A talented Nepali football player Sabitra Bhandari aka Samba has signed for an Israeli club. She will play for Hapoel Raanana Women’s FC in the Israeli Women’s League ‘Ligat Nashim’.
Bhandari, widely regarded as one of the top strikers in South Asia, has for a long time dreamed of playing in a European league.
Despite geographically belonging to the Asian continent, Israel is a registered member of the UEFA, the European football federation.
“I am excited to play. I have dreamed of this for a long time. I can express how happy I am,” she said.
When she makes her debut for Hapoel Raanana Women’s FC, she will become the first-ever Nepali footballer to play in Europe.
The club announced last week that an agreement had been reached with Bhandari through social media.
Bhandari, who plays for the departmental team APF in domestic football, has won three titles in the Indian Women’s League by playing for two different clubs.
She won the titles playing for Gokulam Kerala in the recently concluded Indian Women’s League, where she scored 29 goals and won the top scorer award.
Earlier, she won the league title with Sethu FC and Gokulam Kerala.
Main while on Wednesday 21 June, Bhandari met with Israeli ambassador to Nepal Mr. Hanan Goder and DCM Dana Fisher in Israeli Embassy in Nepal.
DCM Dana Fisher ,Ms. Sabitra Bhandari “Samba ” & Ambassador Hanan Goder.
On this occasions Israeli Embassy says, This historic move not only marks an exciting chapter in Bhandari’s journey but also makes her the first Nepali footballer to play in a European league, breaking new ground for Nepali football on the international stage.
About the club
Hapoel Ra’anana AFC has been actively involved in promoting women’s football in Israel. The club has been operating a youth women’s football club in Ra’anana since 2008, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing young talent in the sport. In 2016, they further expanded their efforts by establishing a women’s team, which joined Liga Leumit Nashim, the second division of women’s football in Israel. In an impressive debut season, Hapoel Ra’anana AFC’s women’s team clinched the division title, securing a promotion to the top division of Israeli women’s football. They are now playing in the top division of women’s football in Israel, Ligat Nashim.
It is noteworthy that although Israel is geographically located in Asia, the Israel Football Association has been a full member of UEFA since 1994. This membership grants Israeli clubs the opportunity to participate in European competitions and further strengthens the ties between Israeli football and the European footballing community.
A significant signing for Asian and Women’s football
Sabitra Bhandari’s signing with Hapoel Ra’anana AFC not only provides her with an incredible opportunity to further hone her skills and compete at a higher level but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers in Nepal and South Asia.
Her journey signifies that talent and determination can transcend borders, enabling players from traditionally underrepresented regions to leave their mark on the global stage. Bhandari’s groundbreaking achievement is sure to encourage more young footballers from Nepal and the surrounding regions to chase their dreams relentlessly and seize opportunities to play in top leagues worldwide.
