Thimphu City FC (TCFC) is thrilled to welcome Shadab Iftikhar as our new Manager/Head Coach for the 2025 BOB Premier League!
Iftikhar brings a wealth of experience from the highest levels of world football. He previously served as an opposition scout for the Belgian National Team during Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and later worked in the same role for the Portuguese National Team in Euro 2024. Most recently, he was the First Team Coach at Wigan Athletic.
On joining TCFC, Iftikhar shared his excitement:
“I am delighted to join Thimphu City. I want to thank my president, Hishey, for this brilliant opportunity, and I look forward to helping the club with this exciting project. I can’t wait to meet the fans and begin this incredible journey together.”
Our President expressed his enthusiasm for the appointment:
“I am honored and humbled that Shadab has chosen to leave his role at Wigan Athletic to join Thimphu City FC. I hope this move will take the club to the next level.”
Why Bhutan?
Hishey is the answer. I have known him for around 3 years and his vision for the club and desire to be successful on and off the pitch is very admirable. The Thimphu City project is exciting and the trust I feel from him and the board is amazing. I cannot wait to be part of this great club and hopefully add something to an already amazing history and tradition
What are you most excited about this new adventure?
Lots of aspects to be honest. Firstly, the football, to work with the team, to learn about Bhutan football and the football culture and of course to win as many games as possible. And then, on a personal level to experience a new country and culture. To live in an amazing country is a dream come true.
What are your thoughts on Bhutanese football?
Over the years I have seen a quite a bit, nowhere enough to be called an expert so I am looking forward to learning about football in Bhutan. I managed against the Under 19s a few years ago and they were a strong opponent, they were very hard to analyze and formulate a plan. They impressed me individually and as a team. A well coaches’ team. I feel the Bhutan league is getting stronger and more competitive than ever. Bhutan national team have lots of games which will be good for us as a country and I feel the league is moving into an existing era, and I am just glad I am part of it.
What can you bring to Bhutanese football?
(With a laugh). I think it’s the other way around, what can I learn from Bhutanese football. I am sure I will learn a lot and it will help me develop. The only thing I can promise is a good work ethic and to give everything for my players, board, staff and fans.
Which Bhutanese dish are you most excited to try?
Well right now, I am on a busy schedule and the weight is going up!!!
I have been told by lots of people about how good the food in Bhutan is so I might need to find a good gym as well. I have decided to be more vegetarian while in Bhutan. I can’t decide between, Ema Datshi, Shamu Datshi and Kewa Datshi. Also, I love my hot drinks, coffee during the day to help me work but as for evening tea I can’t wait to try Butter tea and Boba Tea.
