Nepal Super League-3 has begun with seven teams participating, including past champions Kathmandu and Lalitpur. The tournament employs a round-robin format with a final scheduled for April 26. The inclusion of foreign players and coaches enhances the competition, aiming to attract a broader audience.
The Nepal Super League-3 commenced today, featuring seven participating teams: Kathmandu Rayzrs, Lalitpur City FC, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini FC, Dhangadhi FC, FC Chitwan, and Jhapa FC. The inaugural match pits former champions Kathmandu and Lalitpur against each other, promising an exhilarating start to the tournament, complemented by a performance by singer Durgesh Thapa.
Historically, Kathmandu has a strong performance record against Lalitpur, having secured three victories in their past four encounters within the NSL. The tournament will follow a single round-robin format, culminating in two qualifiers and an eliminator to determine the finalists, with the championship match scheduled for April 26.
Although the previous edition featured nine teams, this season sees a reduction due to the absence of Birgunj United FC and Sporting Ilam De Mechi FC. Notably, six out of the seven clubs have participated in all three seasons since inception, with Biratnagar City FC being the only team to withdraw after its debut season in 2021.
The current season marks a strategic infusion of foreign talent and coaching expertise. Notable is Lalitpur’s English coach, Simon Nicholas Grayson, a former professional player who previously led Leeds to a Championship victory. Other teams have also welcomed foreign coaches, expanding their tactical outlook.
Each team is allowed a maximum of six foreign players, with most clubs meeting this limit, except for Dhangadhi, Jhapa, and Pokhara. Lalitpur, for example, continues to rely on key foreign players like goalie Jeffrey Baltus and striker Imoh Ezekeil, who excelled in the previous season, contributing significantly to their success.
In conclusion, the commencement of Nepal Super League-3 showcases the competitive spirit of seven teams including past champions Kathmandu and Lalitpur. With the introduction of foreign talent and a reduction in the number of teams, the tournament promises to offer an engaging and thrilling experience for football fans in Nepal, leading to an exciting championship match later this month.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
