As the final whistle blew on Saturday, 15 February, they slumped to the plastic green turf of the Jurong East Stadium.  Decked in their orange home kit, the players of Albirex Niigata (S) had just come out short in an intense battle with BG Tampines Rovers. And despite a spirited late fightback, the sweat-drenched White Swans were unable to overturn a two-goal deficit against the Stags that 2-1 defeat leaving their Singapore Cup hopes hanging by a thin thread.

After back-to-back defeats in their opening two games, Albirex are bottom of Group A, and now face a steep uphill task to reach the semi-finals of the tourney. 

White Swans full-back Gareth Low is more determined than ever to break Albirex’s run of not surviving the group stages of the Singapore Cup in the past three editions of the competition. It does not get any easier for his side - their next assignment in the cup is a tough fixture against Brunei DPMM, who currently sit at the top of the group standings. 

“The reality is that the odds are stacked against,” said Gareth. “But the team is committed to doing our utmost best to fight for the badge and go as far as possible in the competition.”

Albirex last reached the semi-finals in 2018, and they eventually won the cup after beating DPMM 4-1 in the final that year. Though he was not part of the squad at the time, Gareth is well aware of the significance of securing all three points against the Bruneian outfit to reignite their cup campaign.

“Our mentality going into every game is to win at all costs because that’s the beauty of the sport, and this game is no exception,” explained the full-back. “Everyone has been preparing and training hard every day, so on game day we know exactly what our roles are to get the win.” 

It has been a long season of ups and downs for Gareth who is one of the many locals to have signed for the club in their transitional year towards becoming a fully localised side. The club endured a rough start to the season, but have since found their rhythm - winning seven of their last 10 league matches. 

Gareth Low in action against Balestier in Singapore Cup. Photo courtesy of PlaymakerSG.

“It has definitely been a long season, especially since our preseason started all the way back in February 2024. We have been trying our best to manage the physical load, and the team looks in good shape now,” reflected Gareth.

“However, I think what has made the season extra fulfilling was that despite the tough start, we have all improved both individually and collectively as the season went on.”

A major factor behind Albirex’s upturn in form was the appointment of head coach Keiji Shigetomi in July. This seemed to have rejuvenated the players, with Albirex once again showing glimpses of that all-conquering side that teams in the league once feared. 

“I think Coach Keiji’s focus on discipline and intensity during training sessions has helped the team to maintain optimal fitness levels throughout the season, which in turn has led to improved performances on the pitch,” said Gareth.

“This is part of the culture that the club has instilled, which includes showing up early for training to put in extra work. Doing this regularly has taught me to place more emphasis on listening to what my body needs to keep on training and playing at 100%.” 

Paying tribute to The Swan Army - Albirex’s dedicated fan group - that has stood by the team in what has turned out to be a roller-coaster season, Gareth said: “Our fans have been amazing this year. They have been unwavering in their support through all the sweet victories and tough defeats we’ve experienced, and we want to repay their faith with a strong run in the Singapore Cup.” 

Albirex’s clash with Brunei DPMM wraps up Matchday 3 of the Singapore Cup, with Young Lions defeating Hougang United 3-0 at the Jalan Besar Stadium, and BG Pathum United’s 2-1 win over Balestier Khalsa at the Bishan Stadium in the earlier two matches. 

All Singapore Cup matches are broadcast live on StarHub TV, Singtel TV, and meWATCH. Fans can also catch the action on the SPL’s official YouTube channel.