SINGAPORE – Women’s league football in Singapore will retain its tom yam flavour next season, as Royal Arion president Simon Tan committed to more collaborations to bring in quality Thai players, after his side won the Women’s National League (WNL) title in a dramatic play-off final on Oct 15.

After sweeping through the single round-robin format of the second-tier, eight-team competition with a perfect seven wins, 49 goals scored and none conceded, and then beating Ayer Rajah Gryphons 10-0 in the play-off semi-finals, they were made to work for the championship.

In front of a boisterous 500-strong crowd at Woodlands Stadium, a significant turnout for women’s league football here, Royal Arion trailed in the final to a seventh-minute goal by Mattar Sailors’ Raeka Ee.

However, a three-minute blitz turned things around as Serena Bok equalised before Thai international Orapin Waenngoen grabbed the winner and the $8,000 winners’ cheque for her team with her 35th goal of the season.

Tan, who is also the president of top-tier Women’s Premier League (WPL) side Still Aerion, hailed the impact of the World Cup players – former Thailand captain Sunisa Srangthaisong, Pikul Khueanpet, Waraporn Boonsing and Orapin – he recruited from Thai club BGC-College of Asian Scholars.

Despite initial concerns about loss of playing time for local players, Tan, 44, said: “This was something we needed to do to lift the standard of play and provide our players the opportunity to see and learn from footballers who have more experience and better skills.

“We will continue to work with BGC-CAS to bring quality players to our club to play in both the WPL and WNL. I strongly believe that our local girls will greatly improve as they train with world-class players. We have seen how this has inspired our players and lifted their confidence and desire to raise their technical abilities.

“The club are still a work in progress but we now know that with the right mindset and contribution by everyone from the club along with the right resources and tools, we can get it right and bring the club to the next level.

“Year 2024 and beyond will be different as we set our eyes on both WPL and WNL titles, and with that we will strive to inspire the next generation of women footballers in Singapore.”

While women’s league football here is yet to reach professional levels, Tan improved his teams’ standards by introducing sports science and strength and conditioning as part of the training syllabus, while owning The Arena Singapore and Cafe Football helped provide training facilities, as well as extra working experience for the Thais.

Orapin was overjoyed to achieve personal and team targets, and was looking forward to returning next season.

The 28-year-old striker said: “All of our football team members and colleagues at Cafe Football were so lovely. They have always been supportive and took great care of us.

“Personally, I think that Singapore players are talented and are continuing to develop. Having foreign players in the teams will create positive competition and challenges, and there can be an exchange of knowledge and skills.”

Royal Arion’s local players Mavis Lim and Joyce Foo were impressed by the Thais’ humility despite their “exceptional skills”, as well as their “down-to-earth attitude” and emphasis on teamwork, which combined to create a positive and motivational environment for their team.

Skipper and defender Lim also learnt from the imports about the importance of honing individual skill sets. She noted: “Striking the ball with the right technique delivers better than trying to strike with brute strength. I was so amazed when my ball could fly with ease with the right technique.

“I also realised how Zara (Orapin) runs so fast from our strength and conditioning sessions, as we work on the way we swing our arms with the right speed and technique to run faster.”

Midfielder Foo added: “Their commitment to training and attention to detail taught me the importance of perseverance and constantly striving for improvement.

“Moreover, their willingness to share their knowledge and experiences has been invaluable. They take the time to mentor and help develop the skills of their teammates. Their patience in answering questions and offering guidance has allowed me to learn from their expertise.”