SINGAPORE — After a glorious showing at the 2015 SEA Games, the Singapore national synchronised swimming team is not resting on their laurels, as head coach Maryna Tsimashenka looks to build a new group with a renewed tilt at gold come the next edition at Kuala Lumpur in 2017.

It is a challenge the former coach of the 2008 Belarus Olympic team is relishing, after guiding a 12-strong Singapore team to pip powerhouses Malaysia to clinch two out of three gold medals (team and duet) on offer at the June SEA Games. Malaysia had swept all five gold medals in 2011 when the sport was last contested at the biennial Games.

Following the successful Games, seven members from the winning side decided to take a break because of studies and other personal commitments, leaving just five girls — Debbie Soh, Miya Yong, Gwyneth Goh, Rayna Buckle and Lee Mei Shuang — in the team. Those who have stepped down include Stephanie Chen and Crystal Yap, who both deferred their studies for a year to train full-time towards the SEA Games.

But Tsimashenka, 48, is unfazed at her thin squad. “I am happy with the SEA Games. That was a success for Singapore in the sport,” she said. “But it is now more difficult because we must keep our position (at the top) ... Next year’s SEA Games are also in Malaysia, so they will ride on home-ground advantage.

“But I won’t worry. I have a plan. We need to train harder ... We train six days a week for about 40 hours, with the girls from Singapore Sports School (Debbie and Gwyneth) training more.”

Tsimashenka will scout for talent from the three local clubs taking part in the Singapore National Open Synchronised Swimming Championships this weekend at the OCBC Aquatics Centre. Suitable candidates will be invited for national team trials in January. At the championships, Singapore will be up against state and club teams from South Korea and Malaysia, and the Philippines’ national team.

“We need new girls from local clubs,” said Tsimashenka. “We will also try to get more clubs to offer the sport and also boost the numbers. You can see our potential. At the FINA World Championships this year, we beat Australia in the team event (19th out of 25), and that was a feat because they have Olympians in their team.”

Debbie, 17, is eager to welcome new national team members to the fold. “We are a very tight-knit bunch, and that helps in chemistry and teamwork,” she said. “We will help the new recruits get to our level. I think our sport is still relatively low-key in Singapore compared to the other aquatic sports (swimming, water polo, diving). We hope to make it more popular.” ADELENE WONG