3rd Season of Gyalsey Cup, 2018

Gyalsey Cup

The most awaited, exciting and on of the major Football (Soccer) tournament in Gelephu, the "Gyalsey Cup" 3rd Season, Organized by Sarpang Gelephu Sport Association (SGSA) Open Football Tournament is coming soon in April 2018.

Gyalsey Cup Logo

As per the information heard from the Football Secretary, Mr. Gaymbo Gyeltshen, the Gyalsey Cup will kick-off from the 15th of April 2018 with the theme "Together By Football". The tournament has seen lot's of good teams participating from all regions from Bhutan and also teams from neighboring country India, Assam and West Bengal, India in its previous two season.

The SGSA, is hopping for more teams this season from all over Bhutan and and India. As heard from some reliable sources, there may be teams all the way from Kolkata, Sikkim, Sillong, and Darjeeling, but not confirmed yet. 

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This year the tournament has lots of improvement in terms of matches organization and exciting prizes and many more. The SGSA is really working in the development of the Football in Sarpang, Gelephu and Bhutan as a whole. The BoC and Bhutan Football Federation were always there, supporting SGSA in every possible ways for the development of Football in Bhutan.

The SGSA would like to entertain the the communities of the Sarpang-Gelelphu Regions once again with this lovely tournament.

Keep following blog to keep yourself updated with the Gyalsey Cup.

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Gelephu Referee Picture

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Gyalsey Cup, SGSA Open Football Tournament, Gelephu 2017

Gyalsey Cup, the second season of SGSA Open Football Tournament, in Gelephu has successfully ended. Twenty teams participated in the tournament from different district of Bhutan, like places from Wangdue Phodrang, Zhemgang, Sarpang and also teams from the neighboring country India took part in the tournament. There were three teams (HB Club, YB Young Blood and F2 Guys) from Assam, India. 

The final match was played between Wangzop Stars of Wangdue Phodrang and HB Club of Assam, India. The First Winner of the Gyalsey Cup was Wangzop Stars and HB Club of India were the runners up of the tournament.

  

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GPL Super League Second Season

On the ongoing of Gelephu Premier League (GPL) Super League Tournament, The second round of the league has started. There are 5 team’s (BHSL, BPC, CRRH, Residue, Sherig) participating in the tournament. The tournament was started from 28^th of November and will end on 27^th of December 2015. BHSL is the new team registered in GPL Super League.

Starting from this season the GPL Super League has started with GPL Cup. The first GPL Cup match was played this season between CRRH “The champions of last season” and BHSL “The new member”. The CRRH won the cup with 5-3.

This season the Sherig is leading the table followed by CRRH, Residue and BHSL and BPC is at the bottom of the table.

More update on points and matches will be posted soon.

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Bhutan's Dragon's Boys clash with Giant Dragon, China in FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

The National Football Team is fully prepared to face the giant dragon, China, at Helong Stadium in Changsha, at 5:30 PM local time. This is the second match for the two teams for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers. China had won the first game, 6-0 at the Changlimithang stadium, in Thimphu. The team reached China, yesterday.

Our reporter, Yeshey Gyeltshen, who is following the Dragon Boys, says the squad of 23 players is working hard, right from the crack of the dawn.

The team will not need acclimatization as the weather in Changsha is quite similar to that of Thimphu, says our reporter.

The challenge, however, will be from the opposition team, who will not only have the home ground advantage, but having lost their previous match to Qatar, will not want the same results.

But, the Bhutanese players say they are ready.

The team will be led to the ground by striker, Chencho Gyeltshen. Chencho says he wishes to score in every single match, this one included.

“It’s a big responsibility having people expecting and relying on me to score. And it’s my job, as a striker, to score goals.”

The bigger boost for the team has come in the form of the head coach. Players say having a Bhutanese head coach has boosted the team’s morale.

“With the change of coach, I believe the attitude of the team has changed. It has made easier for us to discuss our views with the coach and plan accordingly for the next game,” said Midfielder, Karun Gurung.

The team’s new head coach, Pema admits tomorrow’s match will be a tough one, but says the results cannot be predicted.

“They have new players in the team. But we are ready, tactically, technically, and physically,” he said.

Source: BBS

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60th Birth Anniversary of Drukgyal Zhipa, Jigme Singye Wangchuck, 2015

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Bhutan Head coach Norio wanted to leave BFF

Bhutan Head Coach: Nario Tsukitate

Head coach Norio Tsukitate was released from his duties with effect from yesterday, after a disagreement between the coach and the manager of the team broke midway through the Bhutan-Maldives game on Thursday.

