Gurkha FC 5 – 1 BlackStar Roasters
Manish (5)

GFC was at it’s best yet again, as they demolished BlackStar Roasters 5 – 1 in the final game of the Southside League, consolidating 3^rd place in the league’s standings as a result. Due to time constraints, referee availability and ground availability, the last match of the season was played as a winner takes all match; i.e. points and goals counted double!! With this in mind and the potential of beating a ‘khuiray’ team for the first time in the league, our boys were very much up for the challenge.

Things however did not start out as expected as our boys failed to settle down initially, being pressured from the whistle. BlackStar’s long balls was causing problems for GFC, with one in particular, beating the defence and only a last minute intervention on the line from Shin prevented a definite goal. However, a quick break from GFC had Sunil scuttling down the right and his cross was not cleared properly by the opposition, prompting Manish to ram home the first goal of the game! The keeper had no chance to react such was the power of the shot. 1 – 0 to GFC!

The goal, however, only boosted the opposition’s tempo as their long balls were causing a mess of a problem with our backline. One such ball put them on a one on one situation with our keeper, Thulo, who did well to save with his legs. This was followed by another similar situation, but Ashok was on hand to clear the ball off the line. The boys were really showing their determination in not conceding a goal and putting their hearts for the win!

Using the saying of, “Well if you can’t beat them, join them”, Gakul threaded a long ball into the path of Manish, whose neat touch caused some confusion between the defence and their keeper resulting in an easy finish for our striker. 2 – 0 up and GFC was on a roll!

The goal still did not dampen the opposition’s mood however as they continued to ply on the pressure. They were however, limited to shots from outside the box as they failed to break our defence down. One such strike from their striker had Thulo scampering at full stretch, but it barely missed bulging the net by just the post. Another long shot from their midfielder was plucked safely just on the line. Thulo had evidently learned to hold the ball properly probably still remembering the soft goal conceded a couple of weeks back.

At the other end of the field, GFC were not to be outdone as Bikram tried one of his long range shots, which sadly flew over and out of the ground. A great tackle from Shin resulted in him getting the ball and driving forward, before releasing Sunil on the right wing with a through ball. Using his speed, he beat the opposition for pace before putting a sweet ball into the penalty box, only to be missed by players. All it needed was a touch to be put into the back of the net! Great play from GFC nevertheless!

By this time, GFC was on the top of their game and had settled down well enough. A ball down the left was dealt by their defence well enough, but Dipen was showing his ever present determination and chased the lost cause, pressuring them to win a corner. From the resulting corner, Shin headed just wide of the goal. Great play and pressure from GFC!

Half time blew and as seems to be happening regularly, the players were in good spirits, with the usual banter about next to nothing. Good to see such great team spirit, which can only be good for our future games.

The second half started much brightly for GFC as the players settled fully on the Mt Gravatt pitch. Within a couple of minutes of the restart, Upesh had threaded a nice through ball to Manish who chipped the ball over the keeper and into the net. 3 – 0 to GFC!! His second hat trick in as many games!! What a game he was having!

Within a few minutes of scoring his third goal, Manish had the ball in the net again as he powered and dribbled his way into the penalty area before beating the keeper and stroking the ball into an empty net. Following this incident, some of the GFC players got into an argument with the opposition, but luckily no hands were raised and the scene died down after a while. No complaints over this as GFC was on a roll being 4 – 0 up now!!

With GFC settling down nicely after this minor incident, another through ball to Manish beat the opposition’s defence, who all waved for offside; the referee didn’t blow his whistle though. Manish playing on a striker’s stroked the ball past the keeper and made the score 5 – 0!! Still probably frustrated from the earlier argument, Manish celebrated his goal DX style (look it up in on YouTube for those who don’t know what it is about) and got a yellow card for his efforts.

That was the last of GFC goals, although this did not mean that the team did not create any more chances. Sunil was released on the right wing and using his pace, cut into the box, however, he could only blast the ball over the bar. Moments later, Pramod created a chance for himself but he also blasted the ball over the bar.

The common sports adage these days seem to be, “If you are good enough, you are old enough”, and hence a long awaited debut was given for our 14 year old striker Sameer who came on for Manish. He got straight into the thick of things, with his speed, touch and pure determination troubling the opponents much bigger defenders. He even got into a few goal scoring chances but scuffed his shots, although with experience, those will surely end up at the back of the net! In any case, it was a nice debut for Sameer who showed no fear, truly keeping with the Gukhali spirit!

