Delwinder Singh, a trailblazing footballer from Singapore, has made history once again by becoming the first Singaporean player to sign with a Cambodian club. Angkor Tiger FC, based in Siem Reap, has secured Singh’s services on a one-year deal, making a significant statement of their ambition to compete at a higher level.
Singh, who made waves in the Singapore Premier League as the youngest club captain of Tanjong Pagar United at the age of 18 in 2011, expressed his excitement about joining Angkor Tiger FC and playing in the highly competitive Cambodian league. He is eager to showcase his skills and make his country proud.
Angkor Tiger FC, which was founded in 2015, has been actively strengthening its squad with ambitious signings. Alongside Singh, the club has also acquired the services of Ben Nugent, a talented English defender who was previously named Cardiff City’s Young Player of the Year.
These additions to the team reflect Angkor Tiger FC’s determination to improve their standing in the Cambodian Premier League. While the club finished seventh out of eight teams in 2022, they are aiming to surpass their best-ever finish of fourth, achieved in 2015.
Singh will be reunited with his former Tanjong Pagar United teammate, Japanese midfielder Shodai Nishikawa, who is also part of the Angkor Tiger FC squad. Furthermore, another Singaporean football talent, Clement Teo, is currently coaching a different Cambodian Premier League club, Boueng Ket, which further highlights the presence of Singaporean players in Cambodia.
Delwinder Singh began his professional career with Tanjong Pagar United, where he made a name for himself as a leader by becoming the youngest club captain in the S.League. Throughout his career, he has represented various clubs in the Singapore Premier League, including Geylang International, Young Lions, Hougang, Warriors FC, and Balestier Khalsa, accumulating over 200 appearances. Singh has also made five appearances for the Singapore national team.
Alistair Heath, the coach of Angkor Tiger FC, expressed his satisfaction with the signing of Singh. After scouting him for some time, Heath believes that Singh possesses the necessary attributes to excel in various positions. The coach expects Singh’s leadership, aggression, and defensive skills to greatly benefit the team and increase their chances of success in the upcoming season.
The signing of Delwinder Singh by Angkor Tiger FC is a significant milestone for Singaporean football and further strengthens the bond between Singapore and Cambodia in the world of football. Singh’s move to Cambodia not only opens up new opportunities for him but also helps to showcase the talent and potential of Singaporean players on an international stage.
As Singh embarks on this new chapter in his career, all eyes will be on him as he competes in the Cambodian Premier League and strives to make a lasting impact with Angkor Tiger FC. The critics and fans alike will be eagerly anticipating his performances, and his success will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for aspiring Singaporean footballers to pursue their dreams beyond their homeland.
