December 9, 2023, is a date that holds special significance for Lion City Sailors’ Aleksandar Rankovic.

On that day, the Serbian clinched his first-ever trophy as a head coach, guiding his side to a commanding 3–1 victory over Hougang United in the 2023 Singapore Cup Final.

Just over two years on, the Sailors have the chance to make history by lifting the Singapore Cup for a third consecutive time when they face BG Tampines Rovers in Saturday’s Final (10 January) at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

“I’m emotionally attached to this trophy because it was not just my first trophy in Singapore, but also my first as a head coach. It holds a lot of value for me,” said Rankovic.

“One of our goals at the start of the season was to reach the Final. No matter the competition, it’s never easy to play in three finals in a row. But it’s just another game for us, and the mood in the camp is great.”

His opposite number, BG Tampines Head Coach Noh Rahman, is all too familiar with the Sailors. Having previously served as an assistant coach to the reigning champions, the 45-year-old was in the Stags’ dugout in last year’s Final when they suffered a narrow  1–0 defeat.

As the head coach of the club now following Gavin Lee’s departure, Noh is determined to right the wrongs from last year’s clash.

​“Losing the Final was a big disappointment for all of us, and I’m sure the boys who played in that final will be more motivated to win it,” he said. “It’s a big first game of the year, and we want to get a good result.”

​His side has punched above their weight this season on the continental stage, catching the eye with a perfect group-stage record to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Asian Champions League (ACL) Two, defeating the likes of Korea’s Pohang Steelers and BG Pathum United along the way. They also sit at the top of their group in the ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) Shopee Cup.

BG Tampines have already laid down a marker this season, romping to a 4–1 win over the Sailors to claim the Community Shield in August.

However, Noh insisted that on Saturday, the Stags’ full focus is on clinching their first Singapore Cup title since 2019.

“We are quite calm heading into this game,” he said. “The squad has plenty of experienced players, and everyone is clear about their roles and responsibilities on the pitch.”

​“It will be about finding the right solutions during the game. We are relishing the chance to be here, and none of us will take this Final for granted.”

Both sides will be strengthened by key new additions. The Stags have secured former Japan international midfielder Yuki Kobayashi, while the Sailors have brought in winger Luka Adzic and midfielder Kyoga Nakamura from Bangkok United to replace the departed Maxime Lestienne.

​As Rankovic bids for his fifth piece of silverware with the Sailors, he is also under no illusions about the task that awaits his side in what is set to be a closely-contested Final.

​“It’s a very different BG Tampines side from last season, and they are performing really well in the ACL Two,” he said.

“We’re expecting a challenging encounter, but we are used to playing such matches. Our meetings have always been competitive, so it will be an exciting game to watch.”

Tickets for the Final fixtures are available on Trip.com.