The third season of the Nepal Super League (NSL) is set to begin on Saturday at Dasharath Stadium in Kathmandu. This season features seven franchise teams competing in an intense knockout tournament, aiming to claim the championship title.
Teams Competing for the Title
The seven teams in this year’s NSL include Kathmandu Rayzrs, Lalitpur City FC, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini FC, Dhangadhi FC, FC Chitwan, and Jhapa FC. These teams will play in a single round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the knockout stage. The final match is scheduled for April 26, where the best two teams will battle for the championship.
Unlike the previous season, which featured nine teams, this edition has seen the absence of Birgunj United FC and Sporting Ilam De Mechi FC. Meanwhile, Jhapa FC is making its first appearance, while the other six teams have been part of all three seasons of NSL. In 2021, Biratnagar City FC participated but did not continue beyond that season.
An Exciting Opening Match
The tournament’s first game will feature Kathmandu Rayzrs and Lalitpur City FC, two of the league’s strongest teams. Kathmandu won the inaugural edition in 2021, while Lalitpur claimed the title in 2023. Their past encounters have been thrilling, with Kathmandu winning three out of their four matches against Lalitpur.
Fans are eager to witness this highly anticipated clash between the two rival teams from the Kathmandu Valley. The opening match is expected to attract a sold-out crowd, adding to the excitement. Popular singer Durgesh Thapa will also perform before the match, setting the stage for an electrifying start.
Foreign Players and Coaches
This season, teams have strengthened their squads by signing skilled international players and experienced foreign coaches.
Lalitpur City FC has appointed Simon Nicholas Grayson from England as their head coach. Grayson, a former player, had an impressive career with teams like Leeds United, Leicester City, and Aston Villa. He also led Leeds United to the Championship in 2010 as a manager. Kathmandu Rayzrs will be coached by Belgian Patrick De Wilde, while Dhangadhi FC and Butwal Lumbini FC have hired Spanish coach Juan Manuel Martinez and Bhutanese coach Puspalal Sharma, respectively.
The other teams have placed their trust in experienced Nepali coaches. Chitwan will be led by Nabin Neupane, Pokhara by Suman Shrestha, and Jhapa by Prabesh Katuwal.
Foreign Players Making an Impact
Teams have also signed top foreign players to strengthen their squads. Each team is allowed to sign up to six overseas players, with a maximum of five allowed on the field at any time. So far, Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Butwal, and Chitwan have used their full quota of six foreign players, while Dhangadhi, Jhapa, and Pokhara have left some slots open.
Lalitpur, the defending champions, have retained two of their key foreign players—French goalkeeper Jeffrey Baltus and Nigerian striker Imoh Ezekeil. Baltus was one of the top goalkeepers last season, recording five clean sheets, the highest alongside Jhapa’s Stefan Cupic. Ezekeil was the league’s top goal scorer with six goals, making him a key player for Lalitpur’s title defense.
With such strong squads, fans can expect thrilling matches throughout the tournament.
Growing Popularity of NSL
Since its launch in 2021, the Nepal Super League has gained significant popularity among football fans in Nepal. The tournament provides a platform for young players to showcase their talent while allowing foreign professionals to raise the league’s standards.
This season’s changes, including the reduced number of teams and the introduction of new players and coaches, add to the excitement. With passionate fans, intense rivalries, and high-level sports action, NSL-3 promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.
