Geylang's Tomoyuki Doi up for top honours at SPL Awards Night after record-breaking season
Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi (second from right) scored a record-breaking 44 goals in 32 games this season. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE
SINGAPORE – Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi will have the chance to round off a sensational season at the Singapore Premier League (SPL) Awards Night, after being named among the nominees for several honours on May 27.
The Japanese star will receive the SPL Golden Boot and a special recognition award after scoring a league-record 44 goals in 31 appearances, surpassing former Singapore Armed Forces FC forward Mirko Grabovac's previous mark of 38 goals in a 33-game campaign in 2001.
His attacking exploits have also earned him a spot on the shortlist for the AIA SPL Player of the Year, alongside Lion City Sailors' defender Bailey Wright and forward Shawal Anuar, who played key roles in their club's title victory.
Doi, 27, said: 'I'm honoured to be nominated for the two awards. I really am grateful for everyone's support, especially those who supported me in the last 1½ years when I joined Geylang. The key to being where I am is that I have always believed in myself and kept the focus on getting better. It's as simple as that, nothing special.'
Due to be held at the Orchard Hotel on June 1, the event will see the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) celebrate standout performances from the SPL and the SPL Under-21 League, with accolades to be presented across 13 categories.
The Eagles had more reason to celebrate, with coach Noor Ali nominated for the Polar Mineral Water Coach of the Year award after leading Geylang to a third-placed finish – their best since 2003, when they were runners-up.
Also up for the award are the Sailors' title-winning coach Aleksandar Rankovic, a first-time nominee, and BG Tampines Rovers' Gavin Lee.
With the Sailors in the running for several top awards, their sporting director Badri Ghent hailed this as a team effort by everyone in the club.
In addition to claiming their second SPL title, the Sailors also impressed on the continental stage with a historic run to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two final, where they lost 2-1 to the United Arab Emirates' Sharjah FC.
Ghent said: 'It's a proud moment for everyone at Lion City Sailors and we're humbled to be up for such awards.
'They reflect not just the performances on the pitch, but the countless hours of hard work behind the scenes – from the players and coaches to the support staff and entire backroom team.'
He hopes the club can continue their progress after an exceptional season, adding: 'To bag these honours will be a befitting end to what has been a long and memorable season. We'd also like to thank FAS for recognising our efforts in the AFC Champions League Two.
'As a club, we continually challenge ourselves to be even better each season. We will continue to build on the momentum that has been laid this season and, hopefully, represent Singapore football with pride and dignity on the continental stage in the coming years.'
The AIA Young Player of the Year category features familiar talent and fresh faces. Seia Kunori is back in the running, this time as a Tampines player, having clinched the award in 2023 while playing for then-champions Albirex Niigata.
The attacker is joined by Hougang United winger Farhan Zulkifli and first-time nominee Shingo Nakano, who plies his trade as a forward for Albirex.
Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing.
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Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Geylang's Tomoyuki Doi up for top honours at SPL Awards Night after record-breaking season
Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi (second from right) scored a record-breaking 44 goals in 32 games this season. ST PHOTO: DESMOND WEE SINGAPORE – Geylang International striker Tomoyuki Doi will have the chance to round off a sensational season at the Singapore Premier League (SPL) Awards Night, after being named among the nominees for several honours on May 27. The Japanese star will receive the SPL Golden Boot and a special recognition award after scoring a league-record 44 goals in 31 appearances, surpassing former Singapore Armed Forces FC forward Mirko Grabovac's previous mark of 38 goals in a 33-game campaign in 2001. His attacking exploits have also earned him a spot on the shortlist for the AIA SPL Player of the Year, alongside Lion City Sailors' defender Bailey Wright and forward Shawal Anuar, who played key roles in their club's title victory. Doi, 27, said: 'I'm honoured to be nominated for the two awards. I really am grateful for everyone's support, especially those who supported me in the last 1½ years when I joined Geylang. The key to being where I am is that I have always believed in myself and kept the focus on getting better. It's as simple as that, nothing special.' Due to be held at the Orchard Hotel on June 1, the event will see the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) celebrate standout performances from the SPL and the SPL Under-21 League, with accolades to be presented across 13 categories. The Eagles had more reason to celebrate, with coach Noor Ali nominated for the Polar Mineral Water Coach of the Year award after leading Geylang to a third-placed finish – their best since 2003, when they were runners-up. Also up for the award are the Sailors' title-winning coach Aleksandar Rankovic, a first-time nominee, and BG Tampines Rovers' Gavin Lee. With the Sailors in the running for several top awards, their sporting director Badri Ghent hailed this as a team effort by everyone in the club. In addition to claiming their second SPL title, the Sailors also impressed on the continental stage with a historic run to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League Two final, where they lost 2-1 to the United Arab Emirates' Sharjah FC. Ghent said: 'It's a proud moment for everyone at Lion City Sailors and we're humbled to be up for such awards. 