SAFF Women’s Championship 2012 : Nepal Football Team Preview

After a disheartening Nehru Cup performance by the men’s national football team, the focus now shifts to women footballers.

Recent Performances by Nepal Women’s Football Team has been good

What makes me feel optimistic and confident?

The girls are ambitious and hungry for success. They have proved it once before, and there is no reason why they won’t do it again. Ranked 110^th in the world, Nepal is grouped along with Pakistan, Afghanistan and Maldives. In all probability, they should have few problems beating the three opponents comprehensibly. It is very true that Nepal’s record against the three stand solid and impressive but that does not necessarily ensure them success. It is a serious mistake to underestimate your opponent. And also don’t allow overconfidence affect your performance. In sports nothing is guaranteed.  Give full respect to your opponents, and give your best.

Women football in Nepal has been around for over two decades; however, it is in a very sorry state. To add, it is one of the most ignored and neglected sport. Consequentially, the footballers are like an endangered species. There never has been an earnest and honest effort to   develop   the game on  the part of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). As a result, women football, which is languishing in the doldrums, obviously, has long lagged behind other countries despite its increasing popularity.

Despite everything, women football has barely survived, thanks largely to a handful of  real dedicated and committed individuals, security organizations, schools, clubs and players. Twenty six years ago (1986) Nepal made its international debut at the Asian Cup, and   three   years later (1989), they were back in the competition.  Hard to believe that the team   had to wait ten years to make its third Asian Cup appearance (1999). There was no end to their woes. From 2000 to 2010, the national team was denied opportunities to play a single international tournament. In between, the only time, Nepal participated in an international was  at the U-19 tourney in China.

Do you still have faith in ANFA?