High-flying Geylang International could not have hoped for a more positive outlook in 2025, having endured the disappointments of recent seasons during which silverware has eluded them for the last eight years.
This wave of optimism that has swept across Jalan Besar Stadium - the temporary homeground of the Eagles - comes off the back of a successful 2024.
In a nod to the storied club's 40th anniversary last year, the heroes in green - under the tutelage of long-serving coach Noor Ali - entertained the crowd with their exciting brand of attacking football and stormed to third place in the Singapore Premier League, a mere five points off the league's summit.
Pioneering Ultras Eagles (UE) capo Stanley Wong - who has been loyally supporting the fallen Singaporean giants through thick and thin since 2013 - hopes his freescoring team could carry their winning momentum in the new year.
With title frontrunners Lion City Sailors and Tampines Rovers within sight, Stanley says of his underdog side: "Let's continue to push as high as we can in the league table."
Other Eagles diehards like Idi Bakhtiar and Eugene Au are already starting to dream of an improbable title success when the season concludes in May. "May we keep our title hopes alive, and who knows, we could have a go at the title," they share telepathically.
After an enforced two-month break from league action due to the year-end ASEAN Championship, Geylang - in their quest for that elusive third league title - would have to overcome any rustiness and jet lag as they prepare for their away trip to Brunei DPMM this Saturday (January 18).
Forewarning the threat posed by the plucky Wasps is Stanley. Despite their mid-table mediocrity, the evergreen 49-year-old explains: "Brunei strengthen their team and our previous meetings (3-3 draw and 4-2 defeat this season) have shown that they are no pushovers.
"We have to be at our best and play as a team and be careful of their high balls from their keeper," he observes.
After failing to clinch three points in their recent two encounters with the Brunei outfit, UE chief Idi believes that the Geylang players would be pumped up to go for a victory in the third time asking. "For sure, the players are hungry for a win at BSB (Bandar Seri Begawan)."
For Eugene who will be making a 1,262km journey to the 28,000 capacity Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium, he expresses in no uncertain terms on what is at stake for the away clash. "I believe we have a good fighting chance against DPMM. Every win is crucial at this point of the season."
Team news: Based on club sources, Geylang have declared a near clean bill of health of their players, with the exception of Zikos Chua who has been flagged as injured.
Joining him on the sideline is Vincent Bezecourt. The French midfield maestro is suspended for the upcoming fixture after picking up his fourth yellow card of the season in the previous game against Hougang United.
Player to watch: Saifullah Akbar - In the absence of a viable option on Geylang's left flank, the new loanee from Tampines Rovers could be thrown straight into first-team action in Brunei. Having mostly seen limited minutes off the bench by his parent club, the 25-year-old would be keen to make up for lost time with the Eagles and re-energise his once-promising career.
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