In another sweet move on the left flank, couple of neat one twos on the left released Dipen, who crossed, but resulted in a corner. From the resulting corner, there was a toe stepping incident on Pramod’s foot right in front of the referee. Although the referee warned the offender, the incident was repeated and the referee promptly sent the player off. A tad bit harsh we all thought as it probably only deserved a yellow. In any case we had the advantage, or so we thought.

The players probably went a bit lax after the sending off as long ball into our right defence, beat Amar, and the opposition took one touch and shot which Thulo did well to save. He then released the ball to the left, where the ball was lost to one of their many ‘kalay’ imports. He drove forward and shot from range which flew past our keeper and into the net; Thulo hardly moved, although he could have done much better than NOT MOVING!!

With time running out, BlackStar got more into the game even with a man down. However, GFC held firm and drowned their attacks easily enough. There was even a late chance for Sushil, who had come on as a striker, who did well enough to shoot from range, but did little to trouble their keeper.

Final whistle blew and all the players breathed a sigh of satisfaction having beaten their first ‘khuiray’ team of the season. Good going guys! There are sure to be more such moments in the coming games!!

With this result, GFC consolidated their third place ranking in the league standings, thus qualifying for the quarter-finals of the knockout stages. And this is where the REAL competition starts as the top 4/5 (depending on the final format laid out by the organizers) teams fight it out to be named the best team in the league! The format and fixtures have as of yet to be confirmed by the oragnisers. Stay tuned GFC fans for further news and opponents for the next round of our journey.

Having gone on a now 8 match unbeaten streak, GFC players confidence are on a high as they know this is one of the best chances of gaining their first piece of silverware in their short history. Dates of fixtures and opponents will be displayed as soon as they are released. This is the first time that GFC has secured a place in the knockout phases as well as securing their best ever league finish in the league. So what are you waiting for GFC fans? Get down to the field and support and cheer on YOUR ONLY Nepalese football team in Brisbane as they try and claim their first piece of silverware!

Gurkhali Ayo!

Next Match

There are no next league fixtures this coming week. The team will however be taking part in the Asian Uni Games to be held in Annerley. See previous post for more details on this coming tournament.

Side Post

As was written in the previous match report, GFC now has a new page on Facebook, which is being regularly updated. Do join us and ‘likes’ us. Don’t worry GFC fans, this site will still be kicking alive and regularly updated as well!

On a more important side note, tickets for the “Dashain Ayo 2011” are now on sale. GFC cordially invites everyone for this Pre-Dashain Dance Party of the year right here in Brisbane! For more information on this great event, go to our Facebook page. Please approach any of the GFC players to purchase your tickets. This event will surely be a blast!! So do join us!

Gurkha FC 6 – 0 SkyWind FC
Manish (3)
Sunil (1)
Gakul (1)
Shintaro (1)

There were goals galore in GFC’s 2^nd match with SkyWind FC at the Mt Gravatt Soccer Club which now stretched GFC’s unbeaten run to 7 matches. With the Yeronga ground being under repair for the next 6 weeks (or so), GFC played their first match of the season at the Mt Gravatt Football Ground. With the previous week’s game called off due to bad weather and having beaten SkyWind earlier with a score of four to nothing, the players were in a confident mood as well as having the “khuta chilauni” disease (itchy legs).  The players were all up for this one, that’s for sure!!

As with the first game, it was GFC who dominated the first half throughout, although passes went astray as the team tried to settle into the new ground. Within a few minutes after kickoff, after a neat exchange of passes, Pata released Sunil on the right wing for a one on one situation with the keeper, who deftly slipped it under the despairing keeper. 1 – 0 to GFC within the first ten minutes!! Was it a sign of things to come?

The next incident was one of the most memorable of the match as Dipen, our marauding left back, started one of his overlapping runs into the box. As he received the ball and dribbled his way into the penalty area, he barely avoided a lunging tackle by a defender as he skipped over his foot but lost his footing. Penalty!! There could have been serious consequences had that tackle connected with Dipen. No, no, no, not a broken leg, but an all out fight!! Anyway, everyone willed Dipen to take the penalty which he did, although he looked rather bewildered about the prospect of scoring his FIRST goal for GFC! But he stepped up anyway and really, should have done better as his tame shot was easily parried away by the keeper and the follow up scuffed. Still 1 – 0 up!! No worries Dipen, Just Chill…

A looping ball over the top barely reached our half and Pata, who was in fine form, headed the ball forward for Manish. His first touch however let him down, but he nevertheless gave chase and challenged the follow up ball fairly with the keeper, who was now stranded; Manish stroked the ball calmly into the empty net. 2 – 0 up to GFC!!

