The Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League has been one of the most prestigious and watched tournament in Nepal. The tournament consists of 14 teams all from the Kathmandu Valley all competing for the glory of a league title.

The Upcoming Martyr’s Memorial A-Division League will be the 44th edition of the tournament with Machhindra FC being the reigning champions. The league will kick off on September 19, 2021.

Here are some of the ways ANFA can help improve the standard of the tournament for the Upcoming A-division league:

- Proper Rigid Organization
One of the biggest complaints’ managers, players, staff have had about ANFA is the lack of proper planning of the A-Division league. There have been massive issues in the past including poor management, refereeing controversies and
allegations of match fixing which has definitely scarred the reputation of the league. So ANFA needs to regulate strict well thought of plans and policies and execute them well for the proper functioning of the league.

- Fitness
Former National team forward Santosh Shahukhala said a couple of seasons ago that he believes the quality of the league is heading towards a downward trajectory instead of an upwards one. He also stated that the players don’t perform at their best in the tournament because they don’t take proper care of themselves and even do basic training before the tournament. This if true is a massive issue for the ANFA as well as the teams involved which needs to be solved. Clubs should start employing dietarian to improve fitness and may even need to start strict and severe fine system for players out of the shape.

- Wage Issue
Due to the atrocious calamities like the Covid and the 2015 Earthquake ANFA have been able to organize only two A-Division leagues in the last five years. So, most players have had almost no source of income for three years in the last five years. ANFA thus must try their hardest to help the owners of the club increase the wages for the players, managers and staffs.

- Infrastructures
ANFA has also halted different constructions plans for the upcoming year due to Covid. So, training pitches, stadium construction and other different football projects must be completed as soon as possible for the players to reap the
rewards of the facilities.

- Foreign attraction
The A-Division League has always been home for international players who want to play in Nepal. Players like Afreez Oladipo and Junior Obagbemiro are foreign stars who have performed remarkably and improved the standard of the league. These players also bring audience from their own countries to the league. So, ANFA should definitely help clubs bring young stars to the league from all around the world.

Pranish Bista