Thinley Namgay  

Namlha FC from Thimphu will face the three-time champions Paro FC in the inaugural match of the highly anticipated Bhutan Premier League (BPL) at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu at 6pm today.    

Since its inception as a club in 2018, Paro FC has stood as one of the most dominant teams in the country. 

Namlha FC on the other hand showcased their prowess in the 2023 BPL Qualifiers without losing any game. The team won the Qualifier among eight teams with 17 points from five wins, and two draws. 

Both teams have spruced up their squads. Namlha recruited five international players and three have featured in the BPL Qualifier.  Three are from India. 

Namlha’s Coach, Raj Kumar Gurung, said that the inclusion of experienced foreign players is expected to boost the team’s performance. “But there is some issue with team coordination as foreign players are new to the team. We are working on that.” 

He said the team became confident after winning the qualifier.

The coach noted Paro FC as the toughest team with experienced players and has been preparing sufficiently. He said his team got less practice time due to the ground maintenance.   

Paro FC signed four foreign players and three have represented the club earlier. 

Paro’s head coach Puspalal Sharma said, “Our preparation has been apt. The motivation is high and we are looking forward to our match against Namlha FC.”

“We understand that Namlha has enhanced their squad. We can’t undermine any team in the league. I think every team is equally competent,” he said. 

As usual, 10 teams will play 90 matches this season.

The top four teams from the 2023 BPL Qualifier, Thimphu Raven FC, BFF Academy, Namlha FC, and Tensung FC will join Paro FC, Thimphu City FC, Druk Lhayul FC, RTC FC, Transport United FC, and Ugyen Academy FC in the competition.