Harsh Realities of Nepali Football

There was a   time   when Nepali footballers were   very much sought after by   premier   football clubs    of   India   and Bangladesh   on a regular basis. That is hardly the case now.

It is so hard to believe that today there is not a single Nepali footballer playing   club football in   India or Bangladesh.

Looking   at I League   and Premier League in India and Bangladesh respectively, there has been   quite a turnaround   in terms of structure, professionalism and competitiveness. Over the years, we have seen an influx of   foreign players in both leagues.

Given the opportunity, both   leagues provide an excellent   platform for our players looking forward to showcase their talent on a professional level.

Despite the wealth of talent, Nepali football has not blossomed for years and years, and it is very unfortunate that a lot of talent has gone to waste.    

Sadly, the non-existent of professionalism, in its true sense, in domestic   football   has not helped the cause of aspiring footballers. To add, there are no programmes that expose players internationally with regularity, and they have to totally rely on domestic tournaments that lack quality and purpose.  

All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) was/is a joke, and regrettably   the existing local clubs have done very   little to improve the situation.

Evidently without the development of professional football and honest commitment on part of ANFA and football clubs, I don’t think anything much will change.

Ironically, ANFA does not seem to be enthusiastically supportive of individuals or organizations involved in football development.

They fear that they will expose them to liability. Needless to say, they are engaged in the act of scorn and intimidation to discourage   them from carrying out their work.

This kind of negativity is unacceptable and creates an unhealthy environment that makes it extremely difficult for anyone to   make   a significant contribution to the development of football in the country.

There is urgency for   football clubs to seriously engage in all levels of development, which include grass roots programmes, building infrastructure, marketing and bolstering local fan base. Admittedly, it is easy for me to say all I want from the comfort of my home. It is what it is.

“Sahara Football Club”, Pokhara leads by example and everyone should follow suit. If they can do it, why can’t others. It is all about   determination, commitment and willing to do or achieve. 

In addition, it is imperative that   football clubs in the country   form a   strong united   front   to challenge ANFA’s   high handedness and failed policies. Until then, the football body will continue to rule the roost at the expense of Nepali football and footballers.

Going back to the days when Nepali footballers  were in demand in Bangladesh and India,  players   in the likes of Ganesh Thapa, Krishna Thapa, Narendra Man Singh,  Hari Khadka, Raju Shakya, Dev Narayan Chaudhary, Mani Shah, Umesh Pradhan, YB Ghale,  Upendra Man Singh,Bal Gopal Maharjan, Basanta Thapa and many more   comes to my mind.

It was quite an honor for players then   to be recruited by top notch clubs of Bangladesh like   Abahani Limited, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Brothers Union, Rahmatganj MFS and Muktijoddha Sangsad.

Likewise, Ganesh Thapa, Hari Khadka, Dev Narayan Chaudhary, Narendra Man Singh, Upendra Man Singh, Bal Gopal Maharjan and a few others played for some of India’s biggest   clubs- East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting Club, Salgaocar SC, Dempo SC and Mahendra United. 

As things stand today, the scenario is very different   and far from encouraging. It would be most accurate   to say that the flow of   Nepali players to major Indian and Bangladeshi clubs has literally dried up.

Of   the current crop of players, only a handful has made it to club football in India on sheer talent and hard work. Anil Gurung  (Shillong Lajong FC), Rohit Chand Thakuri (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited FC) and Sandip Rai (Mohammedan Sporting Club).

Likewise,  both Jumanu Rai and Santosh Sahukhala  had a brief stint with Maldivian club All Youth Linkage.

Thakuri was the sole   Nepali  playing club football in India till recently.  The talented youngster was in Indonesia on   trial at   Arema   FC of late. Although the club did not sign a contract with   him, but   he  has a very promising future.

My heart goes out to our upcoming wannabe future stars that have to face harsh realities of Nepali football.