Samba seeks support for ACL surgery; ANFA coordinates treatment in Qatar
This comes after Bhandari expressed concerns over delays in receiving support for her recovery.
KATHMANDU: Nepal women’s national team captain Sabitra Bhandari, popularly known as “Samba,” has appealed for financial support for her ACL surgery after reinjuring her right knee during Wellington Phoenix’s Round 11 match against Brisbane Roar on Jan 3.
The collision with Brisbane’s goalkeeper completely tore her ACL, sidelining her for 9–12 months. This is her second ACL injury; the first occurred during the National Women’s League 2078.
Samba, Nepal’s all-time leading goal scorer, shared that her previous treatment at Qatar’s Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital was of the highest standard, and she wishes to return there for surgery and 7–8 months of rehabilitation.
The estimated cost is $80,000 (Rs 11,582,392). While her New Zealand club arranged local treatment, Samba preferred Qatar.
Fans can support her via givealittle.co.nz or her Agriculture Development Bank account (0210605412307013), though her bank account is currently unable to receive transfers. As of 5:30 pm, USD 10,134 of the USD 135,000 goal had been raised.
Following Samba’s appeal, the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) formally contacted the Qatar Football Association to ensure her treatment and coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ANFA emphasized that professional clubs are primarily responsible for players’ treatment, but assured that all necessary efforts have been made and interventions personally followed up by the ANFA president.
Samba highlighted the broader concern for Nepali footballers, questioning the support system. “If I, the national team captain playing in Europe, face this, imagine the struggles of others,” she wrote.
