𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐨 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐟𝐟 𝐀𝐦𝐢𝐝 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐥𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

By Tashi Tshewang

As the Bhutan Premier League (BPL) 2025 gears up for kick-off on April 19, anticipation is building among players, clubs, and football fans across the country. The Changlimithang Stadium will once again host Bhutan’s top footballing talent as ten teams vie for supremacy in one of the nation’s most anticipated sporting events.

Paro FC, five-time BPL champions, enters the new season facing a significant shift in leadership. The departure of their long-serving head coach presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the squad, which has dominated Bhutanese football in recent years.

Despite the transition, supporters remain confident. Dorji Drakpa, a longtime Paro FC fan, said, “Even though we are entering this season without our long-time coach, I have full faith in the squad. The players have shown their dedication and skill, and I believe they are more than capable of defending the title.”

Thimphu City FC, known for their consistency and competitiveness, has bolstered their squad ahead of the season. With renewed focus, the team is preparing for a title challenge, aiming to unseat Paro FC and reclaim the top spot.
“They have always been competitive and have added some serious talent this year,” added Dorji Drakpa. “They are definitely a team to watch.”

RTC FC, Tensung FC, Tsirang FC, and BFF Academy have opted for continuity this season, maintaining their existing coaching staff and tactical setups. The approach is expected to provide stability and consistency as they build on previous campaigns.

Royal Thimphu College (RTC), composed entirely of full-time student-athletes, continues to balance academics with elite-level football. The coaching staff emphasized structure, adaptability, and recovery as cornerstones of their training.

“We are constantly reviewing our performance using video analysis and adjusting our tactics based on each opponent,” said the RTC coach. “Our motivation comes from the pride of representing our club and community, and from the culture we have built- where players support each other, even in tough times.”

Samtse FC enters the new season with optimism following the completion of a key coaching course and enhancements to their technical setup. The club hopes to build on last season’s momentum and establish itself as a serious contender.
Affi Adonis Mathéo, a forward from Ivory Coast playing for Samtse FC, said the team is determined to sustain its form and build on past recognition.

“Last season, nobody knew us, but now everyone knows what we are capable of,” Mathéo shared. “The biggest challenge is to keep that same energy, the same togetherness, and stay focused both on and off the field.”

Reflecting on his journey, Mathéo added, “Coach Raj really knows how to speak to us during tough times. I have a lot of respect for him. He always reminds us that we win together, we lose together. No man is left behind.”

Newly promoted Ugyen Academy FC returns to the top division with ambitions to recreate their 2013 title-winning success. The club has brought back a familiar figure from that season, hoping to inspire both the team and its supporters.

Southern City FC, also promoted this year, enters the league with new leadership and a clear intent to compete. Their management has emphasized building a team capable of meeting the challenges of the BPL head-on.
After a quiet pre-season, Transport United FC appears ready to re-establish itself as a major force. The team has kept preparations under wraps but is expected to compete strongly as the season unfolds.

The passion of Bhutanese football fans remains a driving force behind the league’s popularity. Among them is Gyelsey Lham, who returned from Kuwait to attend this year’s matches in person.

“I came to Bhutan just for this league,” she said. “I have been following the BPL from Kuwait, and I couldn’t miss this for anything. Being here in person is just so special.”

She added, “The league is growing, and I am proud to be part of this moment. It’s not just about watching football- it’s about feeling the energy and supporting our teams.”

With ten teams, shifting dynamics, and rising stars, the 2025 BOB Bhutan Premier League is poised to offer a season filled with compelling narratives, competitive matches, and the growing spirit of the sport in Bhutan.

As fans prepare for kick-off, all eyes will be on the pitch. Whether following the favourites or rooting for underdogs, supporters are united by a shared love for the game- and the promise of another memorable season.