Hey Alyiah! Great to have you here. Let’s settle this once and for all — do you go by Putri or Alyiah? Or do your teammates have a secret nickname for you?
Hey, thanks for having me! That’s an easy one — it’s Alyiah. I honestly can’t remember the last time someone called me Putri; that usually only happens when I’m getting playfully teased.
Tell us a bit about the real you — who is Alyiah on the pitch when the boots are on, and who is she when the game ends? What was little Alyiah like growing up?
I’d like to think of Alyiah on the pitch as my alter ego — someone more confident and bold. When the whistle blows and the game ends, I go back to being my quieter, more reserved self. If you ask my friends and family, they ’d tell you I’m a big homebody. Football has always been my outlet — not just to de-stress, but also to break out of my little bubble and socialise. Little Alyiah? Definitely a troublemaker — your typical energetic middle child. I naturally gravitated towards playing with the boys at school and spent my breaks kicking a ball around.
Every footballer has that moment — the spark. When did football stop being just a game for you and become something more? A dream? A mission?
That moment came when I was around 13, during a regional school tournament. I was called up to play with the senior team — the youngest, quietest, and smallest player. No one expected me to be chosen, which made it an even bigger moment.
Then I scored a goal, and we ended up winning the whole tournament. Being trusted to step up, contributing on the field, and celebrating that win — it made me realise that football wasn’t just something I loved, but something I could actually be good at. That’s when it became more than just a game — it became a dream worth chasing. A mission to play at higher levels, and wear a jersey that truly means something, whether for a club or for my country.
You’re part of a winning machine — 3-time champions Lion City Sailors. What’s it like stepping into a team with that kind of legacy and pressure?
Joining Lion City Sailors, a club with such a strong winning tradition, is both an honour and a big responsibility. Honestly, I struggled with imposter syndrome at first — questioning whether I really belonged at this level, surrounded by such talented players. But what helped me push through was the support system here. The coaches are genuinely invested in our growth — mentally, physically, and technically. The players are welcoming and encouraging.
Being part of the LCS system has accelerated my development so much. The facilities, the purpose-driven training, even the strength and conditioning and physio teams — everything is geared towards helping us thrive. Yes, there’s pressure, but I see it as a privilege. You get to play in competitions like the AWCL and gain invaluable experience. I didn’t come here just to ride the wave of success — I want to contribute, to be someone the team can count on in big moments. The legacy inspires me, and I want to leave my own mark on it.
Fast forward five years — where do you see yourself? And in the next five months — what’s the one goal you’re hungry to achieve right now?
Five years from now? I’m not sure exactly where I’ll be, but I know football will still be a huge part of my life. It’s a passion I’ve carried for so long. I hope to keep growing — not just as a sharper, smarter, and stronger player, but also as someone who inspires others, especially young girls starting their journey. In the next five months, my main goal is to become a core member of the team — not just someone in the squad, but someone who’s trusted and impactful every time I step on the field. That’s what I’m working towards every single day.
Women’s football in this region is still writing its first chapter. In your ideal world, what changes would you love to see in Singapore and Malaysia’s women’s football scene?
There’s so much potential here, but we’re still playing catch-up in terms of support. Ideally, I’d love to see women’s football in Singapore and Malaysia receive the same level of investment, visibility, and respect as the men’s game.
More youth development programs and full-time playing opportunities would make a huge difference — so young girls know that chasing their football dreams is something they can take seriously. Another important step is media coverage and platforms to amplify our voices and stories — just like what The Pitch Invaders is doing. So thank you for that!
Football’s not just about the glory — it’s about the grind, the pressure, and the setbacks too. When you hit those tough moments, what’s your go-to way to reset mentally and physically?
In tough moments, I always return to my foundations — my family, my faith, and my love for the game. My family is my rock. Whether I’ve had a bad game or I’m recovering from an injury, I know I can lean on them. My faith gives me peace in moments that feel overwhelming or beyond my control. Sometimes it’s as simple as reminding myself why I started —because I love football. That passion keeps me going, even through the toughest days.
Let’s talk friendship. Who’s that one person in your football circle who’s always had your back — and what’s something they’ve done that stuck with you?
I’m lucky to have a great bond with the whole LCS team, but if I had to pick one person, it’d be Cara. We go way back — we went to the same school, and the first time we played together I was 17, and she was only 11! I remember thinking how intimidating it must’ve been for her to join a team at that age, so I tried to make her feel included and comfortable. Fast forward five years, and the roles reversed. When I joined LCS and felt nervous and out of place, she was the one who helped me settle in. She had my back, just like I had hers — and that really stuck with me.
Here’s the one everyone’s been wondering — could we ever see you in a Malaysia national team jersey someday? Or is your heart still torn between two flags?
I’ve spent most of my life in Singapore, so it definitely feels like home in many ways. But at the end of the day, I’m Malaysian — and that’s something I carry with pride. If the opportunity to represent Malaysia came along, it would be an honour. For now, I’m focusing on growing as a player and doing my best at club level — staying ready for whatever opportunities come my way.
Before we wrap up — what would you like to say to the people who’ve cheered you on from day one, even before the jerseys, the goals, and the glory?
That would be my family — not just my parents and siblings, but my entire extended family in Malaysia. From travelling long distances to watch me play, to the constant messages and calls before and after matches — they’ve always been there. Thank you for giving me strength and motivation, especially on the hard days. Thank you for believing in me from the very beginning — back when I was just a little girl kicking a ball around with no idea where it might take me.