'They reflect not just the performances on the pitch, but the countless hours of hard work behind the scenes – from the players and coaches to the support staff and entire backroom team.' He hopes the club can continue their progress after an exceptional season, adding: 'To bag these honours will be a befitting end to what has been a long and memorable season. We'd also like to thank FAS for recognising our efforts in the AFC Champions League Two. 'As a club, we continually challenge ourselves to be even better each season. We will continue to build on the momentum that has been laid this season and, hopefully, represent Singapore football with pride and dignity on the continental stage in the coming years.' The AIA Young Player of the Year category features familiar talent and fresh faces. Seia Kunori is back in the running, this time as a Tampines player, having clinched the award in 2023 while playing for then-champions Albirex Niigata. The attacker is joined by Hougang United winger Farhan Zulkifli and first-time nominee Shingo Nakano, who plies his trade as a forward for Albirex. Kimberly Kwek joined The Straits Times in 2019 as a sports journalist and has since covered a wide array of sports, including golf and sailing. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Tomoyuki Doi named Player of the Year at Singapore Premier League awards night
Geylang International's Tomoyuki Doi wins the AIA Player of the Year gong, Golden Boot and a special award at the SPL Awards Night held at Orchard Hotel on June 1, 2025. PHOTO: LIANHE ZAOBAO SINGAPORE – Fresh off a stunning season in which Tomoyuki Doi plundered a league-record 44 goals in 31 Singapore Premier League (SPL) appearances, the Geylang International striker was crowned the AIA Player of the Year for a second time on June 1. The Japanese striker's hands were full after the 2024-25 SPL Awards Night at Orchard Hotel, as he also won the Golden Boot and a special award for surpassing former Singapore Armed Forces FC forward Mirko Grabovac's record of 38 goals in a 33-game campaign in 2001. 'At the start of the season, of course I couldn't imagine that I will end it with these goals and awards. I am thankful for all my teammates who have helped me to achieve such a special season and night,' said the 27-year-old. Just as he did in 2021, when he won the Player of the Year award and Golden Boot with Hougang United before returning home to play in the Japan third tier with Fujieda MYFC, Doi confirmed that he will leave the SPL again. ST understands that he has sealed a move to Thai giants BG Pathum United. While Doi declined to confirm his destination, he added: 'I am going for a new challenge and a new experience which I'm really excited about. I will miss my teammates and coaches and I'm really sad to leave Singapore.' Revealing that he had received several offers from the region before deciding on the move, Doi added that he had been 'stressed' while weighing up his options. Brunei DPMM, who will be playing in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) next season, had publicly indicated their interest in SPL's top hitman, while reports in Malaysia also linked him with MSL runners-up Selangor FC. 'Ultimately, I felt positive about what (the new club) thought about me, how much they expressed they wanted me, what kind of players they have and the project they are building,' he added without naming the club. Doi, whose goals helped Geylang finish third in the nine-team league – their highest placing since finishing second in 2003 – was also named in the SPL Team of the Year. He also became only the second player to win the SPL Player of the Year award more than once, joining former Lions forward Aleksandar Duric, who claimed the prestigious honour in 2007, 2008, and 2012. Another Japanese talisman leaving the SPL following an award-winning season is Seia Kunori. The BG Tampines Rovers attacker made it back-to-back campaigns of being named the Young Player of the Year. It is understood that the 24-year-old will be joining Thai top-tier side Bangkok United after two seasons here. Like Doi, Kunori declined to confirm the move, but said he was looking to improve as a player. Kunori, who racked up 17 goals and 12 assists in 32 SPL games, added: 'Every year, I keep wanting to be a better player. Wherever I go, I want to be champion and that is what I will try to achieve.' Meanwhile, the Sailors' domestic clean sweep – winning the SPL and the Singapore Cup – saw Aleksandar Rankovic bagging the Coach of the Year accolade. The Sailors also made a historic journey to the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) final, where they lost 2-1 to Emirati giants Sharjah FC. The 46-year-old Serb, who was appointed Sailors coach in June 2023, said: 'Winning everything domestically, getting to the ACL2 final was a dream. It's an honour to win this award but it belongs to my staff and players because without them, I won't get it.' The Sailors were represented by their Player of the Year nominees Bailey Wright and Shawal Anuar, as well as Toni Datkovic, Maxime Lestienne, Bart Ramselaar and Lennart Thy in the Team of the Year. Rankovic and his players will now be heading overseas for a break with their respective families before the next season kicks off in August. ST understands that among the changes mooted for the new season are an increase in the foreign player quota. The latest campaign saw each club registering up to nine foreigners, including three Under-21 players, with clubs having to field at least five local players on each matchday. Deepanraj Ganesan is a sports journalist at The Straits Times focusing on football, athletics, combat sports and policy-related news. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Straits Times
