Match Preview: Refreshed Eagles Look to Up Their Game in New Campaign

Photo credit: Geylang International FC

"How sure are you?" A football insider issued a challenge on the Ultras Eagles (UE) WhatsApp group chat, casting doubt on a transfer rumour of Geylang International academy product Zikos Chua joining Albirex Niigata for the 2025/26 season.

When it was subsequently revealed that Chua would be switching to fierce cross-town rivals Tampines Rovers in the new campaign, the fan group's news forwarder unveiled his source, proving where he got his news from.

Once the information fog clears up with the Eagles officially announcing their signings and promotion of academy players on social media, a couple of notable additions have created a buzz among the faithful.

"Ho Wai Loon," says Jeff Saleh with a dead seriousness in his face. "He left as soon as he came.

"Jokes aside," he breaks into a cheeky smile. "Actually it's Jumbo," referring to the 1.83m targetman Shuhei Hoshino. "I always like him, and am looking forward to see him in action."

Joining the "Jumbo" fandom is Alex Bong, who never imagined even in his wildest dreams that the Japanese hotshot from Albirex Niigata would make a move to the Eagles Nest. "Frankly, I was caught by surprise given our club's shoestring budget," shares the ardent fan.

As Geylang transitions into a post-Doi era following the departure of the newly crowned Singapore Premier League (SPL) Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner to BG Pathum United, Alex is confident that the new recruit will deliver the goals. "He will be a good replacement for Doi," he proclaims approvingly.

While Jeff opines that Hoshino is not a carbon copy of Doi, he will be an attacking boost for the two-time league champions. "I don't think he will be as prolific as Doi," he concedes. "But he is more of a team player with a good No. 9 instinct."

Another Japanese signing who has energised the Eagles fanbase is Riku Fukashiro. A left winger who is also comfortable playing across the attacking third, Fukashiro had chipped in a total of 16 goals and 16 assists during his previous two SPL campaigns with Albirex Niigata and Balestier Khalsa.

"I'm excited to see how many goals he can contribute this season," enthuses UE chief Idi Bakhtiar.

Even before the season kickoff, Idi already has a good first impression of the 25-year-old, having interacted with him during a home jersey promotional shoot. "Riku will be great with the fans," he affirms.

With the Geylang club hierarchy being astute in their transfer dealings over the summer, supporters are generally upbeat on their chances in clinching a season opener victory over derby rivals Tampines this Sunday (August 24).

"I'm expecting a win," Idi makes a bold declaration, putting faith on his beloved team. "It'd be a great opening start to the campaign."

"Jumbo" fanboy Alex believes that his favourite player would be key to unlocking the Stags defence. "So long as we have more wing play to Jumbo, then we have a good chance of getting the three points."

But a derby win may not come easy, in view of how Tampines had cut through the Lion City Sailors defence like knife through butter in last weekend's Community Shield game.

Inspired by a brilliant Trent Anthony Buhagiar, the Malta international ran riot on the left flank and scored a brace against a supposedly strong Sailors rearguard.

"While I usually go with my heart than my brain when it comes to Eastern derbies, I think Tampines will win," admits Eagles diehard Jeff.

The software engineer - who is instrumental in the creation of the UE Blog and the fan-driven SPL Fantasy game - explains: "We are known to be slow starters, with the team sorting themselves out in the opening fixtures, and to only show up in the second round.

"Or we will play well and the match officials will screw it up as always during derby games," he laments.

Come derby day, head coach Noor Ali and his untested charges will hope to spring a surprise or two.

Team news: Geylang are all set and ready for the new season, with a full-strength squad to call upon.

Player to watch: Nikola Ignjatovic

"I believe he is a good signing. Finally, we have a no-nonsense defender from Europe." - Alex Bong

"With our history of leaky defences, Nikola is someone I would like to see if he could help the team plug those leaks at the back. He looks like a proper centre-back, but can he adapt to a dominantly Japanese contingent?" - Jeff Saleh