Nepal Super League-3 Begins with Seven Competing Teams

Nepal Super League-3 commenced today featuring seven teams, including former champions Kathmandu and Lalitpur. The tournament follows a round-robin format leading to playoffs, with the final scheduled for April 26. This season includes foreign coaches and players bolstering team capabilities, enhancing competitiveness in the league.

The Nepal Super League-3 commenced today, featuring seven teams: Kathmandu Rayzrs, Lalitpur City FC, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini FC, Dhangadhi FC, FC Chitwan, and Jhapa FC. The tournament opens with a highly anticipated match between previous champions Kathmandu and Lalitpur, poised to attract a sold-out crowd and include a performance by singer Durgesh Thapa.

In their previous four encounters in the NSL, Kathmandu has emerged victorious against Lalitpur on three occasions, highlighting the competitive nature of this rivalry. The league will follow a single round-robin format, leading to qualifiers and eliminators to determine the finalists, with the championship match scheduled for April 26.

This season, the league features a reduction in participating teams from nine to seven, marking the absence of Birgunj United FC and Sporting Ilam De Mechi FC. Of the participating clubs, six have competed in all three NSL seasons, while Biratnagar City FC only appeared in the inaugural season.

The tournament showcases a mix of national, domestic, and international talent, enhancing the competitive spirit. Notably, Lalitpur’s head coach Simon Nicholas Grayson, a former player from England, brings a wealth of experience, having managed Leeds United. Other teams employ foreign coaches, such as Patrick De Wilde (Belgium) for Kathmandu and Juan Manuel Martinez (Spain) for Butwal.

In addition to skilled coaching, the teams have signed foreign players, with a maximum of six for each squad. Defending champions Lalitpur have retained key performers, including goalkeeper Jeffrey Baltus from France and Nigerian striker Imoh Ezekeil. Teams are able to field up to five foreign players in a match, boosting competitiveness aside from the talented Nepali coaches leading Chitwan, Pokhara, and Jhapa.

The launch of Nepal Super League-3 marks a significant sporting event, showcasing skilled teams and international talent. With the intense rivalry between Kathmandu and Lalitpur, along with the strategic international coaching staff and player selections, the tournament promises competitive matches leading up to the finals on April 26. The presence of established foreign players is set to contribute to the league’s excitement and overall quality, potentially raising the profile of football in Nepal.

Original Source: kathmandupost.com