Leadership renewal at BG Tampines Rovers as chairman Desmond Ong steps aside
Outgoing BG Tampines Rovers chairman Desmond Ong hugging coach Gavin Lee during the medal presentation of the Singapore Cup final at Jalan Besar Stadium on May 31. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR SINGAPORE – For the first time since 2017, BG Tampines Rovers will see a change in leadership, after lawyer Desmond Ong stepped down as chairman of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) side to make way for Japanese investment banker Shungo Sakamoto. Ong, 56, told The Straits Times that Sakamoto, who has been the Stags' vice-chairman since 2024 after joining the management committee in 2023, became the new chairman on June 1. Ong will still be a member of the club's management committee. Desmond Ong (far left) has handed over the chairmanship of BG Tampines Rovers to Shungo Sakamoto ST PHOTO: DEEPANRAJ GANESAN In an interview with ST shortly after the Stags lost 1-0 to the Lion City Sailors in the Singapore Cup final at Jalan Besar Stadium on May 31, Ong said leadership renewal has been in the works as he was at the helm for almost eight years. Ong, a managing partner of law firm Solitaire LLP, said: 'I've always wanted to step away as soon as we found the right person to take over. Over the years, there have been people who have indicated their interest in wanting to come in and take over, but this was the right time and we have (found) the right person. 'In his own way, he's shown to be cerebral and passionate and he has supported local football for a number of years. So I'm very confident and comfortable that the club will be in very good hands under his stewardship.' Ong also clarified that stepping down as Stags chairman was not due to his new role with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) – in April, he became deputy president of the new FAS council for the 2025-29 term. Sakamoto, 38, a Japanese citizen who immigrated to Singapore in 2019, is not the first foreigner to be a club chairman here. Current Albirex Niigata chairman Daisuke Korenaga is also Japanese. Sakamoto is the executive director and founder of investment company Sakamoto Capital. Previously known as Black Clover, the firm has been a sponsor of both Albirex and the Stags for the 2023 and 2024-25 campaigns. A social footballer, Sakamoto has spent the past few years helping to arrange casual football competitions among Japanese expats. It was through these social matches that he was introduced to the Albirex hierarchy before befriending Tampines midfielder Kyoga Nakamura, who introduced him to the Stags' management committee. Sakamoto said he is eager to build on the club's foundation, tap on the partnerships – such as the three-year collaboration with Thailand's BG Pathum inked in 2023 – and bring about benefits with his own connections to Japanese football. He is confident that the Stags will continue to push the Sailors and has set his sights on winning the SPL in the coming years. Their last league title was in 2013. In the latest campaign, Tampines were runners-up in the Singapore Cup and the SPL, where they finished eight points behind the Sailors. 'We want to beat the Sailors, to be the No. 1 team in Singapore, and I want more fans to support us and, hopefully in the future, our home stadium is always crowded,' said Sakamoto. Meanwhile, Ong admitted he had not expected to stay as club chairman for so long. He expressed happiness in helping to build a consistent pipeline of national players. He highlighted the bold decision to offer long-term contracts to players as a way to improve job stability. He is proud of keeping the club competitive domestically and representing the nation in continental competitions despite financial limitations. The Stags, whose last major trophy was the Singapore Cup in 2019, have finished in the top three of the SPL since the 2022 season. Ong said when he replaced lawyer Krishna Ramachandra in 2017, the club were $3 million in debt. Together with his committee members, they worked hard to reduce it. As a result of him putting his own money into the club, the bulk of the debt is owed to Ong, who is comfortable with the arrangement as it allows the club to operate without external financial pressure. He also praised his coaching staff and management team for consistently punching above their weight. He then delivered a farewell jab, saying: 'Whenever anybody loses to us, they say 'Tampines is so well resourced, they are a rich club'. I say to them show me your books and I'll show you my books. We get the same subvention as everyone else. 'A lot of our players became national players on my watch. So to all the people out there who are tempted to say that we are a rich club who only sign national players, can you please come look for me, show the books and then we can compare.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
