Summer is all about monsoon rain in the Bhutanese capital. But today, on a bright sunny Sunday, it was raining goals at Changlimithang. Thimphu City ran riot over Paro Rinpung scoring 15 goals without reply.
The floodgates were opened in the 15th minute when Sherub Dorji’s cross found Karma Shedrup heading his fourth for the season. Since then the boys in red were firing at will with Dawa, Orgyen, Tshagay and Karma Sonam finding a goal each. Nima Tshering scored his first hat trick for the club taking his tally to five in six appearances this season. But the game also saw some new names on the goal scorer’s list.
Bumlay all the way
Coming in place of Orgyen Wangchuk in the 34th minute, the 32 year-old forward needed only 10 minutes to open his account for the season. Since then it’s been all about stop-me-if-you-can with a total of four goals. Talking about his performance to thimcityfc.com, the veteran forward said “[I’ve] been on the bench for so long and almost lost my confidence.” The performance will indeed boost his confidence as a player. In fact this could potentially be the return of the lethal Bumlay that we know from before he left Bhutan. “More than that I am happy that I am the oldest player to score a hat trick in BPL.” Apart from scoring four odd goals, he also went on to help 17 year-old Kelden Tobgay score his first senior goal.
Class of 2019
Two years since the establishment in February of 2017, Thimphu City Football Academy won all official youth tournaments organized by Bhutan Football Federation in 2019. Kelden Tobgay and Pelden Tshering were part of that Class of 2019. Kelden was in fact the captain of the sensational youth setup under the stewardship of coach Tenzin Chozin. The following season, the pair, together with Kaldhen Phuntsho, were invited to be part of the senior team who went on to win the Premier League 2020. As much as they would have liked to be involved more, the young boys found it impossible to get minutes with senior players in top form. Their perseverance and hard work were eventually rewarded today as Kelden Tobgay and Pelden Tshering, scored a brace and a goal respectively. This is a proud occasion for the players, the club, the academy, the parents, the coaches, and Chozin himself.
Returning from Injury
Returning to play after a lengthy layoff might have a significant impact on one’s self-assurance. But Sherub Dorji had a game to remember despite being sidelined since April 2021 after sustaining injury during continental preparations. The game was very important for our number 9 on a personal note. “It helped me to cope with the team and also helped improve my fitness and confidence” he said. He was also happy to have assisted two of the 15 goals scored this afternoon. “But more importantly is that the team grabbed three points. I am happy we did it.”
