Nepali women’s football at a crossroads: Lessons from Patrick de Wilde’s criticism and what ANFA should really focus on

To build a competitive football team, players need more than just raw talent—they need structured support. Proper accommodation, access to GPS tracking during training, analytical cameras, and skilled technical staff are basic requirements when preparing for major tournaments. These aren’t luxuries—they’re necessities.

This fact isn’t up for debate. But in Nepal, even this has stirred controversy.

When Patrick de Wilde, head coach of the Nepali women’s national team, called for these essential tools following the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers, it sparked not improvement—but pushback and public criticism. His straightforward remarks were met with sharp reactions, not just from the footballing body but also within public discourse. Why? Because his words touched a raw nerve in Nepali football—a system long plagued by neglect and a resistance to change.

A system slow to change

Nepali women’s football, long sidelined, has recently made noticeable progress. The domestic women’s league was more active than ever last year, with matches from the qualifying rounds to the playoffs. ANFA (All Nepal Football Association) does deserve credit for that. And it’s not a coincidence that the national team performed well in Uzbekistan during the Asian Cup qualifiers—momentum was clearly building.

But just as things were looking up, ANFA undermined itself by publicly reacting to De Wilde’s comments with unnecessary defensiveness. Rather than address his concerns about systemic issues, ANFA chose to counter him in a press conference.

After the qualifiers, De Wilde didn’t return to Nepal. Instead, he went directly home to Belgium—but not before giving a detailed interview to Kantipur, one that has since ignited widespread discussion about the current state of Nepali football.

Nothing new, but everything true

Importantly, De Wilde didn’t say anything that past coaches—foreign or Nepali—haven’t already pointed out. Over the last decade, many have said it: Nepali football cannot progress in its current structure. Without long-term planning, a technical director, and investment in grassroots development, there will be no meaningful change.

De Wilde simply echoed what everyone in the system already knows but refuses to act on.

Yet instead of welcoming his comments as a call to reform, ANFA and some officials took it personally, framing it as an attack rather than feedback. That sends a dangerous message: that criticism, even constructive, is unwelcome.

The real question: What now for women’s football?

What ANFA should be focusing on is clear: What is the future of women’s football in Nepal? What steps are needed to qualify for future Asian Cups, or even dream of World Cup or Olympic participation?

Nepal’s failure to qualify for the next Asian Cup has consequences. The path to global tournaments is effectively blocked, at least for the near future. Meanwhile, rivals like Bangladesh and India are advancing and could use this momentum to leap ahead.

So where should our energy go? Into addressing real weaknesses—especially in technical and tactical areas. De Wilde didn’t say his assistant couldn’t open a laptop literally; he meant that staff lacked technical expertise. That’s a structural gap, not an individual flaw.

For too long, Nepal has failed to produce qualified coaches. Even today, we don’t have a single native Pro License coach. Conversations around this have been going on for years, but actual progress has been slow.

Modern football demands specialization—fitness experts, psychologists, nutritionists, social media consultants, data analysts. Nepal hasn’t kept pace.

A golden generation deserves better

Players who went to Uzbekistan generally appreciated De Wilde’s coaching. Many believe he brought a level of professionalism and detail that local coaches often lack. That’s not an insult—it’s a reflection of the resources and exposure foreign coaches have.

It’s also telling that when foreign coaches lead the team, they are praised by players; yet when local coaches take over, they often struggle with outdated methods and internal politics.

Even former coach Rajendra Tamang, after Nepal lost the 2022 SAFF Women’s Championship final to Bangladesh at Dasharath Stadium, admitted the current development path wasn’t enough. He even said that some players from the older generation needed to step aside to make way for a new wave. Tamang hinted at change; De Wilde said it out loud.

One clear mistake

That said, De Wilde wasn’t without fault. His handling of the captaincy issue—replacing Anjila Tumbapo Subba with Sabitra Bhandari—created unnecessary tension within the squad. Anjila, a veteran and respected figure in Nepali football, should have been transitioned out of the role more respectfully.

While Sabitra is undoubtedly a strong leader, the way the armband was passed seemed hasty and uncomfortable—even for Sabitra herself. Leadership changes should be handled with care, especially in a team trying to build unity and focus.

What ANFA should do now

Rather than reacting to criticism, ANFA should be asking:

• What is our long-term plan for women’s football?
• How can we develop top-quality players and coaches?
• What steps are needed to finally win a SAFF Championship?
• How do we build on this current squad, which many—including De Wilde—see as Nepal’s “golden generation”?

De Wilde called this the best team he’s ever worked with. That’s a huge compliment. But such potential will be wasted without serious planning and follow-through.

This moment should be a turning point—not for damage control, but for reform.

And no, ANFA didn’t need a press conference to answer De Wilde.

What it needs is a plan.

And it needs to get to work—now.