By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu (HamroKhelkud) – The exodus of Nepali professional footballers continued with the departure of four players to Australia on Tuesday. Among them were Sesehang Angdambe, Simanta Thapa, Aashish Chaudhary and Anish Deula, all of who’ve been around the Nepal National Team.
Over the past two years, the trend of Nepali footballers seeking opportunities abroad has surged, with more than 50 players venturing overseas, predominantly to Australia. Aashish, a key player for A Division League champions Church Boys United and the left-back for the national team, also served as the marquee player for Dhangadhi FC in the Nepal Super League (NSL) and recently had ties with Machhindra Club.
Sesehang, known for his association with Tribhuwan Army Football Club and a vital member of the gold medal-winning squad in the 13th South Asian Games (SAG), had also represented Nepal on numerous occasions. Similarly, Simanta, serving as the captain of Jawalakhel Youth Club, had earned his stripes with the senior team.
Anish, the backup goalkeeper for Jhapa FC in the second edition of NSL and the primary choice for Jawalakhel, has also been a member of the senior national team.
The conclusion of the NSL and All Nepal Football Association (ANFA)’s inability to release the football calendar, has fueled the exodus of players seeking opportunities abroad. With the uncertainty surrounding the commencement of the new league season, discontent among players has mounted. This is expected to further prompt a surge in the number of national team and age-group players seeking new opportunities overseas.
This wave of departures isn’t confined to players alone; officials, including national and FIFA referees, are also contemplating similar moves.