Tanaye Morris, who has represented the CommBank Young Matildas, set to join Brisbane Roar’s squad for their trip to Singapore. Photo courtesy of Brisbane Roar. 

The Women’s Premier League’s (WPL) best will pit themselves against the Ninja A-League’s Brisbane Roar next Friday (4 April) at the Bishan Stadium, in an exhibition match that will be a milestone for both sides. 

The five-day tour is the first overseas stint for the Australian side looking to showcase the A-League programme, and do their part to promote the women’s game in Southeast Asia. For the WPL that is still an amateur competition, it is an opportunity to put Singapore women’s football in the national – perhaps even international – limelight. 

Brisbane Roar Head Coach Alex Smith is looking forward to doing his part for the cause. “As a head coach, my role is to put a team together and win games, but I’m also deeply interested in promoting the game, especially women’s football, beyond my primary role,” said Smith who has played in the now-defunct second-tiered Malaysia Premier League for Negeri Sembilan’s NS Matrix and Johor Darul Ta’zim FC II between 2015 to 2017.

“The more awareness and connectivity we can create between countries, especially in places like Singapore, a place I know really well, where they’re investing into women’s football, the better.”

Smith is also relishing the opportunity such a match provides his charges, especially up-and-coming players who have not enjoyed as much game time with the Roar, the chance to experience international travel, competing in different conditions, and the chance to compete against a quality all-star team.

Head Coach Alex Smith in a training session. Photo courtesy of Brisbane Roar. 

“The game itself is going to be a great opportunity for the WPL All-Stars to show what they can do, and for us to give some of the girls who haven’t played as much recently a chance to get 90 minutes hopefully in front of a great crowd,” he added. 

One player who is looking to stake a claim for a more regular spot in the Roar first XI, is Singapore’s own Danelle Tan, a player already writing her name into the women’s game history books. 

At just 20 years old, Tan is already the Lionesses’ top scorer, the first Singaporean to play in a European league when she turned out for the London Bees in February 2023, and later that year, the first Asian player to turn out for Borussia Dortmund’s women’s team, just to name a few. 

Her journey to top-flight football, however, has not been without challenges.

After signing with the Roar last year, Tan missed the start of the campaign with a knee injury that sidelined her for some two months. Since her comeback, Tan has made three substitute appearances and is still working towards scoring her first goal for the Roar.

“I think it’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” Tan admitted. “The season here doesn’t have a winter break, so the games come thick and fast. I had a good pre-season but then got injured, which wasn’t ideal. Sitting out for seven or eight games and then struggling to find my feet again in the squad has been tough.”

Photo courtesy of Brisbane Roar. 

But even that period out of action has not dampened Tan’s drive.

“Being able to train and play in world-class facilities, as well as share the changing room with world-class players like Matildas stars Tameka Yallop, Sharn and Laini Freier, as well as six-time Bulgarian Player of the Year Evdokiya Popadiynova, has been incredible. I’ve been getting used to the speed of play and adding new things to my belt,” she said.

“So really, it’s been about making the most of everything. Even though I might not have had as many game minutes as I’d have liked this season, I still feel I’ve grown and improved a lot as a person. 

“Ultimately, I believe that’s the most important thing.”

It is this mindset that Smith admires in Danelle. Describing her as a “wonderfully gifted technical player,” he believes the challenges she has faced – and her determination in the face of those challenges will only aid in her development.

He said: “She’s a fantastic, fantastic human being. I do believe this A-League will stand her in good stead for the rest of her career, even though she might not see it right now or fully enjoy it at the moment. 

“We’re doing everything we can to make the rest of the season an enjoyable experience for both her and the team.”

While Tan looks forward to standing across from her national team teammates and former clubmates—some of whom she has played with since she was six—it still feels like a pinch-me moment as she gets to witness and be a part of a significant piece of history in Singapore women’s football.

“Growing up, I would have loved to watch a game like this, to see a professional women’s team come and play back home in Singapore,” said Tan. “It’s a very exciting opportunity to help grow the game in Singapore, inspire more girls and maybe even make some new fans for Brisbane Roar back home.”

Photo courtesy of Brisbane Roar. 

Smith shares Tan’s enthusiasm, calling this a “unique opportunity” for young girls and women in Singapore to see a team of this calibre, especially in the local women’s football space. For him, regardless of which side triumphs, the true win will be seeing the crowd fill the stands in support of something meaningful.

“My message is simple: just get down to the match,” he said.

“It’s going to be a great outing, hopefully with quality football and thrilling attacking play.”

Get your tickets to the clash between Brisbane Roar and the WPL All-Stars on Friday, 4 April 2025, 8pm at Bishan Stadium here.

Ticket holders will receive 20% off the Weekend Brunch at Mosella, Pan Pacific Singapore*. In addition, ticket holders will also enjoy 20% off dining at ARFC outlets** and 5-a-side pitch bookings*** at The Arena.

*T&Cs for Mosella:

• Mention the 20% FAS ticket discount when booking.

• Present the match ticket to Mosella staff on the day of the reservation.

• Offer is applicable for dine-in brunch only.

• Valid from 1 April to 31 May 2025.

• Discount applies only to food, excluding beverages.

• Not valid on public holidays or special occasions such as Easter and Mother’s Day.

• Cannot be used in conjunction with other discounts or promotions.

• Prices are subject to a 10% service charge and 9% GST.

**T&Cs for dining at ARFC outlets:

• Valid from 1 to 30 April 2025.

• Not applicable on ARFC-organized event days or promotional items.
  Present the match ticket upon payment.

***T&Cs for pitch bookings at the Arena:

• Valid from 1 to 30 April 2025.

• Each ticket is valid for one discounted booking.

• Cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, or vouchers.

• Subject to availability.

• When booking the pitch, send the registered email and a screenshot of the match ticket via WhatsApp to 9088 0234.