The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has officially ushered in a new chapter for the “Gorkhalis” with the appointment of Guglielmo Arena as the head coach of the Men’s National Team.
The 52-year-old Italian-Swiss tactician, who holds a prestigious UEFA Pro Licence, emerged as the top choice from a massive pool of over 700 international applicants. Arena arrives with a wealth of experience across Asia and Africa, including a previous stint with the Laos national team.
The Vision: SAFF Glory
Coach Arena has signed a one-year contract with a clear and ambitious mandate. During his introductory press conference at the ANFA Complex in Satdobato, he emphasized his goal of building a side capable of winning the SAFF Championship—a trophy that has eluded Nepal since the tournament’s inception.
Beyond regional silverware, Arena is focused on long-term growth:
- Expanding the Talent Pool: Increasing the number of high-quality domestic players.
- Improving Rankings: Pushing Nepal higher in the FIFA World Rankings.
- Strategic Discipline: Bringing European tactical rigor to the squad.
Immediate Test: March FIFA Window
Fans won’t have to wait long to see the new-look squad in action. Nepal is set to host two crucial fixtures at Dasharath Stadium later this month:
- March 26: International Friendly vs. Hong Kong This match will serve as Arena’s tactical debut and a chance for fans to see the early adjustments in the team’s style of play.
- March 31: AFC Asian Cup Qualifier vs. Laos A high-stakes competitive match for Nepal in the Asian Cup Qualifiers 2027.
With training sessions beginning this week, the pressure is on the new coach to deliver immediate results and reignite the passion of the Nepali supporters.