The stage is set for Bhutan’s biggest football showdown. The BOB Bhutan Premier League 2025 kicks off tomorrow. Defending champions Paro FC and nine other teams are ready for a six-month season packed with thrilling action, fresh talent, and international stars. The opening match will see Transport United FC face Samtse FC at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu.
Ten teams will compete in Bhutan’s top-tier football competition, the BOB Bhutan Premier League 2025.
The line-up includes eight teams from last season and two teams that qualified from the Pepsi Bhutan Premier League Qualifiers 2025.
Clubs like RTC FC, BFF Academy, Ugyen Academy, and Tensung FC are going all-local this season, with no foreign players. They say it’s a move to give young Bhutanese talent more exposure.
The remaining six teams, however, have added international strength to their rosters.
Paro FC, the defending champions, signed six foreign players from Nigeria, Japan, Ghana, Canada, and Senegal. The team also roped in a head coach from Spain.
Debutants Southern City FC signed five foreign players. Two from Ghana and one from Nigeria joined the club, while two players are expected to join soon.
Tsirang FC brought in six foreign players, including three from Nepal.
Runners-up Transport United FC added players from Nigeria, Guinea, Senegal, and Cameroon. The club also appointed a technical director from Portugal.
Thimphu City FC brought in a coach from the United Kingdom and signed six foreign players—four from Senegal and two from Pakistan.
Samtse FC also went international, signing six foreign players from the Ivory Coast, Japan, Serbia, Uganda, and Nepal.
During the pre-match press conference yesterday, club captains and coaches said they are confident and well-prepared for the long season.
As the whistle blows tomorrow at Changlimithang, fans can expect a season full of energy, rivalry, and goals.
Karma Wangdi
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
