The Singapore Men’s Under-22 team have returned from the United Arab Emirates after going through a gruelling nine-day overseas training camp, their final phase of preparation before the SEA Games kick off in Thailand next month. The squad, made up largely of Young Lions players and bolstered by overseas-based trio Jonan Tan, Khairin Nadim and Muhammad Asis as well as Tanjong Pagar United goalkeeper Sunny Tia, feel the pressure, but are ready to take on the challenge.

For midfielder Andrew Aw, the opportunity to face strong opposition is a valuable benchmark for the group’s SEA Games ambitions. “We played against two very good players, UAE and Iraq. I think it was a good test for us, playing against these high level teams. Usually we don’t get these opportunities to play and have friendlies outside of Asia,” he said, adding that the squad felt energised by the challenge.

“All of us, we were very excited to go out there and test ourselves, and I think we were able to practise the plan and the tactics that we have been preparing for… so I think the trip was a very eventful and productive one.”

The squad’s identity is unmistakably youthful — five players are aged 17 and below — but Aw believes familiarity and shared development will serve them well as they head into a demanding tournament format. “The bulk of the under 22 players are from Young Lions, so it’s a good opportunity for us to play together as a team… we can compete day in, day out and know each other on and off the field, which would help us in these competitions,” he reflected.

He added that mindset and maturity will matter as much as talent: “We all have one goal as footballers — to be the best that we can. Every game we go into, we want to get the best result that we can. It all boils down to focusing on what we can control — our trainings, our discipline, not only on the field but off the field.”

Among the squad’s returning overseas-based players is Jonan Tan, who recently completed National Service and has since resumed playing abroad. For him, the SEA Games preparation window has reinforced both personal growth and national duty. “In NS, you have to have a lot of mental discipline to continue to work hard even when you’re in camp, and it really helped me to grow both as a person and as a player,” he said.

He shared that his focus remains internal rather than external: “I don’t really look at the news. I just focus on what I can control and trust that God has a plan for me.”

And with expectations rising around the team, Tan remains composed. “I trust that God has placed me in this place, in this time for a reason, and I’m not going to let fear or expectations get in the way of doing the best that I can.”

For Ray Peh, one of the younger members of the squad, the upcoming campaign represents a new level of competition — but also an environment that accelerates his development.
“Playing football regularly now helps me learn from all the older players… it helps me stay competitive and learn a thing or two,” he said.

Training beside senior professionals has boosted his self-belief: “Of course it gives me confidence, especially training with the first team and getting to be on the same page as these senior players. It helps me take the next step and progress.”

Peh also emphasised the significance of unity heading into Thailand: “It’s good that there are some familiar faces in this squad. It helps me settle down, and after all the training camps and matches, our team has really bonded.”

As the SEA Games draw closer, shared themes emerge — hunger, focus, growth, and a determination to defy perceptions about age and experience. Aw summed up the team’s mindset simply: “This adversity will make us stronger as a team. If you’re good enough, you’re young enough.”

Tan, likewise, framed the mission in terms of purpose and commitment: “For me, what is important is to go out there and do the best that I can, to leave with no regrets.”

And Peh echoed the collective ambition: “As a team, we just want to show that we can compete every game and that we are hard to break down.”

With the competition running from 3 to 18 December and only group winners plus the best second-placed team advancing, margins will be narrow — but belief is steadily building. As Peh put it, with a message to supporters: “My message is just to continue supporting Singapore football, and hopefully we can progress together.”