International Nepali footballers leaving for abroad on the rise

The number of Nepal’s international footballers  leaving for greener pastures,better opportunities and a secure  financial future abroad is on the rise.

 

Those who have already left were either in their prime or midway through their career. Do not be surprised if more  players follow suit.

Whether  or not we agree,the steady flow of players leaving the country is unfortunate, troubling and a cause for concern for Nepal football.

The majority of players who have migrated to Australia, the United States of America, European countries or elsewhere no longer play full-time competitive football.

Speaking of professional or semi-professional leagues in the aforementioned countries,it is obvious that the standard is very high and extremely competitive.

Getting into the professional  league for any player is very challenging and an uphill battle.

Leave alone the first -tier league.Making  it into  the second-tier and further down is a tall order,especially for footballers from South Asia.

They have to go through a rigorous process of showcasing their ability and potential in front of scouts,agents and representatives 

of football clubs.

As a matter of fact,even getting try-outs and open trials is not easy.Only if players are young and exceptionally talented,they stand an outside chance of getting it.

Nepali internationals who left  the country for new destinations of their choice more than  a decade  ago had no option but to end their careers prematurely for a secure future.

Most likely,the latest wave of internationals who left the country will  end up doing  the same.I would be taken aback if they change their minds and decide to return back to Nepal.

As we have seen, for the most part former Nepali internationals abroad are limited to playing competitions organized by the Nepali diaspora community.

At a time when national teams in various age groups are under performing and struggling like never  before in international  tournaments,the departure of  well-seasoned  and upcoming players is a big blow and does not bode well for Nepal football.

It is a clear reflection of  deep rooted problems plaguing Nepal football.That said,there is no reason to panic in the strictest sense because there is no dearth of talent in the country.

In fact,there are emerging players aplenty waiting in the wings who are knocking the doors of national selectors and ready to step into their shoes.

But if the current football landscape remains unchanged,the lack of career development fear,financial  insecurity and uncertain future is most likely to drive more players to leave the country.

In light of recent events:uncertainty over the National Super League, former Kuwaiti Head Coach of the national team Abdullah Al Mutairi’s feud with a section of senior players and ANFA President Pankaj B Nembang(then senior Vice-President) and a sharply divided ANFA( prior to the recent election) added fuel to the fire. 

The biggest  issue Nepal football faces today is the absence of a  conducive  environment and professional league system,coupled with  dynamic leadership,sound  and effective governance.

I have no hesitation in saying that  this  is a direct result of organizational failure on part of the All Nepal Football  Association (ANFA).

Everyone agrees that  as caretakers(ANFA) of the game,it  is solely responsible for the professional development of football in the country.However,they have been a big let down and decades of disappointment.

Far too little has been done to create a positive,healthy and productive environment for players who are pursuing a professional career. 

Weak leadership,bad governance, factionalism,corruption,unaccountability, corrupt administrative practices and petty politics in ANFA have held back football development far too long.There is no end in sight to these systemic problems yet.

Furthermore,football Clubs in the country lack a strong culture and professional  development.They face financial challenges,lack  infrastructures,necessary tools and  resources.

As a result, their contribution  to the systematic growth and development of professional football in the country is negligible.

As things stand,I don’t see how players can advance  and build a sustainable career in the present environment. 

As realization dawns on them that they have no future playing football in Nepal,they are forced into making  the most difficult decision to move abroad before it is too late for their future career prospects.

It is very obvious  that  the feeling of fear and uncertainty of the future is driving them abroad.

We will have to wait and see the approach and direction the newly elected ANFA President Pankaj B Nembang’s administration takes to address the issue.

They must seriously take stock of  the situation and put forth an honest effort to  create an optimistic environment  in order  to stem the flow of players leaving the country.

Only  a meaningful concerted and  collaborative effort between ANFA, football clubs and stakeholders can make a significant difference and  help slowly turn things around.