DEVELOPMENT STILL KEY

But more imports for Young Lions has observers worried for SEA Games

- Deepanraj Ganesan

The Young Lions are playing in their 22nd season in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) and the pride are sporting a different look for the 2024-25 campaign.

Five foreign players make up the core of the team, alongside several local players who will be overaged for the next SEA Games in 2025.

While local football observers have questioned if the priorities have changed for the developmental side, Singapore national team coach Tsutomu Ogura and Young Lions coach Nazri Nasir told The Straits Times the primary focus is still developing youth footballers for the national team and other SPL clubs.

Ogura, who is the director of Singapore's "A" & Under-22 teams, stressed that the Young Lions provide an opportunity for young players in Singapore, particularly for those in national service.

He said in an interview on May 23: "For us, Young Lions are very important for (local) player development and to develop young players for the U-22 and national team. We also want to develop a concept of play for the Young Lions that is same as the national team, so that it is easy for them to adapt when they (reach) the national team. This is the main target."