Bhutan Football Federation’s (BFF) president, Ugen Tsechup Dorji said that the expulsion of the Japanese coach by BFF at half time of the game as mentioned in the social networking sites was ‘absolutely untrue.’

The president said that without any prior consultation with the federation the coach decided own his own to leave the team. He said that while he was heading towards the locker room to congratulate the Bhutanese team, he walked into the Japanese coach who was bidding farewell to the players.

“It came to me as a surprise when I saw the coach wishing the players good luck for their future and saying that he was leaving,” the president said.

Ugen Tsechup Dorji said that it is ‘totally unacceptable’ in any profession, to step back from your responsibility midway through an important task. “You are the national coach of the team, it is your responsibility for the better or worst, to be there with the team till the end,” he said. “If he had some issues with management, that is to be left after the game was over. As a professional person he had to see the game through.”

Meanwhile, coach Norio who was at his residence saddened by the incident, told Kuensel that he was asked to leave by the manager of the team after they had an argument. “The vice-president of the federation told me to leave, that is official enough for me to leave the team,” said the coach. “As the head coach I have the control of the game, change players and positions, Hishey was trying to take over my responsibility.”

The coach said that although he did not receive any letter from BFF on his eviction, he said after taking to the Japan Football Association (JFA) on the whole matter, the association have asked him to return. “I have no work here, there is no more training, I’ll return to my family soon,” he said.

The head coach defended his team selection and player positions in the game against Maldives. Tshering Dorji, a midfielder in the squad was put in the front on Thursday. “Tshering is weak on defence, I thought if I placed him in the strike he would have to only control the ball and shoot, which he is good at,” said that coach.

The coach added that Karma Shedrup Tshering was not put in the first 11 because of his busy schedule. The former skipper who is also a pilot with the national airlines couldn’t make it for most of the practise sessions with the team said that coach. “Hishey was insisting me on putting Karma in, I believe they are family,” he said.

However, the president said that as the head coach, he had the control over the team and whether to listen to the manager’s suggestions was solely on him. “It’s how you take it, nobody can order the head coach during the course of the match, he’s the in-charge of the game,” he said.

He also added that there’s a distinct difference in the role of the manager and the vice-president. “Hishey Tshering was there not as the vice-president of the federation but as the manager of the team,” he said. “The verbal order that might have exchanged between the two during the game was not an official order, its just an excuse he had used.”

BFF’s general secretary, Ugyen Wangchhuk said that the general public have the notion that the federation fired the coach but in reality he himself wanted to leave. “We could have sorted the problem in a much better way had he informed us about the problem, instead he decided to remain silent and took the decision himself. This clearly shows he wanted to go,” said the GS.

One of the players on the squad said players had developed a good understanding with the coach. “He was a good coach and we learned a lot,” he said. “But nothing is important than the team, BFF might have taken this decision for the betterment of the team.”

Meanwhile, the Japan Football association wants to study the case in detail.

Norio Tsukitate is the fourth Japanese coach who was sent through a memorandum of understanding between BFF and JFA. The 55-year-old coach took over the national team in March this year.

For the game against Hong Kong on October 13, assistant coach Pema will be taking in-charge of the Bhutanese team.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan beated by Maldives 4-3 in World Cup Qualifiers

Tshering Dorji, in the 83rd minute took advantage of a chaos inside the penalty box. A thumping shot into an empty post opened the score sheet for the Dragon boys. The suit followed after three minutes when Chencho Gyeltshen, running past the Maldivian defenders, sent a low attempt to the back of the net. The third goal was scored by Biren Basnet when Chencho’s attempt rebounded after hitting the woodwork.

Despite Bhutan’s impressive performance and ending the team’s goal drought, Bhutan could not end its losing streak in the world cup qualifier.

The Maldives emerged triumphant over Bhutan by 4 goals to 3.

Bhutan conceded early goal as usual. The Maldives scored the first goal in 11 minutes. They further stretched their lead in 23rd and 33rd minutes without any reply from the Bhutanese side in the first half.

A goal converted from penalty in the second half by the Maldives seemed to have extinguished Bhutan’s hope for comeback. But the drama unfolded towards the end of the second half as Bhutan rattled the Maldives defense and scored three goals within seven minutes.

Bhutan’s desperately tried to equalize the match in the last minute but the Maldives resisted Bhutan’s attack till the final whistle of the game.

Source: BBS

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Bhutan will play against Maldives Today

Bhutan will try to break its duck against Maldives today at the Changlimethang and record the first win in the World Cup qualifiers.

