Wikipedia

LionsXII

LionsXII( "Lions Twelve" ), also known asSingapore LionsXII,was a Singaporean football club founded in 2011 that played in theMalaysia Super League,the top tier of Malaysian football, from their inaugural season until their dissolution following the 2015 season. Their home ground was the 10,000-capacityJalan Besar Stadium,where they had played all their home matches since their establishment.[1]

LionsXII
Full nameLionsXII
Nickname(s)The Lions
Founded5 December 2011(12 years ago)(2011-12-05)
Dissolved4 December 2015(8 years ago)(2015-12-04)
GroundJalan Besar Stadium
Capacity10,000
OwnerFootball Association of Singapore
LeagueMalaysia Super League
2015Malaysia Super League,7th of 12

Managed by theFootball Association of Singapore,the squad marked the return of Singapore to domestic football in Malaysia since theSingapore FA's representative team(nicknamed the "Lions" ) was dissolved following theMalaysia Cupin 1994. The name is a combination of Lions and XII, which is a special tribute to the fans, who are generally recognised as football's "12th Man". Its motto was "For Country, For Fans. For Passion.”[1]

LionsXII's home kit was in royal red, using the colours of the national flag. Their away kit was in blue, designed to evoke memories of the jersey used in the 1980s and earlier. The club emblem, designed to resemble a lion's paw, showed a fierce and aggressive-looking lion between the white feathery lines.[1]

LionsXII's first silverware was the2013 Malaysia Super Leaguetrophy, in only their second season in the competition; they had finished second in 2012. Their second silverware was the2015 Malaysia FA Cupwhen they beatKelantan FA3–1 in the final after a stunning display at the Bukit Jalil Stadium.

History

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In 2011, theFootball Association of Singaporeand theFootball Association of Malaysiareached an agreement that would see greater co-operation between the two nations. One of the intended avenues would see the Under-23s play in theMalaysia Super LeagueandMalaysia Cupfrom 2012 onwards, the first time a Singaporean team would be participating in a Malaysian domestic football league since 1994, when Singapore won the M-League and Piala Malaysia double.[2]Although the new Singapore team would have the existing Under-23s forming its core, senior players were also called upon to guide the younger players. No foreign players were allowed to be part of the Singapore team as this project served as being developmental.

2012 season

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Main article:2012 LionsXII season
Typical support from LionsXII fans at theJalan Besar Stadiumevery home match

LionsXII debuted in the2012 Malaysia Super Leagueon 10 January 2012 with a 1–2 home defeat to defending championsKelantan FA.[3]The LionsXII's first win was a 2–1 victory overKuala Lumpur FAon 17 January.[4]The LionsXII's first away win was a 1–0 victory overSabah FAon 21 January.[5]LionsXII began their2012 Piala FAquest on 18 February, with a 3–0 win overUiTM.[6]The LionsXII made their way to the quarter-final with a 2–0 win overBetaria[7]on 10 March 2012. However, they were beaten byTerengganu FAin the quarter-finals. On 16 June 2012, they defeatedSabah FA9–0 at home, the biggest win in the MSL season. LionsXII finished second in the league behind Kelantan FA, and bowed out of the semi-final of the2012 Malaysia Cupafter losing in a penalty shoot-out againstATM FA.On 29 December 2012, assistant coachKadir Yahayaleft his position at LionsXII. Soon,Gombak UnitedchiefTatsuma Yoshidatook over his post.[8]

2013 season

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Main article:2013 LionsXII season
CaptainShahril Ishakreceiving the2013 Liga Supertrophy from Singapore Prime MinisterLee Hsien Loong

LionsXII were set a target of finishing top five for the2013 Malaysia Super Leagueseason.[9]Five overage players were included in this year's squad to guide the younger players, namelyShahril Ishak,Isa Halim,Fazrul Nawaz,Irwan ShahandBaihakki Khaizan.Other key players such asShahdan SulaimanandShaiful Esahno longer featured. The main aim was to develop the under-23 players and prepare them for the upcoming2013 Southeast Asian Gamesthat would be held at the end of the year.

