Aqhari Abdullah is ready to chase his S.League dream at Home United alongside old teammates Zulfahmi Arifin, Faris Ramli and Abdil Qaiyyim.
The 2013 Malaysia Super League winner agreed to join the stable of stars at Bishan Stadium, having spent the last season with Tampines Rovers.
Under the guidance of Philippe Aw, one of the youngest coaches in the S.League this year, the Protectors finished sixth in the league, along with a Singapore Cup final appearance.
"I was lured to Home United partly because of Coach Aw," he told ESPN FC. "But not only do we have a good coach in Aw, the brand of football that was played this season has been very exciting to watch.
"Home United brought a fluid passing game to the S.League this season, and players like Azhar [Sairudin], Ken [Ilso] and [Kamel] Ramdani have delivered the goods. Their style of play suits me as a player and this is the best way forward in modern football and the fans get entertained as well."
While Home won plaudits for their attacking play, one man was instrumental in keeping things tight at the back. Aqhari's close friend off the pitch, Abdil has been one of the top centre-backs in the S.League all season, and the giant defender has opted to stay with the Protectors despite interest from Tampines.
"I've known Abdil for many years now but he has improved so much this season in every aspect of his play. This is the best season I've ever seen from him," Aqhari said.
"He is commanding, puts in very precise tackles and you can see he is the undisputed leader at the back. With his strong character, he never shies away from a tackle regardless of who is he up against and I am thrilled that he is staying with the team for the upcoming season!"
The disappointment of missing out on the league title with Tampines -- Brunei DPMM won the S.League -- has helped Aqhari mature on the pitch. But he has moved on and is ready to team up with some of his ex-teammates from the National Football Academy (NFA), for another shot at the coveted domestic trophy.
He added: "It was a bitter ending to the season because we were so close. Very heartbreaking because we came from nowhere to put ourselves in contention for the league title.
"With that experience, I'm confident 2016 will be a better year for me. Home has managed to sign a few top local players like Faris and Zulfahmi, who bring a wealth of experience despite their young age.
"Zul and I have been playing together for some time now and next season, we will be reunited like we were for the LionsXII in 20113 and 2014. I am excited because we are comfortable with each other's style and our understanding is good. Hopefully, coach Aw will give me a chance to link up with him in the middle of the park."
And like any other Singaporean footballer in the S.League next year, Aqhari is aiming for the big prize. A spot in the national team for November's blockbuster, the AFF Suzuki Cup in Philippines.
"It would be a dream to get called up for the Suzuki Cup. I won't lie about that. I've never won a cap for Singapore despite representing the country in every age group," said the 24-year-old.
"Hopefully, with hard work and a good showing in the league, 2016 will give me the chance to don the Singapore jersey. It's a big prize for me, and to get there, I will need to put in a big, big effort."
Home United are expected to challenge for the league title, having won the battle to keep former German Bundesliga striker Ken Ilso at the club. Along with the slew of new signings, the boys from the North will be a force to be reckoned with in 2016.