Bhutan had played Maldives, commonly known as Red Snappers, but have never registered a win against the island nation. “We played against them for two to three times and lost all,” a senior Bhutanese international, Passang Tshering said. “But today should be our best opportunity because all our players in form,” he said.

The Maldivian squad arrived in the country yesterday, which was quickly followed by a practice session.

Bhutan’s head coach Norio Tsukitate, in a pre-match press conference yesterday said his players are improving day by day. “The advantage of having young players on the team is that they are constantly evolving with each match,” he said.

Maldives’ new head coach, Ricki Herbert, who took the New Zealand national team into the 2010 World Cup, is expecting an exciting match since both teams placed are at the bottom of the group.

“We’re still in the process of knowing each other. We had our first practise session on Tuesday in Kolkata,” he said. “We’re determined and remain positive about the game despite the short time we spent together.”

“It’s an international game, we expect it to be exciting not only for the players but also to the fans watching,” he said.

Ricki Herbert said his team has developed respect for team Bhutan who is growing in the international front.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan, Bangladesh match ends in a draw

Bhutan’s forward, Sonam Tobgay scored the goal into the sixth minute of the game. Bangladesh, who had beaten Sri Lanka 2-0 in their group opener, pressed hard to find an equaliser, but could score only at the 77^th minute.

In the group’s A final fixtures, Bhutan will face Sri Lanka and host country Bangladesh against Uzbekistan, tomorrow.

The matches are being played at Bangabandhu National Stadium, in Dhaka.

Source: bbs.com.bt

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Bhutan BFF trains Women Footballers

A five-day FIFA Women Coaching Course is underway to promote women’s football in the country.

Organised by the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF) with support from FIFA, the training aims to demonstrate the role of coach in relation to the players.

A total of 21 young women football enthusiasts, including school physical education instructors, national players, coaches and representatives from clubs, are taking part in the training.

The training includes both theoretical and practical sessions where participants will be trained in aspects like match analysis, psychological development of players, roles and responsibilities of the coach, and coping with differences within the team.

Instructor Hope Powell said that so far the participants have shown great interest in the course. “They’re very interactive. At the same time, they are intelligent and, therefore, it’s easier for me to conduct the sessions without much problems,” said that 48-year-old FIFA consultant. “At the end of this five-day course I expect each and every one of them to leave with some extra knowledge.”

One of the participants, Dechen Wangmo, said that she’s looking forward to learn the roles and responsibilities of a coach to understand the players better.

“Being a player myself, I know the importance of understanding the coach’s approach with the players,” said that 18-year-old. “The bond between the coach and players is very important in the development of the game. I expect to learn a lot from this course.”

Training coordinator Yiwang Pindarica said that the initiation was a small step toward improving women’s football in Bhutan.

“With football becoming popular in the country, women are starting to show interest in the game,” she said. “We are grateful to FIFA for supporting the initiative and hope to encourage more women to take up the sport.”

Women’s football in Bhutan started a long time ago but did not have avenues to succeed as did men’s team. With recent efforts from the federation, however, the game’s popularity with women is growing.

The under-14 national women’s football team represents the Bhutan in the international football.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Bhutan National team sees big opportunities ahead

The journey of Bhutan’s national football squad through the World Cup Qualifiers has not been easy.

Considered to be one of the worst footballing nations in the world, the journey of this young team started off with a historic win against Sri Lanka in the first round of the World Cup Qualifiers in March.

The win put the lowest ranked Bhutan to 163, the highest jump ever by a country in the April edition of the  FIFA/Coca-Cola World ranking.

Bhutan National Team

Victory against Sri Lanka pumped Bhutan’s hope by much and the players became national heroes overnight.

But the national players are all very young and inexperienced compared with the teams they had to face. A good number of national players were made up of students and professionals in different fields.

21-year-old Biren Basnet of the national squad is a second year student of Royal Thimphu College  (RTC). He has for the time being quit college to play for the nation.

“When I was in college I was also playing for my club. It was difficult managing time between studies and football,” he said. “After consulting with parents and teachers, I decided to leave college until whole campaign is over.”

Like Biren, Jigme Tshering Dorjee and Tshering Dorji, who were studying at RTC have decided to give Bhutan’s dream for World Cup more importance to study.

Tshering Dorji said that the decision was taken in consultation with his family and teachers. “Since the national team had to play eight games in this round, time management was becoming very difficult,” said the 20-year-old midfielder. “Till March next year we’ll be fully engaged in preparing for the matches.”

