The Nepal Super League-3 commences today with seven teams, featuring a round-robin format where the top four will compete for the final. The opening match showcases Kathmandu against Lalitpur, with high expectations for attendance and entertainment. Each team has bolstered their ranks with both local and foreign talent, setting the stage for an exciting tournament.
The Nepal Super League-3 begins today, featuring seven teams: Kathmandu Rayzrs, Lalitpur City FC, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini FC, Dhangadhi FC, FC Chitwan, and Jhapa FC. The inaugural match will pit past champions Kathmandu against Lalitpur, which is anticipated to attract a full house and will include a performance by singer Durgesh Thapa. Historically, Kathmandu has triumphed over Lalitpur in three of their last four encounters.
The tournament adopts a single round-robin format, where each team plays every other team once. The top four teams will then advance to the playoffs, culminating in the final scheduled for April 26. Unlike the previous edition that featured nine teams, the current season has seen the absence of Birgunj United FC and Sporting Ilam De Mechi FC, while six of the participating teams have been involved in all three seasons since its inception.
The teams boast a mix of national talent and foreign expertise. Notably, Lalitpur’s coach Simon Nicholas Grayson is a seasoned professional and a former player for clubs like Leeds United. Other teams, including Kathmandu and Dhangadhi, have also appointed foreign coaches esteemed in their respective countries.
Moreover, these clubs have enhanced their squads by signing foreign players, with a maximum of six per team. Defending champions Lalitpur have retained critical foreign players, such as French goalkeeper Jeffrey Baltus, who earned five clean sheets last season, and Nigerian striker Imoh Ezekeil, who netted six goals. While some teams have maximized their slots for foreign players, others, like Dhangadhi, Jhapa, and Pokhara, have fewer foreign players in their lineup.
The Nepal Super League-3 is poised to be an exciting tournament as it begins today, highlighting prominent teams and seasoned coaches. With a dynamic mix of local and international talent, the league promises thrilling matches leading up to the final on April 26. The initial clash between Kathmandu and Lalitpur, two past champions, sets a competitive tone for the season.
Original Source: kathmandupost.com
