International News

AFC Pro Diploma

Bhutan Football Federation Congratulates Coaches on AFC Pro Diploma License Achievement

The Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) proudly congratulates the dedicated coaches who have recently completed the prestigious AFC Pro Diploma License. This significant accomplishment marks a vital milestone in our ongoing mission to elevate the standards of football in Bhutan. Coach Pema Coach Kinley Dorji Coach Puspalal Sharma Coach Ugyen Dorji Coach Lobzang Dorji Coach Ngawang Jampel Coach Yeshey Wangchuk Congratulations to our coaches for their remarkable achievement. 

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Atsushi Nakamura

Mr.Atsushi Nakamura Appointed the New Head Coach For the Senior Men’s National Team.

The Bhutan Football Federation is excited to announce the appointment of Atsushi Nakamura from Japan as the new head coach for the Senior Men’s National Team. In 2023, Nakamura led Henan Baier Zhongyuan Zhijian FC (Kaifeng Songyun FC) in China, achieving an undefeated season. Prior to that, from September to November 2022, he became the first Japanese manager to coach an Indian team when he took the helm at Sudeva Delhi FC in the I-League. Additionally, in 2022, Nakamura served as a youth coach for Wuhan Three Towns FC in China. Nakamura’s coaching career includes a successful period at Tochigi City FC in Japan’s fifth tier from 2020 to 2021, where his team finished third while remaining undefeated in 2020. From 2018 to 2020, he was the head coach of Bhutan’s U19 and U16 national teams, also acting as the National Academy Head Coach. During this time, his U18 team won the Bhutan Super League Division 2 in 2018 and finished as runners-up at the UEFA Assist U15 International Tournament in 2019, defeating teams from Saudi Arabia and the Maldives, and qualified for the 2020 AFC U-19 Championship by winning their group. Most recently, in late 2023, Nakamura took on the role of Sports Director for Tokyo 23 FC.

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Bhutan Senior Women’s National Team to Face Bangladesh in FIFA International Women’s Friendly

The Bhutan Senior Women’s National Team is set to play against Team Bangladesh at Changlimithang Stadium in a FIFA International Women’s Friendly. The match is part of their preparation for the upcoming SAFF Women’s Championship. The Bhutan team has been training intensively for several weeks, alongside the ongoing BoB Women’s National League Qualifiers. Meanwhile, team Bangladesh arrived in the country yesterday and held their first training session. They had their official training today. A Pre-Match Press Conference took place today at the BFF Conference Room, where both coaches expressed their teams’ determination to win the match. The teams will face each other again on 27th July at Changlimithang Stadium.

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24th BFF Congress

New Executive Members Elected

The Bhutan Football Federation would like to congratulete Mr. Pema Dorji, General Secretary of Paro FC, on being reelected as Vice President of the Bhutan Football Federation.  Additionally, we extend our congratulations to Mr. Hishey Tshering, President of Thimphu City FC, Dasho Singye Palden Yonten, President of RTC FC, and Mr. Jigme Tsewang, President of Transport United FC, on their election as Executive Members of the Bhutan Football Federation. We also would like to congratulate Mr. Chencho Norbu, on his reelection as an Executive Member and Ms. Zimbiri for being reelected as the women’s representative.

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The fourth module of the BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching Course

The fourth module of the BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching Course took place at Changjiji Academy. This module, which commenced on March 18, 2024, concluded on 22nd March. For the fourth module, the course instructors were Mr. James Benjamin Riches and Ms. Sharon Muxworthy from FA England. The closing ceremony was attended by the General Secretary of the Bhutan Football Federation, Mr. Ugyen Wangchuk.

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The BFF- AFCProfessional Diploma Coaching Course Fifth module concludes at Aspire Academy in Doha, Qatar

ChatGPT The BFF-AFC Professional Diploma Coaching course (5th Module), which kicked off on April 21, 2024, at Aspire Academy, ended on 1st May. A total of 10 coaches participated in the course. During their time there, they engaged in a comprehensive program that included both practical and theoretical sessions. The lectures and practical sessions were expertly curated by Aspire’s Football Performance & Science department. This module on performance was just one of the four essential components that these coaches successfully completed in order to earn their pro-license, the pinnacle qualification in coaching. The Bhutan Football Federation would luke congratulated all 10 coaches for completing the second last module and thanked Aspire Academy for their kind hospitality to the Bhutanese coaches.

