Teams Ready to Challenge APF in ANFA Women’s League

March 17, Kathmandu — The Armed Police Force (APF) has already established itself as a strong force in women’s football.

Rarely in domestic women’s football have other teams managed to challenge APF’s dominance.

However, starting tomorrow at Chyasal Stadium, several teams are prepared to break APF’s stronghold at the ANFA Women’s League.

Departmental teams Tribhuvan Army Club and Nepal Police Club, along with Sankata Club, are gearing up to challenge APF.

A total of nine teams, including three departmental clubs, will compete in the women’s league.

APF, Nepal Police, and Army are the main contenders for the title, while Sankata Club is also expected to challenge these three for the top honors.

Initially, 10 teams were set to participate, but Rapti FC will no longer join the competition.

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) had released the schedule including 10 teams initially, but after clubs raised objections, the decision was made to exclude Rapti. Rapti was initially included because Walin Municipality, which had qualified for the national league, decided not to participate.

What do the coaches and captains of participating clubs say?

Nepal Police Club

Ravin Shrestha: Assistant Coach

Overall team preparation is solid since departmental teams train year-round. There is enthusiasm to compete for the title; there is no alternative.

New clubs are becoming more competitive as well.

The league traditionally features strong competition between three departmental teams. Last season, Police was the only team to break APF’s continuous winning streak, having won previously too.

This season, we have included players Sabina Chaudhary, Birsana Chaudhary, Sushma Tamang, and Mina Deuwa. The team is well strengthened.

Tribhuvan Army

Raju Tamang: Head Coach

Preparations have been excellent, and players are fully fit. This year, we are aiming for the title.

The challenge is delivered on the field. Though we have played APF several times, APF has not completely dominated the matches.

We have a strong mentality and aim to avoid repeating past mistakes.

This time, our focus is on improving scoring. Previously, our performance against Udayapur was weak in this area.

Amisa Karki is expected to join during the competition.

There is no official announcement yet regarding foreign players.

We have also focused on goalkeeping. Lila Joshi played in Udayapur, but since rules require players in selection to play in the national league, Lila has now moved to Church Boys. We have Kopila and Kavita, who do well, and hope they perform strongly if given the opportunity. The challenge is definite.

Sunita Chaudhary (Captain): The team is strong, and we are playing to win.

APF Club

Jivesh Pandey: Head Coach

We are physically and mentally prepared for the league starting tomorrow. One or two players are injured, but the rest are fit.

We always hope for a good league. Opposing teams will also be strong this time.

Previously, we used to have 3 foreign players, and now an agreement has been reached to allow 4 by adding one more. We are ready for that as well.

Currently, our focus is on the league. We will consider upcoming tournaments later.

Anita Basnet (Captain)

We are mentally and physically ready for the league.

All players are prepared. It will not be easy this time. All teams are competitive, and Sankata has many foreign players.

We are excited about the league. New players are emerging who will strengthen both club and national teams.

Sankata Club

Ravindra Shilakar: Head Coach

This season, we aim to establish Sankata as a prominent force.

We have a few foreign players and national age-group players as well. We consider ourselves among the contenders.

Foreign players include forwards from Myanmar, one from Mozambique, and two from Ghana.

The Myanmar players include the captain of their national team. The remaining national team and Ghana age-group players complete the squad.

We have prepared intensively to challenge the departmental teams. Our morale has boosted after playing in Udayapur.

We intend to compete strongly with the departmental teams. We have been training hard for a month.

We do not fear teams other than the departmental ones.

Three players from the Sankata Academy will also play.

Church Boys United

Head Coach: Bikram Maharjan

Players have been training regularly outside and will arrive today.

It will definitely be a challenging league. Our goal is to properly train players and position them well.

Departmental teams have the advantage of 12 months of training, but we will compete fiercely as well. Players have committed to hard work.

We will decide later on bringing foreign players.

Captain Barsha Magar: Our goal is to win matches and become league champions. The competition will be tough.

Bagmati Youth Club

Nirajan Karki: Team Manager

The team has come from Sarlahi. Their next match is the day after tomorrow.

The team has good quality.

NRT, Jhapa Football Club, and R Resort & Beach Club did not attend the press conference.

Photo: Bikash Shrestha