LionsXII began their campaign by defeatingATM FA1–0 away. Subsequently, they vanquished the nation's traditional rivalsSelangor FA.However, LionsXII stumbled to three losses against lowlyT-TeamandPKNSin an away fixture. One sent them crashing out of the2013 Malaysia FA Cup.In a turn of events, LionsXII went on a long unbeaten streak, securing important wins overPahang FA(3–0),Kelantan FA(1–0), andATM FA(3–1) at home.[10]

On 2 July 2013, a 4–0 win over relegation-threatenedFelda Unitedin the penultimate league game made LionsXII the 2013 league champions.[11]Singapore's Prime Minister,Lee Hsien Loongwas present for the match played in front of a sold-out crowd at the Jalan Besar Stadium. The Malaysia Super League trophy was also brought to the stadium as the LionsXII received it on home soil after the final whistle. LionsXII became the first foreign team to win the Malaysia Super League title, adding to the four Malaysian league titles it had won in 1979, 1981, 1985, and 1994. The title run was defined by a combination of good defence (13 goals conceded, the best record in the league) and goals from set-pieces (17 out of 32). The club chalked up their best home record (10 wins and 1 draw) in the league, makingJalan Besar Stadiuma fortress.

On 27 July, LionsXII were drawn into Group D for the2013 Malaysia CupwithPerak FA,Sarawak FAandKedah FA.They drew Kedah (2–2) in Singapore and succumbed to two collapses against Perak (1–0) and Sarawak (2–1). With such results, they nearly bowed out of the tournament. At that time, coachV. Sundramoorthywas said to leave LionsXII at the end of the season to take charge of second tierMalaysian Premier Leagueside,Negeri Sembilan FA.[12]

On 28 September, LionsXII narrowed a 1–0 victory over ATM FA in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the 2013 Malaysia Cup but squandered to a 1–4 mauling to the opponent in the return tie on 4 October. The news ofV. Sundramoorthyleaving to helmNegeri Sembilan FAwas also then confirmed.[13]Two weeks later, theFASmade public the search for his successor.

2014 season

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Main article:2014 LionsXII season

Sufian AnuarandKhairul Amriwere recalled to join LionsXII following the exit ofBaihakki Khaizan,Hariss Harun,andShahril Ishakto Malaysian side,Johor Darul Ta'zim.

On 7 December 2013, formerJohor Darul Ta'zimcoach and ex-Singapore internationalFandi Ahmadwas offered a three-year contract at the helm of the LionsXII, despite initial denials by theFAS.[14]Fandi took the role ahead of formerWarriorscoachRichard Bok[15]andLiverpoolstalwartSteve McMahon.

The LionsXII opened their league season with a 1–0 defeat againstPahang FAin the2014 Piala Sumbangsihon 17 January 2014.[16]

2015 season

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On 23 May 2015, LionsXII clinched their first everPiala FAafter defeatingKelantan FA3–1 in the final at Bukit Jalil Stadium.Faris Ramliscored the opening goal after just seven minutes before Kelantan equalized just past the hour mark. However,Sahil Suhaimiscored twice in the final 10 minutes of the game to bring theMalaysia FA Cupto Singapore.[17][18]

On 25 November 2015, FAM reportedly decided not to extend their Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), which was signed in 2011. This automatically disqualifies LionsXII from further entering any football tournament in Malaysia. Similarly, Malaysia's squadHarimau Mudaalso would not be entering Singapore league from then onwards.[19]

It was announced by theFootball Association of Singaporethat LionsXII were to be disbanded at the end of the 2015 season and the players would have to find a new club in 2016.[20]However, their salaries would be maintained with the assistance of FAS if they decide to join anS.Leagueclub.[21][22]

Crest and colours

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The club crest signified the paw of a lion in appearance, with very much relevance to the nicknameFootball Association of Singaporehas adopted as Singapore is known to be a Lion City. Looking closer at the crest, there is a lion being embedded in it. Using the lines as contrast, the lion shows ferocity and aggressiveness, resembling the fighting spirit and determination of all the players in the squad. It also illustrates the hunger to win games. All the meanings from the crest have also been included in the official LionsXII theme song, called The Roar Anthem. The XI in the word LionsXII is in black to represent the eleven players on the pitch. I is in red to show that the 12th Man to do make a difference in the team's success. Energetic, ready and passion are the crest's main ideas to be conveyed.

