By a Staff Reporter
Kathmandu – After spending a month with newcomers FC Khumaltar as their Technical Director, coach Bishnu Gurung has made his move to the record 8-time A Division League champions Manang Marshyangdi Club as their new Head Coach.
Gurung had previously signed an agreement with B Division side Shree Bhagwati Club for the Martyr’s Memorial ‘B’ Division League. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding the B Division League, Gurung took charge of Khumaltar as their Technical Director and was seen commanding their dugout for a few games.
In between, Gurung was also appointed as the Head Coach of the Nepal U17 National Women’s team and flew to Jordan to compete in the AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup Qualifiers. It is learned that Gurung had some disagreements with the Khumaltar management, and subsequently departed from the club after returning back to Nepal.
Khumaltar announced the departure of Gurung from the club on Wednesday. Manang, on the next day, announced the appointment of Gurung as their Head Coach for a period of two years through their social media.
Despite the appointment, All Nepal Football Association’s (ANFA) League Director Sanjib Mishra has confirmed that ANFA will not permit Gurung to lead Manang’s dugout. “I learned that Bishnu Gurung had been appointed as the Head Coach for Manang. However, we will not allow him to be registered from Manang since he was already registered with Khumaltar previously.” Mishra clarified.
“The transfer rules for both players and officials are identical, and neither of them is permitted to switch to another club until the end of the season,” Mishra added.
With this Gurung will be expected to take charge of the club only outside of the field and take full charge only since the next season. Despite several attempts to reach out to Manang’s President Vijay Ghale, he was unreachable, and Gurung’s exact role at the club remains unclear.
Gurung marked his debut in the top-tier league as a Head Coach from Sanakata Club in Martyr’s Memorial ‘A’ Divison League 2021/23, where his team finished seventh.
The position of Head Coach at Manang had become vacant after Kiran Shrestha resigned following the club’s sixth consecutive defeat, for the first time in their history.
After the completion of the 14th round, Manang stands 8th in the points table accumulating 18 points from 14 matches with five wins, three draws, and six losses.
