Old Bonds, New Battles: Coach Pema Faces His Former Side

As Matchweek 5 unfolds in the BoB Bhutan Premier League 2025, all eyes turn to the clash between Tsirang FC and Transport United FC, a fixture brimming with history, old bonds, and renewed rivalries.

The past meetings between these two sides heavily favoured Transport United FC. On May 11, 2024, TUFC edged Tsirang FC 2–1, and in the return leg on July 24, 2024, they dominated with a 4–1 victory. However, this year, the narrative carries a twist. Several familiar faces will now line up against TUFC, most notably Martins and Peter, who were instrumental in the club’s title push last season.

The biggest storyline, however, surrounds Coach Pema, the tactician who led Transport United FC to a second-place finish in 2024. After departing the club at the end of the season, he now finds himself on the opposite bench, trying to revitalise Tsirang FC. The start of the season has been far from ideal for Tsirang FC. With two draws, against RTC FC and Southern City FC and two losses, against heavyweights Thimphu City FC and Paro FC, they are still hunting for their first win. Having scored just one goal in four matches, the team sits 7th in the standings and is desperate for a breakthrough.

On the other hand, TUFC have had a strong start with three wins out of four, their only blemish being a surprising 3–1 defeat to the BFF Academy boys. Despite that setback, they remain firmly in the top three and will look to bounce back with a commanding performance. With personal rivalries, tactical battles, and crucial points on the line, this encounter promises to be more than just another match; it’s a test of loyalties, tactics, and ambition.

Can Tsirang FC finally break their winless streak? Or will Transport United FC continue their push for the top?