THANK YOU !!!  Paro Football Club would like to extend a sincere “THANK YOU” to our generous Sponsors for the 2022 Season.  The success Paro FC achieved would not have  been possible without the support of our sponsors. To our players, coaches, Paro FC staff,  fans, community, families members, and volunteers – it is our team effort and sacrifice that we all made for Paro FC. We look forward to the same energy and support in the 2023 season.  As a club, we appreciate and treasure the efforts provided by our President, Vice President, Board of Directors, Managers, Media, hospitality staff, volunteers, family, medical staff, and technical staff. We encourage all our fans to show their appreciation to all !!! A BIG THANK YOU!  We truly appreciate the Bhutan Football Federation, Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan Telecom, Paro Dessup, and Paro Police for successfully conducting BoB Bhutan Premier League 2022 season! Our appreciation and Thank you for your continued support.  We applaud all BPL clubs, coaches, and management for the sacrifice and effort put in to develop Bhutanese football.  Finally a special mention of all working tirelessly behind the scene.   SPONSORS: 2022 SEASON 1. Druk Asia ( Bhutan Travel Specialist)  2. Chharee Traders  3. Noryang Hotel ( Thimphu)  4. Tashi Namgay Resort ( Paro) 5. AAA Education & Migration Consultants 6. Bhutan Ecologic  7. Druk EcoTec 8. Green Kitchen  9. Penchu Boutique (Paro)  10. Namgay Heritage Hotel ( Thimphu)  11. Hotel White Tara ( Punakha)  12. Namgay Artisanal Brewery  13. Penchu Sales  14. Mindu Construction Pvt Ltd ( Paro)  15. 8 Heaven ( Convenient Store) 16. Jamden Sales  17. Namgay Import & Export  (Garment Store)  18. NWD ( Garment Store)  19. Happy Fashion & Style ( Garment)  20. Basemark ( Garment )  21. Orchid Lifestyle ( Home Decore )  22. Euden Pem Garment  23. 1 Step Shop ( Kids toys & Garments)  24. Yeshi Dorji Mall ( Grocery )  25. Nidup Tshongkhang ( Fruits Sponsor) TECHNICAL TEAM  1. Torsten Frank Spittler ( Technical Director)  2. Puspalal Sharma ( Head Coach) 3. Gopal Rai ( Assist  Coach / Grassroots Head) 4. Indra Gurung ( Goalkeeper coach/ Youth Head)  5. Tandi Bidha ( Women Coach )  6. Dawa Zangpo ( Women Assistant Coach/ Academy Coach)  7. Aita Raj Gurung (Academy Coach)  8. Ugyen Dorji  ( Academy coach )  9. Rigzin ( Team Physio)  10. Lhab Dorji (Team Dr)   11. Lhab Tshering ( Media)  12. Victor Gurung ( Media & Marketing Consultant) 13. Tenzin Tashi ( VP women & Team Manager for men’s team )  14. Kuenga (Assistant team manager)  15. Kezang Galey (Women Team Manager)  HOSPITALITY TEAM  1. Tshering Bidha ( Cafe & Souvenir manager)  2. Choki ( cafe chef )  3. Sonam Wangmo ( cafe steward ) 4. Meena ( Ground steward)  BOARD OF DIRECTORS  1. Karma Jigme ( President)  2. Tenzin Jamtsho ( Vice President) 3. Pasang Dorji  4. Tsheltrim Dorji 5. Chencho Norbu 6. Dorji Gyeltshen  7. Jigme Namgay 8. Pema Dorji 9. Passang Dorji

