Maharjan lands MMC job

Source: Himalayan News Service

KATHMANDU: After signing star players from different clubs, A Division outfit Laxmi Hyundai Manang Marshyangdi Club (MMC) has signed their former player Bal Gopal Maharjan from Nabil Three Star Club as a coach in an undisclosed amount.

MMC President Tashi Ghale and Maharjan have signed a two-year contract today, informed the MMC Legal advisor and office secretary Kumar Bhatta. Bhatta also said that Maharjan will take over the job from Wednesday. Newly signed coach Maharjan said, he was impressed with the enthusiasm and the working environment of the club.

“MMC came with a decent offer. So, I decided to sign the contract,” Maharjan said. Asked about his objective he said, “Obviously my target will be to vie for the silverware.”

He was a bit concerned about the transfer of two young defenders —Sandip Rai and Rohit Chand — who left MMC for I-League. “I won number of titles with MMC and now will do my best to help bring further success to the club,” added the coach.

Meanwhile, Bhatta said they were aiming to sign youth in their bid to fill the void left by the departure of Rai and Chand. “We have already signed our former defender Umesh Upreti and chasing U-16 skipper Sulav Maskey along with his teammates Kalu Thapa and Ganesh Thapa.” He also said they will not hesitate to bring in foreign players if required.

Maharjan announced his retirement from Three Star immediately after losing the AFC President’s Cup semi-finals in 2005. Maharjan remained with the club for four years assuming various roles. He also led the club to British Gurkha Cup title last year. He also led Three Star to third-place finish and runner-up in the recently held Martyrs Memorial San Miguel League.

Also, Three Star won Budha Subba Gold Cup (Dharan) title for two successive years along with Aaha Gold Cup (Pokhara), and second Peoples’ Movement Football Tournament (Hetauda) under Maharjan. Maharjan is an AFC ‘B’ license holder coach of Nepal. He also successfully participated in the AFC C License course in 2007 and AFC Future Project Programme (2007-2009).