Sahara Club dedicated to football development

The ongoing Aaha Gold Cup football championship in Pokhara points to the fact that Sahara Club, the organizer is   seriously committed to the promotion of football and development of its players in the best possible way.

The championship, formerly known as   “Caravan Gold Cup”   started in 2001, and   in 2002 it was renamed “Aaha Gold Cup “. Since then   the tournament has grown in stature and magnitude.

Following    All Nepal Football Association’s (ANFA) endorsement the competition was elevated to the premier status. Today it is a top notch tournament in the country and   attracts the best teams from around the country.

Over the years, the organizer also has   given the competition international flavor by inviting teams from neighboring countries India and Bangladesh.

This year’s edition features   twelve   teams. They are: Nepal Police Club, Three Star Club, Manang Marsyangdhi Club, Himalayan Sherpa Club, Jawalakhel Youth Club, Rani Pokhari Corner Team, Dharan FC, Rupendehi, ANFA U-17 and Sahara Club.  And Pune FC and African United are the two foreign outfits.

Sahara Club is more than just a   traditional football club. The matter of fact is that it was established   as a  non-profit  social welfare  organization in 1998 which is so to this day. The club engages in various  activities around the year, but  they have put their heart and soul into football.

By setting up a football academy in 2004, the first of its kind in the private  sector , the club made national headlines. The academy scouts   street, orphan and neglected   children  across the country  that is blessed with  tremendous football  skills.

In the academy the   boys are   nurtured and groomed   under the guidance of experienced coaches.  Indeed  the boys have  been   given   a  future to look forward to.  Furthermore, the club  is on the cusp of   establishing a separate academy   exclusively   for   orphans called “Orphan and Helpless Academy”. 

So far international   Anil Gurung is the biggest name associated with the academy. The club hopes to produce more   Gurungs   who   are able to represent the country internationally.

Sahara Club (also   called a   social football organization)  stands  a role model to others, and it would be a positive step should other clubs follow suit.

In the context of Nepali football it is imperative that clubs assume bigger and meaningful role, especially to drive the pace of football development that is at a snail’s pace.

It is about time   to   move toward   developing and building  a strong club culture that eventually helps them  grow professionally and become an integral part of  national football.

Much has been said and written   about   the importance of   clubs when it comes to football development.  Unfortunately,   other than   participating in competitions most of our clubs have taken a back  seat  to the vital and larger  issue.

I   understand   it   is   easier said than done.  That said, the clubs   must display  more   seriousness   and  resolve to change things around for themselves and the country at the same time. If Sahara can do , why can’t the others ?

Unless and until clubs and ANFA work in tandem  Nepali football will not improve as we want. And  I fear  nothing could change otherwise.

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