Nepali football needs more clubs like Sahara Club

The topic of my discussion   is   the Aaha Gold Cup football tournament that rounded off in Pokhara recently.  I   know   it is awfully late but I believe it is never too late writing.

Looking back at the 11^th edition of the   Aaha Gold Cup, it was a grand success   in all aspects. The championship was well run and excellently managed. Besides, it was well- received and well- attended throughout, as well.

Since its inception, the tournament , hosted by Sahara Club, has grown from strength to strength, and has grown to become one of  the most widely anticipated  and prestigious tournaments in the country.

Even more important, the competition   has   become   the   biggest sporting spectacle in West Nepal and serves as an important platform for upcoming footballers and   football scouts.

The endeavor put in by the organizer to run the tournament   of   such magnitude is   highly commendable. Despite the high cost   and   little support from All Nepal Football Association (ANFA),   Sahara Club has   successfully   been running the tourney.

They have done   an incredible job hosting the tournament. They   have shown unprecedented resolve  and   passion to promote football all along.  Also they   aim   to take the   competition   to a much higher level   and   to make it more appealing.

The opening of Sahara Football Academy in Dobilla, Pokhara   speaks volumes of   their commitment towards the development of football. They have set a perfect precedent, and it is imperative that other clubs in the country follow suit.

It   has   been   proven that football clubs must play a   major, if not, decisive role in the sustainable development of football. Otherwise, the   development of Nepali football will continue   to stagnate.

If   you still   believe   in ANFA that has failed miserably, I believe that you are hopelessly naïve or you are fooling yourself.

Sahara Club’s effort and dedication need to be recognized and applauded. They strive to continue their commitment to football   development.   The matter of truth is that Nepali football needs more clubs like   Sahara Club.

Speaking of Aaha Gold Cup, this year’s edition generated lots of buzz and excitement. The locals’ enthusiasm   and   support for the tournament was phenomenal.

The championship was contested by twelve teams, which included all prominent   clubs of Kathmandu   and two from India.  

However, half way through, the   competition   was   hit by withdrawals of players who were   called into training camp for the upcoming AFC Challenge Cup.

In my   opinion, ANFA should have allowed players   to finish off the tournament. It was a very   unpopular decision that took some of the luster off the event.

All in all, the competition   had its moment   of   excitement, thrill and drama. The biggest surprise   of the tournament   was   Sahara FC, undoubtedly. Not only did they play exceedingly   well, but they were able to make it to the final for the first time.

Certainly, it would have been a double whammy for the organizer had their team prevailed in the final against   heavy favorites Three Stars. Still   a   fantastic   result for the host studded with hometown talent.

Sahara Club should keep their commitment and continue working towards its goals.