When the 2022 edition of the Singapore Cup kicked off, not much was expected of Hougang United. 

Much of the early-season optimism surrounding the Cheetahs had faded by then, with the team finishing fifth in the eight-team Singapore Premier League (SPL) standings after suffering a few heavy defeats.

That is perhaps why the Hougang Singapore Cup tale remains one of the competition's greatest storylines – the battered Cheetahs went on a wild Cup run culminating in a 3-2 win over Tampines Rovers in the final to capture the first piece of silverware in their history. 

As a member of that cup-winning squad, winger Farhan Zulkifli still fondly recalls the highs of that campaign. 

“Winning the Singapore Cup – especially when we were not the favourites – was one of the greatest achievements of my career so far,” he said. 

“We had a rough start to the season back in 2022, but we peaked just in time for the Cup and managed to win the first piece of silverware in the club’s history. That was a special moment for me.” 

That experience bears similarities to their current campaign, with Hougang winning just one of their opening five SPL games. But with the team starting to turn things around after back-to-back triumphs in the Cup, Farhan is convinced the team has what it takes to go on another memorable run. 

“Not winning games was difficult for all of us, but now the mood in the team has really lifted. Now, we just want to carry that into the next game,” he said. 

“After experiencing what it feels like to lift the trophy, I’m determined to do it all again and help the Hougang fans relive that memory.” 

The most recent of those wins saw the Cheetahs see off a strong Geylang International side 3-0, with Farhan netting the second goal of the game to help Hougang climb to second in the Singapore Cup standings. 

“It wasn’t an easy game for us, as we struggled to get into our rhythm, especially in the first half,” he said. “But once we scored the first goal, the game changed. We managed to build on that and take control from there.”

The win brings Hougang to within three points of leaders Albirex Niigata (S), and with the Cheetahs still holding a game in hand, this sets up a crucial top-of-the-table showdown between the two sides on Saturday, 29 November. 

Farhan is determined to capitalise on Hougang’s momentum to get all three points to seal their place in their semi-finals 

“Having won both games so far, we are feeling very confident going into this match. Everyone in the team will be on their toes, and we'll give everything to secure that spot,” said the 23-year-old, whose side has three wins over the White Swans in the past five encounters. 

“Our aim has always been to go as far as possible, so qualifying for the semi-finals is something that motivates all of us.”

With three goals and three assists in six games in all competitions, Farhan’s output has been a major boost for the team this season. However, the winger believes there is still much more he can offer.

“One aspect of my game that I’ve been working hard on this season is my finishing,” he said. “I want to contribute to the team in any way I can, so playing in the first team regularly is important to me.” 

That desire to improve is fuelled by the environment around him at the club, where his teammates are constantly pushing each other to improve every day. 

“The character and attitude in the dressing room is fantastic. Every member of the squad – from the players to the backroom staff – plays an important role,” said Farhan.

“There’s a real desire to improve, and with so many positive changes at the club, it’s clearly 

been reflected in the way we perform on the pitch.” 

Tickets for Singapore Cup 2025/26 are available on Trip.com.