Mechinagar Gold Cup Showdown: Kakarvitta, Church Boys Set for Title Clash
A thrilling finale awaits Mechinagar as hosts Kakarvitta Training Center and title-hungry Church Boys United clash in the grand finale of the Mechinagar Gold Cup on Saturday. The decisive clash starts at 3 PM at the buzzing Kakarvitta Sports Ground, with tickets priced at Rs 100. At Friday's pre-final press meet, both camps made their intentions crystal clear—they're not just here to participate but to etch their names in the tournament's history by clinching the coveted title for the first time. Church Boys Eye Fourth Title of the Season With Coach Suman Shrestha at the helm, Church Boys United came into the final riding high on confidence and form. "The extra day's rest has been a blessing," said Shrestha. "We're well-prepared, focused, and determined to bring home the trophy — but we won't underestimate the hosts." Already boasting Jhapa Cup, Bagmati Gold Cup, and Falgunanda Gold Cup titles this season, Church Boys are gunning for their fourth silverware. They have made it to eight finals in 10 tournaments across the Mofasal circuit this season—a staggering run of consistency and dominance. Skipper Ekraj Budhathoki admitted fatigue had set in but vowed to give it their all: "It's our last tournament in this circuit — we're going out to finish strong. Church Boys have looked lethal en route to the final, dispatching NSL side Jhapa FC on penalties before mounting a thrilling 4-3 comeback win over Machhindra FC— the former A Division champions — in the semis. Nigerian forward Aboyoumi Fakunle led the charge with a semi-final hat-trick, while national team regular Suraj Jiu Thakuri, Sameer Tamang, Rajesh Pariyar, Jaya Gurung, and Gaurav Shrestha add depth and quality. Foreign recruits Serge Dica and Richard Wilson have also stepped up at key moments. Hosts Kakarvitta Banking on Home Turf Advantage But Kakarvitta Training Center, the tournament hosts, has other plans. Fuelled by local pride and a passionate home crowd, they aim to script a fairy tale by lifting the title in their maiden final appearance this season. Coach Munna Subba is brimming with belief: "We respect Church Boys, but we're ready. This is our home ground, our supporters are behind us, and we're determined to keep the title in Mechinagar." Vice-captain Diwas Urau echoed the sentiment: "This is our moment — we'll give everything to bring glory to Kakarvitta." Kakarvitta's road to the final has been impressive. It began with brushing aside Indian outfit Georgian FC 4-2 before surviving a tense penalty shootout against Dharan FC in the semis. Led by captain Khamir Gilshan, the squad features goalkeeper Biswas Chaudhary, Pasang Lama, Bibek Gurung, Nishan Limbu, and a trio of in-form foreign signings Robert, Ibrahim, and Franklin Tala, all of whom have been standout performers. Big Rewards on the Line The stakes are high. The champion team will bag Rs 1 million, while the runners-up will take Rs 500,000. Individual honours include Rs 51,000 for the Best Player, Rs 25,000 for Top Scorer, and Rs 21,000 for Best Goalkeeper and Best Coach, with Rs 15,000 for the Emerging Player. Hotel Mechi Crown has sponsored the tournament, which is organized with technical backing from the Jhapa District Football Association and Mechinagar Khelkud Bikas Samiti. Coordinator Shri Prasad Mainali confirmed that all final preparations have been completed ahead of what promises to be an electric finale. One thing's certain — when the whistle blows at 3 PM, only one name will be etched into Mechinagar Gold Cup folklore. Will it be the resurgent hosts or the title-collecting Church Boys? Football fans are in for a treat.
