Kathmandu RayZRs – Champions of Nepal’s Franchise Football Revolution
Kathmandu RayZRs is a high-profile football franchise representing the capital city of Nepal in the Nepal Super League (NSL). As the inaugural champions of the NSL, the RayZRs have established themselves as a benchmark for professionalism, squad depth, and brand identity in Nepali franchise football.
Overview
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Full Name: Kathmandu RayZRs Football Club
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Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
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Founded: 2021
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League: Nepal Super League (NSL)
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Home Ground: Dasarath Stadium, Kathmandu
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Franchise Owner: MAW Enterprises (official distributor of Yamaha in Nepal)
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Club Colors: Black and Red
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Major Achievement: NSL Champions (2021)
Background – Built for Glory
Kathmandu RayZRs was launched as one of the seven founding teams of the Nepal Super League, the country’s first-ever franchise football league. Backed by MAW Enterprises, the club was named after Yamaha’s popular RayZR scooter, reflecting a modern, energetic, and urban brand identity.
NSL’s Vision
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Franchise-based league model, sanctioned by ANFA
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Aims to professionalize Nepali football through investment, branding, and structured competition
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Kathmandu RayZRs was formed to represent Nepal’s capital and footballing heartland
2021 NSL Season – Champions in Style
Kathmandu RayZRs had a dominant performance in the inaugural NSL 2021 season, finishing as champions.
Season Highlights
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Topped the league standings during the round-robin stage
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Defeated Dhangadhi FC 1–0 in the NSL 2021 Final
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Coached by Bal Gopal Maharjan, one of Nepal’s most respected tacticians
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Recognized for tactical versatility, squad depth, and mental strength
Squad and Playing Style
Kathmandu RayZRs combined star power with team structure, featuring a balance of national team players, emerging talents, and strategic foreign signings.
Key Players (NSL 2021)
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Bikesh Kuthu – Goalkeeper, national team stalwart
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Tej Tamang – Midfield engine
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Messouke Oloumou (Cameroon) – Tournament top scorer and MVP
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Sujal Shrestha – Versatile forward with big-match experience
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Sanjok Rai – Rising midfield playmaker
Playing Style
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Fluid attacking transitions
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Emphasis on possession and pressing
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Strong defensive organization and quick counters
Coaching and Management
The team was managed by Bal Gopal Maharjan, a former national team coach with AFC credentials.
Strategic Approach
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Advanced fitness and recovery routines
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Match-by-match tactical planning
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Team psychology and mental toughness coaching
Brand Identity and Fanbase
Kathmandu RayZRs is among the most market-savvy football brands in Nepal:
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Named after the Yamaha RayZR scooter, creating strong brand synergy
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Targeted toward urban youth and sports fans in the capital
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Known for their digital media campaigns, merchandising, and community outreach
They are developing a fan culture that emphasizes speed, precision, and modern football aesthetics.
Rivalries
As a capital city club, RayZRs naturally draw competitive rivalries with:
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Lalitpur City FC – Kathmandu Valley derby in the NSL
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Dhangadhi FC – Final showdown in 2021
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Butwal Lumbini FC – Competitive NSL rival
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Pokhara Thunders – Classic hills vs. capital narrative
Trivia
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Kathmandu RayZRs were the first champions of the Nepal Super League in 2021.
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The club is named after the RayZR Yamaha scooter, merging football with commercial branding.
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Their 2021 MVP, Messouke Oloumou, became one of the most talked-about foreign players in Nepali football history.
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Known for pioneering matchday experiences, including music, media coverage, and influencer engagement.