By a Staff Reporter
The Nepal National Women Team and Nepal APF Club’s forward Sabitra Bhandari aka Samba has rejoined Indian club Gokulam Kerala FC. Gokulam announced that Samba had signed a year-long deal through its Facebook page on Sunday.
After signing an agreement, Samba stated that she was happy to be associated with the Gokulam Kerala for the second time. “Gokulam requested me to play from their team last season as well but due to injuries I was not able to do so.” Samba stated. “Once again the club has shown their belief in me. I will try my best to perform like before and make the club happy.” she added.
She will play AFC Club Championship Qualifiers, State League and Indian Women League from the club this season.
Couple of years ago when Gokulam Kerala FC was crowned the title of Indian Women’s League (IWL), Samba was the prime player of the team. Back then, with the top notch performance from Samba, Gokulam bagged the trophy remaining undefeated.
Samba scored goals in all the league matches. She was named the top scorer of the league with 16 goals. She also scored 3 goals in the play offs. Similarly in 2019, Samba helped Sethu FC to clinch the title of IWL for the first time.
Due to injury, Samba was forced not to step in the field for a long time a year ago as she caught knee injury in Falgun 2077. She got her ACL / meniscus injury operated in Aspetar at Doha, Qatar. After returning back home, she has been active on the field again and had already played several matches of Nepal Women’s League from APF Club. The APF Women’s team is at the top of Nepal’s Women League after the completion of the first round at Chitwan. The second round of the league is yet to begin.
