PRAKASH TIMALSINA
SOURCE: REPUBLICA
KATHMANDU, Sept 2: Four among eight promoted A-division club confirmed that they would not participate in the knockout football tournament scheduled to kick off two weeks later. Swayambhu, Brigade Boys, Saraswati Club from Kathmandu and Koilapani Polestar will not take part in the tournament starting from September 18.
There are 18 A-division clubs including the eight promoted from B-division.
Though the four clubs lack players, they ruled out the reason for withdrawal and said they have been busy in internal preparation for the upcoming season. All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has set the deadline of September 5 for players´ registration.
"We are not competing this time," said Rajendra Neupane, president of the Saraswati Club. "We´ll come forward in the British Gurkha Cup (another knockout tournament) to win it," added Neupane.
Likewise, Koilapani President Bishnu Adhikari claimed they could not participate in the tournament because of internal preparation and they plan to participate in another knockout tournament.
Swayambhu Club President Shyam Lama informed they are unable to play any tournaments in September. Likewise, Brigade Boys´ Secretary Progress Rai said that they have been busy with other activities. Rai said his club is ready to compete in the A-division league.
After 3-year long dispute in football, ANFA and the then existing Nepal Football Association (NFA) had promoted four clubs each in A-division. After the promotion, this is the very first occasion for the promoted clubs to compete in the top-flights.
However, promoted Bansbari and Bauddha Club have informed that they are participating in the knockout tournaments and they will register players very soon.
Among the 10 A-division clubs of the last season, Machhindra is yet to decide whether or not to participate in the tournament. "We are looking for a new coach and players. We´ll decide whether to take part after a few days," said Sunil Kapali, president of the club.
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