Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Singapore: S.League champions Warriors FC will have to do it the hard way if they are to make it through to the group stage of the 2015 AFC Champions League.
The Warriors have played in Asia’s premier club competition on two previous occasions in 2009 and 2010, and even recorded a memorable 2-1 win over Henan Jianye in their second appearance.
Following an absence of four years, they have a chance reclaiming their place among the continent’s elite clubs but it will be far from easy given they will have to negotiate through all three stages of playoffs.
Even if they do beat Myanmar National League champions Yadanarbon in the first round, they will still need to see of Guangzhou R&F and Central Coast Mariners in order to book their place in Group F alongside Gamba Osaka, Seongnam FC and Buriram United.
However, Warriors coach Alex Weaver insists he wants his charges to only focus on the immediate task at hand – beating Yadanarbon and advancing to the next stage.
“It’s an exciting time for the club and everyone is excited to be playing in the AFC Champions League,” he told the-afc.com.
“We hope to do well in our first game and the focus is really to put up a good showing.
“I don’t like to put labels and set goals on certain things and let those define whether or not we’ve achieved something.
“Our aim is to be successful and we certainly were very successful last season by winning the S.League.
“Now that we’ve done that, I’m looking forward to the next challenge in the Champions League.”
If they do get eliminated in the playoffs, Warriors will still have a spot in the AFC Cup along with nine other Champions League hopefuls.
Even if that proves to be the case, Weaver is adamant the Singaporean outfit will still be taking the competition seriously in a bid to do the country proud.
“Absolutely, we will be going all out to succeed on the continental stage, even if it’s in the AFC Cup,” the Englishman added.
“It’s a competition in Asia and we want to fly the Singapore flag and do it with pride.
“Whether we play in the Champions League or the AFC Cup we want to do our best for the club and the fans, as well as for Singapore against clubs from other nations.
“It’s a wonderful challenge and a new experience for me, and one that I’ll be looking forward to and preparing for regardless.”
Photo: Warriors FC