HISTORY REPEATS The Grand final was back at the Changlimithang national stadium since 2019, where Paro FC was crowned Champion for the first time. The 2022 /23 season’s result was similar to that of  three years ago – history has repeated itself, and Paro FC has created Bhutan Premier League history by winning the title three times. Including Puspalal notching his third premiership as coach after his debut triumph in 2019. Surely this one was sweeter, given Thimphu City’s close runs and Paro’s near misses in the second-last match. WINNING TEAM  It was  not an execption for Bhutan’s star player Chencho Gyeltshen, who secured his first Bhutan Premier League Championship. The Paro FC’s undefeated season and veteran striker Kazuo’s clinical performance was an astonishing part of BPL history. Kazuo was awarded the “Golden Boot” with thirty-four goals and was named the “Most Valuable Player” of the tournament. Kazuo says “ I’m thankful to my teammates who have made this possible, without good players in the team, I alone cannot achieve this success”. Senior players like Kinley Wangchuk, Gyeltshen Zangpo, Lobzang Chogyal, Phurpa Wangchuk, Nima Tshering, Phub Thinley, and Kabi Raj were the key members of Paro FC’s triple premiership title team since 2019. Then, veteran like Chimi Dorji despite long-term injury encouraged and inspired the team to fight through and made a remarkable comeback performance. There were young players like Tshelthrim Namgyel, Yeshi Dorji, Chimi Tshewang, Tobden, Loday, Kezang, Karma Lobzang, and Heera  who despite being young become top-class premiership players. They were all part of Paro FC’s 2021 title-winning squad ( except for two new goalies). Foreign players like Florent and Dang were regulars for Paro FC, and along with new addition like Kazou, Yussuf and Dela Row  were the best among all foreign players in the BPL 2022.  RECORD  This final match against Citizens will live on in the memories of Paro FC fans, players, and management for many good reasons. Both teams faced similar title-deciding situations thrice. The last two consecutive seasons proved better for Paro and successfully defended the title. Paro FC becomes the first club not to lose a single match in the entire 2022 season. Paro FC also lauds as  the only club to be crowned the Championship three times within five years of its founding.  Five years record (Estd 2018)  2018- Second (BPL) 2019- Champions ( Jigme Dorji Wangchuck Memorial Gold Cup)  2019 – Champions (BPL) 2020- Third (BPL) 2021 – Champions (BPL) 2022 – Champions  (BPL) THE FINAL MATCH  In this year’s title-deciding match, Paro FC (the tigers) look more confident right from the start and created numerous goal-scoring chances. Tigers kept building constant pressure and at thirty-seventh minute mark   our skipper Chencho Gyeltshen outpaced the Thimphu City FC ( Citizens ) defense to score a perfect goal. At half-time, Paro was leading by a lone goal. In the second half, Thimphu City went all out to level the score, however after dominating a good portion of the match, citizens failed to get on the scoreboard. Unfortunately, to add to  city’s suffering, Paro FC break through the city’s mid to send Kazou at a shooting distance from where he banged a sublime goal at fifty-three minutes. Citizens, however, got a consolation in the form of a penalty, but that was not enough to win the match enabling Paro FC successfully defend the title and being Crowned Champions of BPL 2022.  Congratulations to all players, technical staff, management, board of directors, family, fans, and well-wishers.

Always there on the field but not really heard of, The most versatile player at Paro FC is a young player, called Lobzang Chogyel.  There are reasons unseen and unknown to public that make the best players on the field not stand out and become underrated over time. Some of them aren’t big talkers, do not boast a  big personality in-front of the public and media, aren’t outspoken due to their introverted nature, and haven’t been involved in controversial matches. These players usually have a “Get the job done and lay low” mentality and their low profile attitude may have a lot to do with why, despite being best some of the best players, they seem to be somewhat forgotten and remain unheard of.  Football is a game that involves a lot of team spirit, since the game comprises of 11 players. That being said, not all players on the team get the credit that they deserve; only few exceptional players  with charisma gain glory and popularity. Lobzang Chogyel is one of Paro FC’s consistent performers for. Despite being benched for 3 consecutive years by the coach, for his scope of development, he lauds and has proven to be one of the most consistent and patient players with immense potential. Currently, Lobzang and his versatile skills has proven him an asset to the team. He has been selected by Puspalal the coach, not only as Centre back but also as the full back, defensive and attacking midfielder. He is composed and takes trainings seriously; with a low profile attitude, he gets along with all the team mates, he is one of the most liked players by his team mates.  Lobzang is a technically gifted player who possesses sublime dribbling and passing skills. The 26-year-old always ensures he shows up and puts up a huge competition  against the big clubs. His versatility in skills has made him a player, that has been selected for playing any position for the team, except the goal keeper. However, despite the immense potential, he is an underrated player.  Bio-Data:  Lobzang is from Langthel, Trongsa. He started his primary school from Babesa and completed his lower secondary education from Loselling Lower Secondary School. He completed his tertiary education from College of Language and Cultural Studies, Taktse, Trongsa with a Bachelors in Culture and Literature. Lobzang recollects playing football from his childhood days. He remembers using slippers and stones as goalposts to play with his friends. As a 11-year-old boy he remembers his father taking him to Gelephu for the national youth selection camp. He made it to the final phase of the selection camp but had to leave early because he was homesick. This was also the first time he was away from his parents. When asked if he had any academy experience in football. Lobzang said that when he was in Loselling he was once selected in the C-Division U16 team and was kept at the BFF Academy in Changjigi as the U16 team was planning to play in Nepal. However, due to some reasons the tournament in Nepal was cancelled. He started his career with Paro FC in 2018. He has been with Paro FC for the last four years. Prior to joining Paro FC he made his  debut with Terton FC, and won the national league in 2014. He could not continue his playing tenure with Terton FC as he had to pursue his tertiary education at Taktse College. As of now, Lobzang has a professional contract with Paro FC.  “Lobzang is a man of discipline and commits 100% for all the trainings”. He aspires to play for the national team one day. He said that he has what it takes to be in the national team, if he would receive support from his parents, team mates and coaches. When asked what determined his ability to play many positions, he said that he started from the defending positions and somehow also got to experience the attacking positions as he experienced many games and trainings. He believes that it is important to be serious in trainings and compete for the positions. As he has devoted his time to live a life of a professional player, he feels that it is his commitment, discipline and determination that has pushed him this far and these attributes keep on pushing him to be better on the field. He has been working and preparing  to become better.  He expressed that he is at the right place , and is experiencing a professional feel to his life as a footballer. Lobzang wants to let other aspiring players know, that at the moment any aspiring footballer with passion should come and train with Paro FC if, that individual wants to realize their dreams, passion and aspirations of becoming a professional football player.

