17-07-2025
Nepal captain signs for Wellington Phoenix
Photo:
Photosport
The Wellington Phoenix have secured the signature of Nepal women's captain Sabitra Bhandari for the next two A-League seasons.
Bhandari, 29, has been a prolific goal scorer for both club and country.
The striker, popularly known as Samba, has scored 66 goals in 60 matches for Nepal, including netting three hat-tricks in three matches in the recent AFC Women's Asian Cup qualification tournament.
She found the back of the net more than 60 times in 24 matches in the Indian Women's Super League, helping secure a move to En Avant Guingamp in France, where last year she became the first Nepalese player to play and score in a top European league.
Interim Phoenix head coach Amy Shepherd believed the Phoenix have signed a player of "exceptional calibre".
"She has demonstrated her abilities against some of the best players in the world in France, and brings a wealth of international experience and attacking prowess to our squad.
"Sabitra is a national icon in Nepal and the country's all-time leading goal scorer, and her leadership, experience, and on-field excellence will be invaluable both on and off the pitch.
"Her natural movement, intelligent link-up play, and clinical finishing are qualities we believe will significantly enhance our effectiveness in the final third. Her presence promises to add a new dimension to our attacking play.
"Beyond her footballing talents, Sabitra's inspiring journey, determination, and deep love for the game resonate strongly with the values of our club."
Bhandari will get to Wellington for the start of pre-season training in September.
"I am really excited to come to the Phoenix, score lots of goals and make the fans super happy," she said.
"When I heard about the Phoenix's ambitions for next season, it was easy for me to make the decision to join."
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