Thinley Namgay  

One of the newest Bhutanese footballers to play outside the country is former High-Quality FC winger, Kezang. The 23-year-old currently plays for Garhwal Heroes FC in the ongoing Delhi League in India.  

Kezang joined the Garhwal FC in March of this year. “Garhwal FC will feature in the I-League second division if we qualify from the ongoing league. The club has played in the second division I-league in the past,” he said. “Like all the rest of the players, I hope we can win the league this time.”   

The club defeated Sudeva Delhi FC 4-0 on October 21. Kezang has played two of the four games with the club so far. He scored a goal against Shastri FC. Garhwal FC has won three games and drawn one. The club is currently on top of the league table with 10 points. 

Kezang started his football career in 2014.  

In his debut international appearance, Kezang played for Uppa FC, of Manipur, India in the 2016 Manipur League. He also competed in the Arunachal Pradesh League representing Capital Complex FC last year.  

While in Bhutan, he has played for Druk United FC, Thimphu FC, Bhutan Clearing FC.   

Kezang said that an Indian agent helped him play in Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh. The same agent supported him get admission to the Garhwal Heroes FC.  

Established in 1953, Garhwal Heroes FC is one of the oldest professional clubs in India. “At Garhwal FC, the standard of training and hard work of its players inspired me. As a professional club, the facilities are good.” 

In their fifth match, Kezang’s team will face Delhi FC on November 13. 

Kezang idolises Brazilian professional footballer Ronaldinho. “He inspired me to play football. Football is my passion and it was also my late father’s dream to see me play at a professional level.”  

He said that his family was his inspiration in his professional life. “Football is my career, and family is my backbone.” 

Edited by Tshering Palden