Sabitra Bhandari’s next chapter: carrying Nepal to global football maps

Nepali striker Sabitra Bhandari, famously known as Samba, continues to shine in international football, making Nepal proud with her outstanding achievements across top leagues around the world.

Bhandari recently made headlines by joining Wellington Phoenix FC in New Zealand, a club that plays in Australia’s top-tier A-League Women. With this move, she has become the first Nepali woman footballer to play in a professional league in Oceania’s highest division.

But her journey to the top has already made history before this. Bhandari is the first Nepali player to play and score in a top European league, having played for En Avant Guingamp in France. She also played in Hapoel Ra’anana in Israel and dominated the Indian Women’s League, where she left a legacy.

Remarkable stats and achievements:

• In France:
  • Played in the top European league
  • Scored goals as the first Nepali to do so
• In Indian Women’s League:
  • 24 matches
  • 60 goals
  • 3 championship titles
• For Nepal national team:
  • 60 appearances
  • 66 international goals

Her goal-scoring ability and determination have earned her a strong fan following. Bhandari’s aggressive style, incredible speed, and powerful finishing make her one of South Asia’s most feared forwards.

After signing her two-year contract with Wellington Phoenix, Samba said:

“I’m very happy. I want to score many goals and make the fans proud.”

At just 27, Sabitra Bhandari is already a role model for the next generation of Nepali footballers. With her move to the A-League, a new chapter begins — and more goals are sure to follow.