Basanta Thapa

Everything you wanted to know about him but didn’t know who to ask

by ALOK AMATYA

FROM ISSUE # 119 (November 2005) | IN THIS ISSUE
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PRAKASH MATHEMA

Born in Butwal on 10 April, 1977.

Started playing at a football field in front of my house in Butwal. My brothers and uncles were football players so learning to play was easy.

Debuted as a striker for Ranipokhari Corner Team in 1997. Played as left winger for the national team in 1998.

Off to Japan for further studies, probably sports. I'll have to take a year-and-half's language course first. Meanwhile, I hope to play for Abisma Football Club of Fukuoka. If I impress Japanese football clubs, it might open new avenues for Nepali players. I don't want to leave Nepal now but I might not get this opportunity again. I'm 28 already.

Football players I like are David Beckham, Hari Khadka and Basanta Gauchan.

Education Schooling from Kanti Madhyamik Bidhyalaya, BBS from Lumbini Campus.

I'll always remember the time when the whole team cried after losing the finals of the 1999 SAF Games to Bangladesh.

On having scored the highest number of goals (79 national league goals) The best part is the reputation and respect that comes with it.

On being awarded Player of the year 2004 Indeed, I'm very glad. It's a big thing in Nepal's context.

Manang Marshyangdi Club was the top football team in Nepal when I joined it and every aspiring footballer wanted to play for MMC. The club had the most experienced players. I played for around seven years there.

Playing for the national team was an opportunity I luckily had the year after I came to Kathmandu to play professionally. Senior footballers like Deepak Amatya and Mani Shah were leaving the national team, so young players like I had better chances.

Playing in Bangladesh was a good experience, I learned a lot. Football there is more professional than in Nepal. Players there are well paid. I played for Brothers' Union Club for two years and a year with Hari Khadka for Rahmadgunj. There were many experienced players.

On love and marriage I've been in a relationship for two years and we plan to get married within a few years.

Mantra for success is discipline, determination and dedication to the game. Support from my family and my girlfriend kept me going.

Earning I was salaried on an annual contract (with MMC). It was enough just for my expenses. But the pay in Nepal has improved since then.

Football in Nepal needs more money. That's the only way to take it further. The cash prize for the National League has been increased to Rs 10 lakh, which is a good start. If there's more money at stake, clubs will have more sponsors investing in them. That means there'll be a greater demand for good players and consequently, they will be better paid. Quality players help increase the fan base. We need bigger tournaments and national players should have better facilities. ANFA is doing a good job by building football academies for young players.