He holds the record as the fastest player to hit four goals in Thai League 1 history and became the first Singaporean to score in the AFC Champions League knockout stage when he was 23. Despite these achievements, one milestone still eludes 25-year-old Ikhsan Fandi: a domestic trophy in Singapore football. 

Now, with BG Pathum returning to the Singapore Cup for the first time since they won the tourney in 2010, Ikhsan sees a chance to change that. "BG Pathum United has big ambitions, and I’m focused on helping the team win every competition," he said. 

"Every match is an opportunity, and we all need to follow the coach's strategy and give our all. In the Singapore Cup, we're facing a team on home soil, and they won’t make it easy for us to lift the trophy."

BG Pathum opens their Singapore Cup campaign against Tanjong Pagar United this Sunday, 2 February 2025, at the Jurong East Stadium, a venue that holds special significance for Ikhsan’s younger brother and BG teammate, Ilhan Fandi.

The 22-year-old played there with Albirex Niigata (S) in 2022. 

It was a year Ilhan will never forget — leading the White Swans to their fifth Singapore Premier League (SPL) title, scoring 15 goals after joining in midseason. He also became the first of the Fandi brothers to win two individual awards at the FAS Awards Night —‘Young Player of the Year’ and ‘Goal of the Year’ for his stunning bicycle kick against Balestier — and was included in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) ‘Team of the Year.’

While stepping back onto the familiar turf stirs up Ilhan’s memories, his focus is clear. 

“It feels familiar—Jurong East was home during my time with Albirex. I had great moments there, but now I’m with a different team, and my goal is the same: to help BG Pathum United, whether in the league or cup competitions,” he said. 

“We aim to win every trophy that’s up for grabs.”

BG Pathum’s Singapore Cup campaign adds to the already packed schedule for the Rabbits, as they’ll play a Thai League 1 match against Nongbua Pitchaya just a day before their Singapore Cup opener. Yet for Ikhsan, the chance to play on home soil makes the challenges worth it, especially since Jalan Besar Stadium will serve as their designated ‘home’ venue.

"Many of us made our debuts there, including myself," he said. "We won the Merlion Cup there with the Under-23s, so there are many special memories—it’s a stadium with history."

The brothers are also looking forward to reuniting with familiar faces—though they won’t be taking it easy on them. 

Ilhan expects a tough challenge against Lion City Sailors and Singapore captain Hariss Harun, labelling him "a hassle to play against every time."

Ikhsan, meanwhile, is eyeing a bit of fun in the competition. "If Zharfan [Rohaizad, Sailors’ goalkeeper] plays, I hope I get a chance to chip him!" he joked.

Beyond the rivalries and playful banter, the Fandi brothers are eager to play in front of Singapore fans, even while representing a foreign club. For Ikhsan, the experience is still special, even if BG Pathum is technically the away team. "Playing in front of a home crowd is always meaningful," he said. "Plus, I think fans will be excited to see what we bring to the pitch and see players like Sarach Yooyen and Chanathip Songkrasin up close.”

Ilhan echoed the sentiment, looking forward to the atmosphere at Jalan Besar. "Playing in front of Singapore fans is always great," he said. "Hopefully, we can put on a good show."

Get your tickets to catch the Fandi brothers at the Singapore Cup 2024/25 here!