Warriors sign up Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan

SINGAPORE – Two of Singapore’s most decorated players, Shahril Ishak and Baihakki Khaizan, are returning to the S.League this year, after they officially signed for Warriors FC on a one-year deal on Monday.

The duo – who boast 261 international caps bewteen them – had been free agents after their contracts with Malaysian Super League (MSL) outfit Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) ended last year.

In signing for the Warriors, both playmaker Shahril and defender Baihakki will be joining the most successful club in the S.League to date – the Choa Chu Kang stadium outfit currently have nine titles to their name, although they endured a tough season last year as they finished seventh out of nine teams.

But Lions skipper Shahril, who spent the last seven years abroad plying his trade in the Indonesian and Malaysian leagues, told TODAY he believes the Warriors have what it takes to return to the upper echelons of the S.League, and is determined to help the club win its 10th title this season.

“I think the Warriors have quite a decent team,” said 32-year-old ,who played 132 times for Singapore. “We’ve got a few ex-Singapore internationals like Hafiz Osman and Ridhuan Muhammad, as well as some exciting youngsters, and we are eager to win something this season.

The 2010 S.League Player of the Year added: “Warriors have always been successful. I’ve never won an S.League title before, so it’s my goal to help Warriors win their 10th championship this year.”

Shahril’s ambition to win the S.League title with Warriors is something that Baihakki shares as well.

The centre-back, who has 129 caps for the Lions, also views his return to the S.League with the Warriors as a chance to start afresh in football. He revealed he had contemplated hanging up his boots following his release from JDT.

“Over the past few months, things haven’t been that good for me on the football front. As a result, I almost quit the game,” revealed the 32-year-old, who did not elaborate on what issues he had been facing.

“The current situation with the S.League is not the best, so for the Warriors to offer me a lifeline to continue playing the game is great.

“Having been away from the S.League for almost eight years, I’m glad to be back where I began my footballing career. I have something to prove as well, because I haven’t won a S.League title before, and I think we can go win it this year.”

While Warriors coach Razif Onn hailed Shahril and Baihakki as great signings for the club, he insists that they should not expect to walk into the first team. Instead, he challenged the two to live up to their illustrious reputation by working hard on a daily basis in training and giving their all while at the club.

“If you just look at their status and what they’ve achieved in their careers, there’s no doubt they should be in the first-team,” said Razif. “But I don’t buy their reputation. I’ve got to be fair and make my final selection based on their performance in training.

“Nonetheless, I’m certain they will strengthen us considerably, especially with their experience.”