The stage is set for a thrilling start to the 2025 Singapore Football League 1 (SFL) season as reigning champions Singapore Khalsa Association take on last season’s runners-up, the Singapore Cricket Club (SCC), in the SFL Challenge Cup at Jalan Besar Stadium on Sunday, 13 April.

Khalsa, who have firmly established themselves as a powerhouse in the amateur football scene, are eyeing a fourth consecutive league title and a third straight Challenge Cup. But they know Sunday’s match will not be a walk in the park – SCC, who finished just two points behind them last year, are keen to challenge again.

“Last season was disappointing for us, but that disappointment has fuelled the team,” said SCC head coach Steven Tan, who was named the SFL Coach of the Year at the recent Football Association of Singapore Amateur Awards Night.

“Khalsa are three-time SFL1 champions, so we know we’re going in as underdogs. In a season opener like this, it’s all about who adapts better and makes fewer mistakes,” he added. 

On the other hand, Khalsa head coach Sukhvinder Singh is relishing the opportunity of another showdown with SCC.

“We’re excited to face SCC in the season opener—it’s always a great challenge. They gave us a tough fight last season,” he said. 

“Since it’s the first match, it will set the tone for the rest of the league – and we’re determined to start strong.” 

Both teams have had intense preparations ahead of this season. In a move designed to encourage youth development,  all SFL1 clubs are required to include three Under-23 players in their squads from this season onwards. 

For Khalsa and SCC alike, integrating younger players has been a key part of their preparations.

“We’ve been working on integrating the new players and getting them to understand the club’s philosophy – how we play and how we work as a team,” explained Tan. 

Additionally, Khalsa began their pre-season in January, taking part in a series of friendlies both locally and overseas.

“Training has been important, but just as crucial has been building camaraderie, especially with new players joining us,” said Sukhvinder. “We understand the importance of cohesion, and these matches have been invaluable in preparing us for the season ahead.”

As both coaches gear up for the curtain-raiser, they are aligned in their ambition: to win the league. But with the competition heating up, they know the road ahead won’t be easy.

Tan is under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead.

“SFL1 has become stronger—every team is beefing up. There are no clear favourites this year, so every match is going to be a real fight,” the 55-year-old former national striker said, acknowledging the increased intensity across the league.

Sukhvinder shares a similar perspective, but remained confident in his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion. 

“We’ll be putting in extra effort to ensure we stay at our best, and we’ll approach each match with the same determination and focus needed to defend our title,” he said.

Photo courtesy of Singapore Khalsa Association.

Elsewhere, the SFL1 season will feature three other fixtures, also on 13 April. At Bedok Stadium, Project Vaults Oxley SC will face Katong FC at 5:00pm. 

Over at Clementi Stadium, Yishun Sentek Mariners FC take on newly promoted Jungfrau Punggol FC at 5:00pm, followed by Police SA vs Tengah FC—a side making their SFL1 debut after promotion from SFL2—at 7:30pm.

In SFL2, five matches are scheduled across Bukit Gombak, Woodlands, and Bedok Stadiums. GDT Circuit FC and Westwood El’Junior FC will be making their league debuts after earning promotion from the Islandwide League. 

GDT Circuit FC face Bishan Barx FC at 7:30pm at Woodlands Stadium, while Westwood meet GFA Victoria FC, last season’s Fairplay Award winners.

Kick-off for the Challenge Cup clash between Khalsa and SCC is at 6:00pm this Sunday, 13 April 2025, at Jalan Besar Stadium. Entry is free.

Click on the links for the official fixtures for the respective competitions.