The Singapore Vandas are ready to light up the court once again as the 2025 Singlife Nations Cup returns to the OCBC Arena from 2 to 8 November, bringing together some of the world’s most competitive emerging netball nations in what promises to be an exciting lead-up to the Southeast Asian Games.
For Singapore, this year’s campaign carries a renewed sense of energy and familiarity. Midcourter Angelina Lim returns to the team after a one-year break, marking her first Nations Cup appearance since Singapore’s victorious run two years ago. She’s joined by shooter Lee Pei Shan, who makes her comeback after recovering from a niggling injury.
Lim said, “I stepped away from the sport for a while, but I really missed competing and playing alongside my teammates. The last time I played in the Nations Cup, Singapore won, and those memories were unforgettable. I’m excited to be back, and I hope to do my part for the team, so that we can create more special moments together.”
Their inclusion strengthens a team that finished runners-up last year and has shown consistent progress under head coach Tara Steel. Earlier this year, the Vandas impressed at the UAE Netball Cup, defeating Kenya and pushing Namibia all the way in the final.
For Steel, the Nations Cup is more than just a competition; it’s a crucial checkpoint ahead of December’s SEA Games in Thailand.
Steel said, “The team has made great progress this year, and the Singlife Nations Cup is an important part of our build-up. It’s a chance to sharpen our combinations, test ourselves under pressure, and keep building momentum.”
The Vandas, ranked 22nd in the world, will face a tough field including defending champions Kenya (23), Malaysia (28), Isle of Man (31), and Papua New Guinea (33). And with Kenya returning to defend their crown after beating Singapore in last year’s final, the rivalry between the two sides is expected to be one of the tournament’s defining storylines.
Alongside the main team, the Singapore A squad – Netball Singapore’s developmental side – will once again feature in the competition. Comprised largely of players under 23, many of whom were part of the winning Asian Youth Netball Championship team and recently competed at the Netball Youth World Cup, the team serves as a crucial bridge between youth and elite levels.
Their participation underlines Netball Singapore’s commitment to developing a strong talent pipeline, ensuring the Vandas’ future remains bright.
This year’s edition marks the start of a new partnership with Singlife, which joins as the Title Sponsor.
Debra Soon, Group Head of Brand, Communications, Marketing and Experience at Singlife, said: “We’re proud to support this platform bringing together teams from around the world for a showcase of teamwork, determination and resilience – values which resonate strongly with us at Singlife. We’re also excited to rally behind the Singapore Vandas as they prepare for the SEA Games. We expect this to be a family event, and hope the Singlife Nations Cup will create lasting memories and inspire the next generation of netball players and fans.”
The tournament has also welcomed new partners this year – Sheraton Towers Singapore as Official Hotel Partner, and Resorts World Sentosa as Official Destination Partner, which will host the closing dinner at the newly opened Singapore Oceanarium. Their involvement signals the growing appeal of women’s sport, with more lifestyle and hospitality brands aligning with netball’s inclusive, community-driven spirit.
The Singlife Nations Cup will take place from 2 to 8 November at the OCBC Arena. Tickets are now available through Ticketmaster.