Lungtok Dawa is a first year student at RTC. The 17-year-old said that most of the time he is too exhausted with the training sessions and cannot concentrate in the classes. “It is difficult to cope with trainings and studies at the same time.”

Tshering Dendup, who is a member of the national team, is waiting to pursue his higher education. The 21-year-old goalie said that because football in the country has improved he plans to pursue his passion which is football.

Football has come a long way in Bhutan. National players are now provided with a monthly salary of Nu 10,000 along with the latest gears required to play at international levels.

Bhutan Football Federation also provides scholarships to players to help them continue their education. The federation is also planning to build facilities like gymnasium and to provide better dietary services to help improve the team.

Source: Kuenselonline

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Sterling making his speed last for Liverpool

Tracking data shows Liverpool winger has sprinted more minutes than any player this season

Raheem Sterling has spent more time doing high-speed sprinting than any player

With one goal and no assists in his last seven appearances in the Barclays Premier League, Raheem Sterling's recent drop in form has coincided with one for Liverpool, too.

But the winger cannot be faulted for his efforts in looking to speed things up. Sterling has spent more than 23 minutes at a high-speed sprint in the BPL, the most of all players in the competition.

Next in the list is Everton defender Seamus Coleman, noted for his attacking forays down the right flank, while at No 10 is West Ham United's Carl Jenkinson, who last week equalled the match Moussa Sissoko as running the fastest this season.

Player	Minutes/ high speed sprinting
Raheem Sterling	23.3
Seamus Coleman	22.4
Stewart Downing	20.9
Jesus Navas	19.7
Ahmed Elmohamady	19.3
Jamie Vardy	19.1
George Boyd	18.8
Nathaniel Clyne	18.8
Wayne Routledge	18.5
Carl Jenkinson	18.4

Branislav Ivanovic's runs down the right have helped Chelsea towards the title

John Terry equalling David Unsworth as the Barclays Premier League's top-scoring defender took much of the headlines as Chelsea moved one win from the title withvictory at Leicester City on Wednesday evening. The Chelsea captain is just one of Chelsea's attack-minded defenders, who have contributed 19 goals and 16 assists in all competitions this season.

At King Power Stadium, Branislav Ivanovic collected his fifth assist of the campaign for Didier Drogba's equaliser. The Serb's rampaging runs down the right have formed a crucial part of Jose Mourinho's quest for the title, with Ivanovic equalling his best Barclays Premier League total of assists (five in 2009/10).

Only Kieran Trippier, of Burnley, has covered more ground than Ivanovic from a full-back position this term.

BPL full-backs in 2014/15

Player	Km covered	Sprints
Kieran Trippier	356.80	1,698
Branislav Ivanovic	335.84	1,653
Daryl Janmaat	334.65	1,673
Aaron Cresswell	334.29	1,766
Joel Ward	315.98	1,390
Neil Taylor	309.88	1,549

Burnley have run the furthest and sprinted the most of the bottom seven sides

With four full matchweeks to go, a lot of the focus is on the fight against relegation, where the bottom seven teams are separated by nine points and with plenty of "six pointers" on the horizon.

If points were awarded for fitness and distances covered Burnley would be far from the bottom slot they occupy at present.

The Clarets tracking data reveals a different approach to running, especially compared with the sides immediately above them. Since the start of March, Queens Park Rangers have covered more than 8km less than Burnley per BPL match, while both the Rangers and Sunderland trail the Clarets by almost 100 sprints per match.

Team	Km/ match	Sprints/ match
Burnley	115.80	542
Newcastle	113.25	535.3
Hull City	111.75	504.9
Leicester City	111.23	497.6
Aston Villa	110.53	518.9
Sunderland	109.98	455.3
QPR	107.22	457.5

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy has run the fastest among BPL forwards

One of the key men for Leicester City if they are to continue their recent revival is likely to be Jamie Vardy.

The former Fleetwood Town forward showed glimpses of his ability in the 5-3 win over Manchester United in September, in what was his third top-flight appearance.

Vardy has shown his pace by recording the fastest speed of any Barclays Premier League striker this season. But his job is not just about sprinting and so with three goals and three assists in his last six appearances Vardy is adding an end product to his speed.

Fastest strikers in the 2014/15 BPL

Player	Top speed (Km/h)
Jamie Vardy	34.94
Gabriel Agbonlahor	34.87
Mario Balotelli	34.78
David Nugent	34.71
Diego Costa	34.70
Marouane Chamakh	34.69
Diafra Sakho	34.68

Source: http://www.premierleague.com

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