Kit evolution

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The kit launched in 2011 had the primary colours of white, red and blue. Playing at home, the players were stripped in the white/red/red kit while in blue/blue/blue kit when playing away in Malaysia. Many T-shirt designs were based on white and red, which are the colours of the Lion City. Also, white symbolised purity and humbleness of the LionsXII. However, during the semi-final Piala Malaysia game betweenATM FAand LionsXII in Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang in which they were defeated on penalties and bowed out of the tournament, they wore a combination of the white top and blue bottom. Many fans were feeling displeasure as it looked hideous.[23]

A revamp for the jerseys were called for as many players were dropped in 2013 while young players fromS.LeagueclubCourts Young Lionswere brought in.[24]

Stadium

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Main article:Jalan Besar Stadium

Since the team was formed, the LionsXII have been playing all their home matches at the expandable 10,000 capacityJalan Besar Stadium.The stadium was known as the Lions' Den and an "impregnable fortress" where the LionsXII were undefeated in the entire 2013 season.

Supporters

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A LionsXII fan showing his support for the team by having his face painted like a lion

LionsXII regularly attract over an average of 6,200 fans toJalan Besar Stadium.The stadium is always minimally half-filled across all matches in all the seasons LionsXII have participated in.

LionsXII unofficial fan group based at the Grandstand, named Grandstand Maki Kaki providing their usual support to the team during every home match
LionsXII fans from the Gallery stand as they watch their team play againstPKNS

Rivalries

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LionsXII held a strong rivalry with Malaysian clubAngkatan Tentara Malaysia FA(the Armed Forces team), with the two clubs meeting recently in a cup game in the 2013 Malaysia Cup. In 2012, ATM ended the dream of the club of going into the final of the 2012 Malaysia Cup in a dramatic game. In 2013, LionsXII took revenge by defeating them 1–0 in the 2013 Malaysia Super League opener. However, ATM once again shattered the double wish as they overturned the deficit sustained in the first leg of the 2013 Malaysia Cup quarter-finals and emerged triumphant 4–2 over the LionsXII.

Along the way, long standing issues with Malaysia Super League participantsPKNSofSelangorandT-TeamofTerengganualso arose. Despite either team being far from title contenders, LionsXII are still unable to break the voodoo of winning these two teams in away fixtures. In 2012, PKNS and PBDKT T-Team both edged LionsXII with a solitary goal, 1–0 and 2–1 respectively. In spite of beating them 5–0 and 2–1 accordingly at home, they continued the spell in 2013. LionsXII were booted out of the 2013 Malaysia FA Cup in the first round's encounter with PKNS.[25]LionsXII also suffered losses against PKNS (1–0)[26]and T-Team (1–0) at other times, the latter questioned controversy.

Their predecessor as Singaporean Malaysia Super League club,Singapore FA,hada very intense rivalrywithSelangor FA.

Partners and sponsors

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StarHubandFootball Association of Singaporesign partnership to be the Official Broadcaster and Shirt Sponsor of LionsXII. It will telecast all LionsXII matches on its SuperSports Arena channels. Non-StarHub fans can also view them on frequency VHF 76.25 MHz.
Partnership with SilkPro with a projected S$1 million sponsor amount signed at the beginning of the 2012 season atJalan Besar StadiumVIP room

At the start of 2012, Kingsmen was announced to be the official marketing and sponsorship representative of the LionsXII.[27]

Yolk also began its website partnership with LionsXII as they realised that the voices of the nation were also in need of modernisation to unite the nation behind the LionsXII in theirLiga Superrun.[28]

Along the way, LionsXII's success has attracted many sponsors. Their Facebook page has hit the total number of 80,000 likes so far. Other partners on social media include Temasek Polytechnic, The Cage, X-League (Singapore) and Tiger Beer Football.

Kit manufacturer and shirt sponsor

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Period Kit manufacturer Shirt sponsor
2012–15 Nike StarHub

On 5 January 2012,Football Association of Singaporeannounced the appointment ofStarHubas the Official Broadcaster and Principal Sponsor of LionsXII. As part of the partnership,StarHubwill carry all LionsXII content on its pay TV, online and mobile platforms.[29]Two days after the announcement of the kit, LionsXII sealed a second major sponsorship deal, with news that SilkPro will fund the Singapore outfit to the tune of S$1m during its debut season inLiga Super.[30]On 23 February 2012, LionsXII secured another sponsorship deal, with Shop N Save, a Singapore supermarket, coming on board as the 'Official Supermarket' for the Singapore outfit in its debut season in the Liga Super.[31]


The starting eleven for the home game againstKuala Lumpur FAon 17 January 2012
The starting eleven for the home game againstJohor Darul Ta'zimon 22 June 2013

Captains

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Year Player
2012–2013 Shahril Ishak
2014 Isa Halim
2015 Izwan Mahbud


Management

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Former Lions head coachV. Sundramoorthyand his assistant Kadir Yahaya. Kadir resigned at the end of 2012.

