The friendly matches will be held in Kuwait on January 13 and 15, according to ANFA President Ganesh Thapa. The matches will bear official international status. [break]
ANFA has also changed the chief coach of the women´s nation team. Citing busy schedule of coach Kishor KC, who is currently taking charge of A division outfit Jawalakhel Youth Club, ANFA has promoted assistant coach Kumar Katuwal as the head coach. Santosh Baniya will work as the deputy of Katuwal.
Meanwhile, the first women´s league to begin from Saturday in Dhangadi, Kailali will carry a total cash prize of Rs 700,000. ANFA struck three years sponsorship deal with Western Union Money Transfer for the 15-day long tournament. As the sponsor Western Union will provide Rs 600,000 to ANFA.
Kabindra Shrestha, the regional operation specialist for Nepal and Bhutan, and ANFA President Thapa struck the deal on behalf of their respective institutions.
The league to be held under coordination of Kailali District Football Association will feature two matches each day. Eight teams including three departmental -- Nepal Police Club, Armed Police Force (APF) and Nepal Army Club -- and five regional teams will vie in the event.
ANFA brought the concept to take women´s football in the concept of regional and departmental teams for some years. "We have asked the clubs to form their women´s teams but they were unable to do so due to busy schedule in the club and financial status. Thus we have planned to take women´s football in the current format for some more years," Thapa said adding, "The regional team will be helpful in exploring the talents of players outside of the capital."
Meanwhile, Shrestha of Western Union assured to increase the sponsorship amount in upcoming years.
The top four teams of the league will be awarded with cash prize in which winner and the runner up will bag purses of Rs 300,000 and Rs 150,000 respectively. The third and fourth placed team will bag Rs 75,000 and Rs 50,000.
The best player will be awarded with scooter and the best players in four different positions -- goalkeeping, defending, midfield, forward -- and the best coach will be awarded with Rs 25,000 apiece.
The expected cost of the event is Rs 4.7 million.
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