Nepal Super League-3 begins today with seven teams including past champions Kathmandu and Lalitpur facing off in the opening match. The tournament follows a single round-robin format leading to the finals on April 26. This season features a mix of national and foreign talent, with teams including experienced international coaches and players.
The Nepal Super League-3 commenced today with seven participating teams: Kathmandu Rayzrs, Lalitpur City FC, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini FC, Dhangadhi FC, FC Chitwan, and Jhapa FC. The tournament opens with a match between former champions, Kathmandu and Lalitpur, promising an exciting atmosphere enhanced by a performance from singer Durgesh Thapa. Historically, in their last four matches, Kathmandu has triumphed over Lalitpur three times, with one loss.
This season adopts a single round-robin format, where each team plays against all others. The top four teams will advance to two qualifiers and an eliminator, leading to the finals scheduled for April 26. Notably, Birgunj United FC and Sporting Ilam De Mechi FC from the previous season are absent, reducing the number of teams from nine to seven.
Of the seven teams, six have participated in all three editions of the league, with only Jhapa as the newcomer this season. Biratnagar City FC, which played only in 2021, did not return for the current season. In terms of talent, this edition features a blend of national and international players, including notable foreign coaches and players.
Lalitpur’s coach, Simon Nicholas Grayson, a former player for English clubs such as Leeds United, Leicester City, and Aston Villa, brings significant experience. Other teams have also enlisted foreign coaches, such as Patrick De Wilde (Kathmandu), Juan Manuel Martinez (Dhangadhi), and Puspalal Sharma (Butwal). Meanwhile, Chitwan, Pokhara, and Jhapa are led by successful Nepali coaches.
Teams recruited multiple foreign players, up to six each, to enhance competitiveness. Lalitpur, as the defending champion, retained key foreign players: goalie Jeffrey Baltus, who recorded five clean sheets last season, and striker Imoh Ezekeil, who scored six goals. Most teams, except Dhangadhi, Jhapa, and Pokhara, have maximized their foreign player limit, with each match allowing a maximum of five foreign players on the field.
The Nepal Super League-3 has officially commenced, featuring seven teams in a competitive structure that promises excitement. Former champions, Kathmandu and Lalitpur, are set to ignite the tournament in a highly anticipated opening match. This season notably sees the return of familiar teams while introducing new foreign talent, including experienced coaches from various countries. The league structure emphasizes competition, culminating in a final scheduled for April 26.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
