Japanese Trio 'A Good Example'

Young Lions coach highlights imports' role as side look set to avoid last spot

- Kimberly Kwek

Having finished last in their past three Singapore Premier League (SPL) campaigns, the Young Lions were determined not to let history repeat itself in the 2024-25 season.

With just six matches remaining, the developmental side look on course not to end up bottom for the first time since 2020 as they sit eighth in the nine-team table, 12 points ahead of Tanjong Pagar United.

Following a 0-0 draw with Albirex Niigata at the Jurong East Stadium on April 13, they need just seven more points to ensure an unassailable advantage over the Jaguars.

Young Lions interim coach Fadzuhasny Juraimi said: "We want to do better than the previous year and we've collectively agreed that we want to go as high as possible.

"As much as possible, we do not want to finish last. At the end of the day, I'm more focused on them performing well first and if the result comes, it's positive for us."

The last time that the Young Lions avoided the wooden spoon was five years ago, when they finished seventh among eight teams.

It is also still possible for the team, who have 25 points, to move further up the table as they are just one point behind DPMM.