Thinley Namgay

Royal Thimphu College (RTC) FC has secured their spot in the quarterfinals of the ongoing Birat Goldcup Football Tournament, held in Biratnagar, Nepal.

This marks RTC FC’s debut on the international stage since the club’s establishment under the Bhutan Football Federation in 2022.

The team is scheduled to face Sangrila Morang FA today in what promises to be a competitive quarterfinal match.

 RTC FC secured their spot in the quarterfinals with a commanding 3-0 victory against Nepal Police Club on March 28. Kinzang Tenzin’s stellar performance earned him the title of man of the match, as he scored a brace in his debut appearance for the team.

Despite facing challenges such as adverse weather conditions and debut pressure, the team showed resilience and optimism, aiming to deliver an even better performance in the  quarterfinal match.

Coach Ugyen Dorji emphasised the tough competition in the tournament, acknowledging the presence of equally skilled teams, including those from India with foreign players. However, he expressed confidence in his team’s preparation and motivation, stating their clear goal of winning.

Participation in the ongoing tournament in Nepal is seen as crucial for RTC FC, providing valuable game exposure and honing their skills before the 2024 Bhutan Premier League, which they consider a pivotal event in the year.

Organised by the Birat Goldcup Football Trust, the tournament invited RTC FC to participate along with nine other teams. In Group A, RTC FC competes alongside Sangrila Morang FA, Nepal Police Club, Armed Police Force team FC, and Church Boys United, the winners of the Shahid Memorial ‘A’ Division League.

 Group B features India’s Sikkim Dragons, Southern Samiti Kolkata, Tribhuvan Army Football Club, New Road Team, and Machindra Football Club.

The tournament in Nepal is set to conclude on April 6, having been established in 2012 as an annual event.