Nepal Super League-3 has begun with seven teams competing, including previous champions Kathmandu and Lalitpur in the opening match. The format is round-robin, followed by qualifiers, reaching the final on April 26. The season features a combination of local and foreign players and coaches, adding competitive depth to the tournament.
The Nepal Super League-3 commenced today featuring seven teams, namely Kathmandu Rayzrs, Lalitpur City FC, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini FC, Dhangadhi FC, FC Chitwan, and Jhapa FC. In the opening match, the past champions, Kathmandu from the inaugural 2021 edition and the 2023 champions, Lalitpur, will compete. The match is anticipated to attract a full crowd and will be highlighted by a performance from singer Durgesh Thapa.
The tournament will follow a single round-robin format, after which the top four teams will progress to the qualifiers and eliminator rounds to determine the finalists. The grand finale is scheduled for April 26. Unlike the previous edition with nine participating teams, this season does not include Birgunj United FC and Sporting Ilam De Mechi FC. Out of the seven teams, six, excluding Jhapa, have been part of all three seasons. Biratnagar City FC participated in the first season but has not returned since.
The third season boasts a mix of national players as well as a number of notable foreign players and coaches. Lalitpur’s coach, Simon Nicholas Grayson from England, is a distinguished figure, having previously played for notable clubs like Leeds United and Leicester City and managed Leeds to Championship victory in 2010. Kathmandu, Dhangadhi, and Butwal have foreign coaches as well, including Patrick De Wilde from Belgium and Juan Manuel Martinez from Spain.
Chitwan, Pokhara, and Jhapa are led by accomplished Nepali coaches. Each team has a quota of six foreign players, aiming for the championship title. Defending champions Lalitpur have retained key foreign players, such as goalie Jeffrey Baltus from France and striker Imoh Ezekeil from Nigeria, both of whom excelled in the previous season, with Baltus achieving five clean sheets and Ezekeil scoring six goals. Except for Dhangadhi, Jhapa, and Pokhara, the remaining teams have reached their limit of six foreign players, with each side permitted to field up to five overseas players in matches.
Nepal Super League-3 has officially launched, featuring seven competitive teams including past champions. The tournament adopts a structured round-robin format, leading to qualifiers for the top teams and culminating in a grand final on April 26. With a blend of local talent and international coaching and playing influence, this season promises to deliver exciting football rivalries and performances.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
