Geylang International endured a rocky start to the 2025/26 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season, battling to a 0-0 draw with BG Tampines Rovers before falling 2-0 to Albirex Niigata (S). 

But they bounced back with three consecutive wins to soar into second spot in the standings, with new signing Shahdan Sulaiman asserting that Geylang’s secret sauce is its team ethic – a facet that he believes puts them in good stead for as they embark on their Singapore Cup campaign this weekend. 

“We did not start the season too well, but I’m happy that we managed to bounce back with three straight wins,” said Shahdan who joined Geylang with over 300 league appearances and three league titles under his belt. 

"There is a strong family-like spirit within the team, and everyone is very close to one another. Whenever issues arise, we make sure to talk things through and resolve them together,” he explained. “ But there are still areas we can improve on, and we will keep getting better as the season goes on.” 

The Geylang spirit will be tested again soon – in their opening group stage Singapore Cup fixture this Saturday, 1 November, against Albirex at Our Tampines Hub.

“Albirex beat us earlier this season and are in good form, so I expect a tough game,” explained Shahdan. “It’s a Cup game and things will be different, so we will give everything we can to get the three points.” 

The 37-year-old playmaker shares a special connection with the Singapore Cup, having won it twice with Tampines Rovers in 2006 and 2019. 

And along with his trademark composure on the ball and ability to pick out passes, he brings that winning experience to the Geylang dressing room.

“Winning the Singapore Cup title was definitely one of the highlights of my career. I’m grateful to be part of this competition again, and I want to compete for the title again,” said Shahdan, who is determined to taste victory again with his new club.

“I go into every match and every tournament wanting to win everything. Although football does not always go your way, I still carry that winning mentality whenever I step onto the pitch,” he said.

There were also initial concerns over how the Eagles would cope with the departure of 44-goal striker Tomoyuki Doi, but Geylang seemed to have recruited shrewdly, with Shahdan and other signings like former Balestier Khalsa forward Riku Fukashiro and Serbian centre-back Nikola Ignjatovic who have all adapted quickly to life at the club. 

“The transition to life at Geylang has been pretty seamless as the coaching staff, management, and players have been very welcoming,” said Shahdan who again pointed to the close-knit environment and camaraderie within the team for making the adjustment easier.

Having tasted the feeling of lifting the cup, Shahdan is determined to lead his side to a strong showing this year. With the Eagles bowing out in the group stage in the past two editions, the midfielder is eager to make his mark.

And he called for the Geylang faithful to once again show up in force and stand with their Eagles as they embark on their Singapore Cup campaign. 

“We are very grateful to the fans for their unwavering support,” said Shahdan. “I hope that they will come down to catch the game this weekend – and we will do our best to go all the way for them.” 

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