Talismanic Maxime Lestienne, Boris Kopitovic can make the difference in SPL top-of-the-table Sailors-Tampines clash

SINGAPORE – The hotshots collide when Singapore Premier League (SPL) leaders Lion City Sailors face BG Tampines Rovers in a top-of-the-table clash at the Bishan Stadium on July 18.

With little to separate the two unbeaten teams – Sailors are ahead on goal difference and they have each scored 24 goals from six wins and one draw – it could come down to which of their talismanic forwards can make a difference in the crunch tie.

Leading the Sailors’ charge will be their top scorer, winger Maxime Lestienne, who will face off with the Stags’ leading marksman in striker Boris Kopitovic. 

Belgian Lestienne is aware of his potential to impact games, having recorded seven goals and six assists this season.

“I try to give my best for the team and help as much as I can. I know my quality, I know I can make a difference,” the 32-year-old told The Straits Times at the club’s Mattar Road headquarters.  

The 2023 Player of the Year and Golden Boot winner has shone despite the wealth of attacking talent in the Sailors’ ranks, including Dutch midfielder Bart Ramselaar and German striker Lennart Thy.

“I’m a foreigner, I cannot come here and be on holiday. The club brought me here to make a difference... I try my best to contribute goals and assists, but my mentality is to win,” added Lestienne.

His captain Hariss Harun is full of praise for the winger, whose “numbers speak for themselves”.

He added: “(Lestienne) always has that extra something and makes the difference for us. It’s incredibly important to have these kind of players.

“Ultimately, all they need is a moment or two that can decide a game. We are glad he is on our side. Off the field, he is quite a funny person and pretty laid-back.”

Indeed, the left-footed Lestienne is known for producing flashes of brilliance, most recently when he scored late twice to grab a 4-2 win against Balestier Khalsa, and netting the equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Geylang International.

And it is something Tampines coach Gavin Lee must be wary of.

“We have to pay attention to Lestienne when he’s in those areas where he can hurt opposition. But, at the same time, it’s about how we neutralise their chances and not just throwing our attention to one place,” Lee said.

He will be banking on his own weapon in Kopitovic, 29, who hit the 100-goal mark for Tampines on July 13.

While Tampines boast formidable attackers like Japanese forward Seia Kunori and experienced winger Faris Ramli in their side, Kopitovic has notched eight goals and is the only player to score in every match he has played this season so far.

The 2022 Golden Boot winner aims to continue his hot streak against the Sailors, telling ST: “Scoring eight goals is nothing special but, of course, I’m happy. Every single season I’m the league’s top three scorers, so Gavin can trust me and I promise him I’ll always do my best to help the team.”

Lee is pleased with Kopitovic’s all-round game, and credits his goal contributions. 

He said: “Every coach in the world would want a striker who bags and converts his chances, and having Boris in the team is definitely an important attribute for us to get up the pitch and convert our chances.

“Off the pitch, he’s also a very important character through the standards he set. His availability is a testament to his professionalism.”

While Hariss is quick to note Tampines’ multiple avenues for goals, he singles out the Montenegrin as the key man.

He said: “Boris definitely makes it hard for any defence… It’s crucial we do our best to be tighter and cohesive as a team.”

SPL player-turned-pundit Rhysh Roshan Rai called Lestienne and Kopitovic “match-winners”, adding: “Game-changing players are the kind who can make a coach look good by winning games for them even if the tactics weren’t working.”

Albirex v Balestier (July 18, 7.45pm, Jurong East Stadium)

Under new coach Keiji Shigetomi, the White Swans will look to snap their five-game losing run against the fourth-placed Tigers who have firepower in attack, averaging three goals per game.

Geylang v Tanjong Pagar (July 19, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Fresh off the win over defending champions Albirex, the Jaguars face another tough challenge in the form of the high-flying Eagles, who are the top-scoring team in the league and are unbeaten so far.

DPMM v Hougang (July 19, 8.15pm, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium)

New coach Jamie McAllister will take charge of his first game against the struggling Cheetahs, who are still winless and defensively suspect.