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New Artificial Turf Of Dagapela Inaugurated

The grand opening of the Dagapela Artificial Turf was graced by the President of the Bhutan Football Federation Dasho Ugen Tsechup, the National Council representative of Dagana Dzongkhag, Honorable Birandra Chimorai, Dasho Dzongda, Lam Neten, other dignitaries, the Bhutan Football Federation faculties and the people of the district.The opening ceremony was followed by an exhibition match between the local players of Dagana and BFF officials. Later, the first-ever match of BoB Bhutan Premier League at Dagana Dzongkhag is scheduled to be played between Daga United FC and Tensung FC.The new turf of Dagapela is funded by FIFA Forward Project II.

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The President of the Bhutan Football Federation and the Dutch Ambassador Discuss Collaboration between the BFF and KNVB

The president of the Bhutan Football Federation Dasho Ugen Tsechup discussed the area of cooperation between the Royal Netherlands Football Association(KNVB) with Her Excellency Marisa Gerads, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bhutan. The key areas of interest are as follows: National Coaching Staff Coach Education and Coaching(WorldCoaches approach) Capacity building of the vital functions and positions (referees, administrators, organizers) Exchange or sending Bhutan youngsters to get trained in the Netherlands(long stints) Knowledge upgrade in technology used in football development( training and infrastructures) Further development of girls and women football.

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Bhutan National Team

The Senior Women’s National Team Prepares for FIFA Friendlies Against Hong Kong: China

Excitement permeates the air in Bhutan as the Senior Women’s National team gears up for their second FIFA Friendlies after their first International Women’s Friendly Tournament in Saudi Arabia last year. Set to face Hong Kong: China on two occasions(31st March and 3rd April, the team is not only preparing for competitive matches but also a historic event – hosting a FIFA Friendlies at its home ground, the Changlimithang National Stadium since the pandemic. Hosting and playing the FIFA Friendlies for the women’s team is a significant step forward, showcasing the progress of women’s football in Bhutan. This milestone reflects the Bhutan Football Federation’s commitment to the development and recognition of women’s football. Despite Hong Kong: China holding a position 100 ranks above Bhutan in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s Football Rankings, the upcoming matches will serve as the utmost test for the Senior Women’s National team. “Friendlies like these are crucial for popularizing women’s football in Bhutan and giving our players the exposure and experience they need,” said Ms. Pema Choden Tshering, Head of the Women’s Department and national team captain. “With a few new faces in the squad, our goal is to establish a strong foundation of expertise and exposure. I’m optimistic about our performance at home; I believe the girls will deliver an impressive display.” Under the guidance of a new head coach from England, the senior women’s squad will undergo rigorous training in the capital to ensure the best lineup takes the field and all the tactics are fully performed during the upcoming match. Ms. Nicola Demaine, the head coach of the senior national team sees the upcoming games against Hong Kong as more than just matches; they represent a crucial opportunity for her team to prepare for the SAFF tournament. “It’s a chance to measure ourselves against international opposition whilst trying out new tactics,” she says. “It will also be an opportunity to hand experience to some players who have had less exposure, as well as, hopefully, delivering a good performance for the fans.” Anticipation runs high among players and fans as the national team prepares to showcase their skills and passion for the game on the international stage. The FIFA Friendlies not only offer an opportunity for Bhutan’s senior women’s team to demonstrate their progress, determination, and unity but also catalyze the growth of women’s football in the country. Beyond the matches, this event also signifies the increasing recognition and support for women’s football in Bhutan, serving as a platform to inspire aspiring young athletes and promote gender equality in sports.

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Women's Football

Bhutan Women’s Squad For The Year 2024 Announced

The Bhutan Women’s National Team is more than just a football squad; it’s a symbol of hope and inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.  Head Coach Ms. Nicola Demaine announced a 24-member Senior Women’s National Team, who are selected through various selection camp at Changlimithang Stadium last month from various clubs across the country. Bhutan Team for the Year, 2024 GoalKeepers: Kinzang Dema, Karma Yuden, Sangita Mongar. Defenders: Suk Maya Ghalley, Kinley Zangmo, Dorji Edon, Jamyang Choden, Kelzang Tshering Wangmo, karma Wangmo, Rigzin Wangmo, Sangay Dema, Tashi Wangmo. Midfielders: Sonam Choden, Sonam Lhamo, Ugyen Choden, Sangay Wangmo,  Pema Choden Tshering, Deki Yangdon. Forwards: Deki Lhazom, Yeshey Bidha, Tshering Yangden, Namgyel Dema, Tshering Lhaden, Sunita Rai. Head coach: Nicola Demaine

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