his side were underdogs, insisting that they had what it takes to make an impact. 

“I wouldn’t say we are the underdogs, because the Cup is very different from the league. Anything can happen,” he said. “Hopefully, we can spring a few surprises, and maybe even make it all the way to the final.”

Having returned to familiar territory for his third spell with the Tigers on 19 July, Daniel has settled into the team seamlessly. 

He was just one of the many new additions the Tigers have brought in ahead of the SPL season, including the likes of centre-back Mario Šubarić and forward Tin Matić.

And it didn’t take long for Daniel to strike up a close partnership with the pair on the pitch. 

“We have several quality foreigners, and it’s very easy for me to link up with them. They understand my strengths, especially my pace,” he said. “Whenever they get the ball, they are able to put it on a plate for me.” 

Having recently watched the Singapore National Team qualify for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup Finals only strengthened Daniel’s determination to return to the national fold.

“Every player wants to represent his country, and it’s been quite a while since I was last called up,” he said. “But as long as I keep improving and performing well, I believe the opportunity will come again. There’s still so much for me to learn.”

Looking back on his footballing journey, Daniel acknowledged that the challenges he faced have shaped him into not just a better footballer, but also a better person.

“Ever since I started playing football at a young age, I’ve sacrificed a lot of my social life and even missed some family birthday celebrations,” he said. 

“It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned to adopt the right attitude and persevere. I want to stay focused and keep growing as a player.”