We Should Not Get Carried Away: Akbar

New Tampines coach urges caution after 4-1 win over Sailors for first trophy in five years

- Kimberly Kwek

All eyes were on Lion City Sailors as they kicked off the 2025-26 season, having reinforced their squad with major signings, including two-time J1 League top scorer Anderson Lopes from Yokohama F. Marinos.

But it was BG Tampines Rovers who stole the show on Aug 16, lifting the Community Shield with a resounding 4-1 victory over the reigning Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions at the Jurong East Stadium.

The victory was a dream start for new head coach Akbar Nawas, who returned to helm the club following Gavin Lee's departure.

While pleased with the performance, Akbar was quick to urge caution.

He said: "We should not be carried away because ambitions can allow you to get carried away and you might get on the wrong end of the stick. If you are complacent about this, things may not go well.

"We have to take it one game at a time, one training at a time and be the best in every training we can and compete in every game we can to win because that would define our season."

BG Tampines made a flying start, taking the lead within two minutes.