The 25th edition of the Singapore Cup promises to deliver a thrilling spectacle. The prestigious competition returns in 2025 with a historic twist: the participation of former champions BG Pathum United.
The Thai club, also known as The Rabbits, has been invited for the third time in the tournament’s history, reigniting memories of their triumphant 2010 campaign.
BG Pathum United, then known as Bangkok Glass, left an indelible mark in their previous appearances. They reached the final in both 2009 and 2010, showcasing their quality on Singaporean soil.
In 2009, The Rabbits narrowly missed out on glory, falling 1-0 to Geylang United (now Geylang International). However, they made history in 2010, defeating Tampines Rovers (now BG Tampines Rovers) 1-0 to become the first foreign side to lift the Singapore Cup.
“We have fond memories of the Singapore Cup,” said Philip Tan, BG Sports Company Limited International Project Director. “It’s an honour to return, and our fans, as well as Singapore’s, are sure to enjoy the spectacle we’ll bring to the competition.”
BG Pathum United’s ties to Singaporean football run deep. The club’s Director of Football, Surachai Jaturapattarapong, once played in Singapore, while Kadir Yahaya, the Head of Youth, is a familiar name in Singapore’s football scene.
Moreover, Singaporean stars Ikhsan Fandi and Ilhan Fandi feature in BG Pathum’s first team, a prospect that has already created buzz among local fans eager to see the brothers compete on home turf.
The 2025 Singapore Cup will see ten teams split into two groups of five, with the top two from each group advancing to the semi-finals. The semi-finals will be contested over two legs, with the competition kicking off on 1 February 2025 and culminating in the final on 31 May 2025—the closing match of the 2024-25 domestic football season.
The tournament draw is scheduled for 6 January 2025, setting the stage for what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle for honours.
Having skipped the 2020 and 2021 editions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Singapore Cup has since delivered thrilling contests, including the rise of two first-time champions. Hougang United lifted their maiden trophy in 2022 with a dramatic 3-2 victory over BG Tampines. In 2023, the Lion City Sailors clinched their first-ever title, defeating Hougang 3-1 in the final.
The return of BG Pathum United, steeped in history and bolstered by its Singaporean connections, adds a fascinating layer to the competition. Chew Chun-Liang, General Secretary of the Football Association of Singapore (FAS), expressed excitement at the Thai side’s return:
“The Singapore Cup is steeped in history, and welcoming a former champion like BG Pathum adds an extra edge. Their connections to Singapore football will make this edition even more exciting for fans across the region.”
Credit Photo : BGPU