Last coaching staff

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Fandi Ahmadtook over as head coach for the 2014 season.
Position Name
Manager Visakan Subramanian
Head team coach Fandi Ahmad
Assistant coach Nazri Nasir
Goalkeeping coach John Burridge
Fitness coach Aleksandar Boženko
Fitness coach Gurnaya Singh
Physiotherapist Nurhafizah Abu Sujad
Kitman Omar Mohamed

Head coaches

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V. Sundramoorthy and Fandi Ahmad were both part of theSingapore Lions'Dream Team' that won promotion back to the M-league Division 1 and finished as runners-up to Kedah in the Piala Malaysia Final in 1993.

The following year, led by Fandi, Singapore overcame the absence of Sundram to win the 1994M-LeagueandPiala Malaysiadouble.

Name From To P W D L Win% Honours
V. Sundramoorthy January 2012 7 October 2013 49 27 12 10 55.1 1Malaysia Super League
Fandi Ahmad 7 December 2013 25 November 2015 32 11 8 13 34.38 1Malaysia FA Cup
  • Information correct as of 9 July 2015. Only League results.

Competition records

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Season Liga Super Piala FA Piala Malaysia
Pos P W D L F A Pts
2012 2nd 26 15 5 6 48 23 50 Quarter-finals Semi-finals
2013 1st 22 12 7 3 32 15 43 1st round Quarter-finals
2014 8th 22 8 4 10 26 27 28 2nd round Group stage
2015 7th 22 9 6 7 36 32 33 Winner Quarter-finals

Last updated on 23 May 2015.

Club records

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Wins

  • Record victory:9–0 (vSabah,Malaysia Super League, 16 June 2012)

Defeats

  • Record defeat:4–0 (vSelangor,Malaysia Super League, 18 April 2015)

Goals

  • Most League goals scored in a season:53 in 26 matches,2012 Malaysia Super League
  • Fewest League goals scored in a season:26 in 22 matches,2014 Malaysia Super League
  • Most League goals conceded in a season:27 in 22 matches, 2014 Malaysia Super League
  • Fewest League goals conceded in a season:18 in 26 matches, 2012 Malaysia Super League

Player records

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Goalscorers

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Former players that goes on to play for a Malaysia club after the dissolvement of LionsXII

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Name Club Period
Hariss Harun Johor Darul Ta'zim 2014–2021
Shahril Ishak Johor Darul Ta'zim II 2014-2016
Baihakki Khaizan -Johor Darul Ta'zim

-Johor Darul Ta'zim II

2014

2015–2016

Fazrul Nawaz Sabah 2015
Safuwan Baharudin -PDRM

-Sri Pahang

-Selangor

-Negeri Sembilan

2016-2017

2018–2019

2020–2022,2023–present

2023

Sahil Suhaimi -Sarawak 2017
Yasir Hanapi -PDRM 2017
Hafiz Abu Sujad Johor Darul Ta'zim II 2018
Madhu Mohana Negeri Sembilan 2018
Shahdan Sulaiman Melaka United 2018
Faris Ramli -PKNS