Puspa Lal the coach mentioned that, the last-minute goal Paro Fc conceded, in the club’s 2-2 draw match, to Druk Lhayul does not change his optimistic positive view of the performance. Paro FC displayed that the team possesses enough high quality skill to have emerged with three points. However, at times biased decisions, luck and missed chances costed Paro FC dearly. Even though , the first half of the match had to be settled for a goalless draw, in the second half of match Paro FC had more control over the game in terms of possession and chances. Out of four goals Paro Fc scored, two goals which were disallowed,  a controversial and maybe biased decision that had changed the result at 90”.  Druk Lhayul at 58” had led through substitute Jamoul Anthony, Paro Fc’s own clearance mistake had led to a goal made by the opponent. Paro Fc then responded immediately through Kazou’s close-range shot. Paro Fc’s second goal, came through Chencho Gyeltshen’s early low cross, and Kazou netted with a composed finish. Until, the 86th minute, Paro Fc was likely to settle for a 1-2 win, and defend the title. However, It all changed with a header from Druk Lhayul’s Tenzin Dorji, which slipped past Nono’s gloves into the net. It was too late for Paro Fc to respond and thus the team had to settle for a 2-2 draw at the end.  Speaking after the game, Puspalal expressed: “The effort was there and the energy in the game was there. Had it not been to official errors, we would be easily through. It is unfortunate that at the end someone’s bias decision decides the result”. For Paro Fc, there were enough chances to win the game, but the equalizer at the last minute was unfortunate.  It was a bitter sweet feeling, a feeling that the losing team will experience on the final day of the match. If Paro FC is to avoid such similar feelings, then Paro must fight tough against Thimphu City FC. A second chance for both teams to contest for the title.

Paro FC currently, has the best chance of defending the championship title on 27th December ,and will surely do so, if they win against Druk Lhayul, or draw from the next two matches. If this happens, Paro FC will go into Bhutanese football history, for being the highest Bhutan Premier League (BPL) Championship title holder. For Paro FC, this win will be its second successive and third title, within five years of its founding. That being said, the remaining two matches for Paro FC will not be easy or straight forward, since both fixtures are against the best BPL clubs and title contenders. Even with fierce competition, victory and winning is on the teams mind, but it’s easier said than done. Druk Lhayul FC and Thimphu City FC, both are strong contenders and have a team that can disrupt a lot of teams in the BPL. Paro FC has been leading the point table with forty-four points & remains undefeated. Thimphu City, one of the strongest contender for the championship stands second in the point table with forty points. Whereas, Druk Lhayul with thirty eight points stands in the third position, separated by just two points from their contemporary. As of now, Paro FC, requires two more points from the  two matches in order to secure the Championship title.

