Singapore defender Jordan Emaviwe takes on new challenge with Chiangrai United

SINGAPORE – At the start of the 2024 football season, Jordan Emaviwe outlined three key objectives for his campaign: To establish himself as a regular starter for Balestier Khalsa in the Singapore Premier League, secure a national team call-up, and earn a spot in the Lions squad for the Asean Championship.

With all three goals accomplished, the 23-year-old central defender begins 2025 with a new team and a fresh set of ambitions after joining Thai League 1 side Chiangrai United.

Emaviwe has set himself a challenge to showcase his talents and earn a longer overseas contract – his deal is till the end of the season in April – and keep the club in the top flight.

The Beetles are currently in one of three relegation places, sitting 14th in the 16-team league.

“The past year I set a few goals for myself and I felt that if I were to accomplish all of those things, it’s time for me to go and challenge myself somewhere outside of Singapore,” said Emaviwe, who also fielded offers from other Thai and Indonesia sides, before opting for Chiangrai.

The club announced Emaviwe’s signing on their social media page on Jan 7, stating that he is “ready to wear the No. 6 shirt to strengthen Chiangrai” while describing him as a utility player who can play as both defender and forward.

While this is not his first overseas stint – he spent time at then Swiss second-tier side FC Chiasso and regional Italian team FC Castiglione between 2017 and 2020 – Emaviwe said that having another Singaporean in Harhys Stewart, who joined the club last January, in Chiangrai’s ranks helped draw him to northern Thailand.

Along with the duo, the Fandi brothers, Irfan (Port FC), Ikhsan and Ilhan (both BG Pathum United) are also plying their trade in the Thai League, as well as Jacob Mahler (Muangthong United).

Emaviwe’s bow for Chiangrai could come against Irfan and Port on Jan 12.

The 1.93m footballer, who was born to a Nigerian father and a Chinese Singaporean mother, said: “Moving overseas can be tough, you’re away from your family, so to have a friend who’s here, who’s been through this process, helps.

“He (Stewart) has already helped me in moving, showing me around and introducing me to the people here. It has made things a lot easier.”

2024 was a year to remember for Emaviwe, who impressed with his strong defensive displays for Balestier and four goals in 18 appearances in the domestic season.

He also received his first Lions call-up last May for the World Cup qualifiers against South Korea (June 6, home) and Thailand (June 11, away).

He earned his first cap in a 3-2 defeat by Chinese Taipei at the National Stadium last November.

Lions coach Tsutomu Ogura then named Emaviwe in his Asean Championship squad, though the defender featured only

as a late substitute in the 3-0 win against Timor-Leste.

The team were eliminated by eventual champions Vietnam in the semi-finals.

Emaviwe admitted that he was frustrated at not being able to contribute more during the run to the last four. But he added that it has strengthened his resolve to play well for his new club and earn a call-up to the national squad for the Asian Cup qualifier against Hong Kong in March.

The defender, who still has ambitions of playing in Japan, South Korea or Europe, said: “Of course, I am motivated to earn a call-up again for March and this time, I want to not just get called up but I want to start for the team.

“First, I just want to hit the ground running here and show that I can compete, and then I’ll see where it takes me.

“If I’m able to put in good performances for the club, help them stay up and progress up the league, then who knows what will happen next, whether it is a contract with (another) club or an extension here.

“I want to give my best for Chiangrai.”