-Perlis United

-Terengganu

-Perak

2018

2019

2020

2024

Khairul Amri Felda United 2019-2020
Shakir Hamzah -Kedah Darul Aman

-Perak

2019-2020

2021

Honours

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League

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Cup

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Award

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See also

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References

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  1. ^abc"About".LionsXII.Archivedfrom the original on 25 October 2016.Retrieved25 May2015.
  2. ^Singapore Lions to participate in 2012 Piala Malaysia– Asia One, 7 December 2011
  3. ^Singh, Patwant."Football: Kelantan beat LionsXII 2–1 in opening Liga Super".Channel News Asia.Archivedfrom the original on 13 February 2012.Retrieved31 January2012.
  4. ^Singh, Patwant."Football: LionsXII beat KL FA 2–1".Channel News Asia.Archivedfrom the original on 19 January 2012.Retrieved31 January2012.
  5. ^Singh, Patwant."Football: LionsXII secure first away win against Sabah".Channel News Asia.Archivedfrom the original on 25 January 2012.Retrieved31 January2012.
  6. ^Piala FA 2012: Wonder-goal sets LionsXII to comfortable 3–0 victoryArchived18 February 2012 at theWayback Machine– Straits Times, 18 February 2012
  7. ^LIONSXII through to the Quarter-Finals of the Malaysian FA CupArchived14 October 2013 at theWayback Machine– LIONSXII, 10 March 2012
  8. ^"Kadir to leave LionsXII".asiaone.Archivedfrom the original on 14 December 2017.Retrieved14 December2017.
  9. ^"Top-five target for LionsXII | the New Paper".Archived fromthe originalon 12 February 2013.Retrieved28 February2014.
  10. ^Malaysian coaches concede MSL title is Singapore's– TODAYonline, 27 June 2013
  11. ^"Football: LionsXII crowned Malaysian Super League champions".Channel NewsAsia.Channel NewsAsia. Archived fromthe originalon 4 July 2013.Retrieved3 July2013.
  12. ^migration (29 August 2013)."LionsXII coach Sundramoorthy set to join Negeri Sembilan after Malaysia Cup".straitstimes.Archivedfrom the original on 25 May 2015.Retrieved14 December2017.
  13. ^"Sundram leaves LionsXII - Goal".goal.Archivedfrom the original on 15 December 2017.Retrieved14 December2017.
  14. ^"FAS refute claim that Fandi is next LionsXII coach".todayonline.Archivedfrom the original on 14 December 2017.Retrieved14 December2017.
  15. ^"S.League Most Successful Coach Richard Bok Declares Interest in LionsXII Post | VOXSPORTS".Archived fromthe originalon 14 October 2013.Retrieved28 February2014.
  16. ^"LionsXII begin season on losing note".Today.18 January 2014.Archivedfrom the original on 4 March 2016.Retrieved21 December2014.
  17. ^"LionsXII clinch Piala FA with stunning 3–1 win".Channel NewsAsia. 23 May 2015.Archivedfrom the original on 4 March 2016.Retrieved25 May2015.
  18. ^"SUPERSUB SAHIL PROPELS LIONSXII TO HISTORIC FA CUP GLORY".LionsXII. 23 May 2015. Archived fromthe originalon 25 May 2015.Retrieved25 May2015.
  19. ^"Singapore's LionsXII booted out of Malaysia football".TodayOnline. 25 November 2015.Archivedfrom the original on 24 September 2022.Retrieved1 May2016.
  20. ^Osman, Shamir (4 December 2015)."LionsXII disbanded".The New Paper.Archivedfrom the original on 24 September 2022.Retrieved27 September2016.
  21. ^Ravikrishnan, Abhishek (4 December 2015)."FAS disbands LionsXII, players seek new clubs".Channel News Asia.Archivedfrom the original on 1 April 2017.Retrieved27 September2016.
  22. ^Wang, Meng Meng (4 December 2015)."Football: LionsXII to be disbanded, players to play for S-League clubs next season".The Straits Times.Archivedfrom the original on 4 April 2017.Retrieved27 September2016.
  23. ^"ATM FA 1(5)-1(4) LionsXII: Penalty heartbreak means no Cup final for Singapore team - Yahoo! Sports Singapore".Archived fromthe originalon 7 November 2012.Retrieved11 September2013.
  24. ^"LionsXII to wear red for new season | the New Paper".Archived fromthe originalon 12 February 2013.Retrieved11 September2013.
  25. ^"Weird Decisions Botch LionsXII Cup Tie".Archived fromthe originalon 24 May 2015.Retrieved14 October2013.
  26. ^"Déjà vu as Nazrin sinks LionsXII".Archived fromthe originalon 24 May 2015.Retrieved14 October2013.
  27. ^"Lions XII Official Web Site".Archived fromthe originalon 4 September 2012.Retrieved5 March2012.
  28. ^"Yolk launches the Kallang Roar Project".campaignbrief.Archived fromthe originalon 14 December 2017.Retrieved14 December2017.
  29. ^StarHub Appointed Official Broadcaster and Principal Sponsor of LionsXIIArchived8 January 2012 at theWayback Machine– StarHub, 5 January 2012
  30. ^SilkPro to back LionsXII campaignArchived24 June 2013 atarchive.today– ESPNSTAR, 8 January 2012
  31. ^Shop N Save Singapore named 'Official Supermarket' for the LionsXIIArchived4 September 2012 atarchive.today– LionsXII, 23 February 2012
  32. ^Jadual Liga Super 2013Archived14 February 2015 at theWayback Machine– fam.org.my
  33. ^Izwan Puts In A Man-Of-The-Match PerformanceArchived31 March 2016 at theWayback MachineGoal.Retrieved 9 October 2021.
Achievements
Preceded by Liga Super Champions
2013 		Succeeded by
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