Yesterday two teams with a good head-to-head record met again in the BOB-BPL; the last match at home for Paro FC. Both did not fail to surprise each other on several occasions. In the recent BPL meeting; the home fixture for Transport United, Paro FC had come better of the two sides with a 0-2 victory away. However, Transport’s potential to upset any team did put huge pressure on Paro’s winning streak. With just two points separating the top two and three matches remaining in the season – a point drop for Paro could have consequences on the title race. Hence, Paro FC seemed to have treated all remaining games like the final, if they wanted to retain their title race on. Yesterday, the defending Champions showed a winning mentality; the visible difference between two equally good teams. Having nothing to lose, the visitors took an evident casual approach, since a draw was enough to keep them in the top five. For Paro it was altogether different – right from the first whistle, Paro went for a win – Transport was kept under constant pressure, and the majority of the ball possession was held by Paro FC. Transport United did get their chances but just posed a sublime threat. After several failed attempts, Paro FCs Dang broke free in the midfield and released a calculated through ball for Kazou who skillfully dribbled past the visitors’ defense line to put the ball behind the net – right before the halftime whistle.    Going into the second half with a goal lead was not a comfortable scoreline for the host. Paro needed at least one more goal to stay comfortably ahead – it did not take long to get another goal through their defense. Transport needed to step up the attack, hence defense line was left open to counter – and the third goal for Paro came through a perfect counter from Kazou. At 68 minutes Kazou made no mistake smashing home from close-range the fourth goal for Paro, and a hat-trick hero did it in style yet again. The misery for Transport continued till the 90th minute with another goal from Kazou, making 5-0 for Paro.  Paro needed to continue their unbeaten run till the last game of the season to defend the title or else Thimphu City FC or Druk Lhayul FC who are still in title contention could pose a threat to the defending champions.

Fresh from their 4-0 win over Ugyen academy FC in the previous home match, Paro FC began the game against Rinpung FC with a couple of early chances. The game looked decisive right from the beginning and it was just a matter of time – When and how many, Paro will score?  Paro FC with the many of regular starters on the bench, still enjoyed majority of the possession. For Pushpa  Lal, squad rotation was more for injury & card prevention as the BPL season comes to an end with just three title-deciding games remaining. The first goal for Paro came from Yusuff at twenty minutes with a brilliant assist from Kazou. Subsequently, Phub Thinley’s low cross put Dela Row on the score sheet for the first time, making it two for Paro. Rinpung were unable to break Paro’s stubborn defensive line with hardly getting any shot on target. The third goal for Paro came again from Dela Row at thirty-five minutes.  In second half a number of substitutions were made for Paro FC, more so to give players a rest. Chencho Gyeltshen came in as a substitute for Kazou after recovery from an shoulder injury, unfortunately both failed to add to their total goal tally. Twice Chencho come closest after hitting the post and goali.  The second half for Rinpung was much better, and their effort paid off without conceding a goal. Although Paro kept constant pressure and created numerous chances, the goal never came through, and had to settle for 0-3 at full-time.  The remaining three matches are crucial and title deciding. First we host Transport United FC at home, followed by Druk Lhayul FC and Thimphu City FC at Changlimithang Stadium.

Paro FC have beaten the UA 4-0 at Woochu Sports Arena despite strong show of characters from the visitor. Previous draw gave visitor a strong believe to take three points, and stay in top five on the point table.  Unlike at UA ground, determine as they may look, boys were no match to physically dominating Paro FC. Right from the first whistle, Paro kept constant pressure and It was just a matter of time. At seven minutes, beautiful executed corner kick from Phub Thinley and equally powerful header from fullback Nima Tshering give Paro FC a lead. Despite dominating the possession, Paro had to settle for a goal lead at halftime. The second-half performance from Paro was no different, constant pressure from the host had made visitor’s comeback difficult. Once again the corner from Phub Thinley found veteran striker Kazou’s head to put the ball behind the net. The second goal for Paro have eased the last minute equalizer threat. This did not let Paro FC slowdown, several attempts were made on goal. Of the two goal keepers, Paro Goali Karma Lobzang had quite an evening. Kazou is the man of the match ! a most likely source to score goals from the Paro FC. And so did he, third brilliant assist from Phub Thinley, and a perfect close rage tab from Kazou has found the back of the net making it third goal for Paro FC. Dele-Row came on as a substitute for Kabi Raj at 75 minutes, his impact was felt immediately with few goal scoring chances and an assist to Kazou. This makes Kazou, the highest hat-trick scores in the BPL. Nightmare for UA ends with 4-0. Next we play derby match, Paro FC vs Paro Ringpong FC at Woochu Sports Arena. Join us in support of Paro FC to help Paro FC grow stronger.