A through ball to Thulo by Upesh, sent the right-back on his way but who then blazed it skywards. That’s what happens when you try to get a defender to finish like a striker!! Pramod was being frustrating in front of goal as well as he didn’t shoot when supposed to and shot when was supposed to pass. Ryu was having a great time in goal as the defence, led by Ashok and Shin, lapped up all their attacks; he touched the ball only once in the first half. All in all a well played first half with the players slowly getting to grips with the new ground.

Half time blew and there was nothing much to talk about except the opponents. Seriously guys, they had names such as Batman, Spiderman, He-man, Tommy etc; on the back of their pink coloured jerseys with a sponsor named BubbleGum or something like that.

Anyway, back to the match as the 2^nd half kicked off with Gakul (who had been on the subs bench) taking the field and Raj (aka Josh, aka Barnes, aka Talu, call him what you may) also making his debut for GFC. His first course of action was a dribble down the left flank followed by a great cross which evaded everyone else. Nice entrance in any case.

On the right flank, good interplay between Sunil and Thulo resulted in a throw in. The throw in was trapped neatly by Upesh before releasing a clean pass to Manish, who flat footed the defence with a drop shoulder, before ramming the ball past the keeper. 3 – 0 to GFC and this surely was game set and match!! Or so we thought.

From a seemingly nothing move, Gakul received the ball from the centre of the field, made his way forward and from outside the penalty box, had one look up and tried one of his now-trademark placement shots, which looped over the keeper and into the top right hand corner. 4 – 0 up and this was becoming a stroll in the park for GFC! (I did NOT want to sound arrogant here!)

All this while, Shin who was playing in the heart of defence, had been consistently barraging upfield to get on the score sheet. In his first of many runs into the opposition box, he headed the ball straight into the hands of the keeper, from a corner. In his next foray up, he headed the ball way over the crossbar from a superb cross by Barnes.

Bad luck for our import all this while, but as the Latin saying goes, ‘Nil Sine Labore’ (Nothing Without Hard Work) and this is exactly what he got. From an un-cleared corner, the ball fell nicely to Shin, whose quick feet belied his position as a defender taking him past a couple of defenders before finishing into the corner of the goal. A well deserved goal putting GFC 5 – 0 up!!! Probably had enough by now one would think. Not really.

The last goal was a case of raw power added with a spice of luck. From a free kick, Gakul rolled the ball to Manish, who rammed the ball straight through the keeper’s legs via a deflection off a defender. 6 – 0! Hat-trick for Manish, his second of the tournament and that was surely the last goal of the game! Even the recollection of all the goals was getting this writer into a dizzy state as there were too many to remember! But this was it! Finally, the ref blew for full time. Phew!! What a game!!

Our final match of the season will be against Black Star Roasters and this will be a 6 pointer; i.e. winner takes all, due to ground bookings, referee availability, etc, etc. So with third place still not guaranteed, (look at the league table on Facebook for a clearer understanding on the situation) the final match will be a must win match!! Actually, it’s just so that we can boast about having beaten at least one “khuiray” team. No draws allowed!! Well actually, a draw will seal the third place position and that would be a good overall standing for GFC. But for now, stay prepared and see you in Mt Gravatt.

Gurkhali Ayo!!

Next Match

Gurkha FC vs Blackstar Roasters FC

Date: 11th August (Sunday)
Time: 11.00 am
Venue: Mt Gravatt

Please be at the field by 10.00 am!

Side Notes

On a side note, GFC now has a new page on Facebook, which is being regularly updated. Do join us on our Facebook Page and ‘likes’ us. Don’t worry GFC fans, this site will still be kicking alive and regularly updated as well!!

On a more important side note, tickets for the “Dashain Ayo 2011” are now on sale. GFC cordially invites everyone for this Pre-Dashain Dance Party of the year right here in Brisbane! For more information on this great event, click here. Please approach any of the GFC players to purchase your tickets. This event will surely be a blast!! So do join us!

Gurkha FC Presents THE Pre-Dashain Event of the year!!

“DASHAIN AYO 2011″

For more information, contact any of the GFC players or read previous post to join us on Facebook. See you there!!

Gurkha FC 3 – 2 Malaysian Team A
Manish (2)
Amar (1)

Gurkha FC maintained their unbeaten streak with a hard fought and well earned 3 – 2 victory over Malaysian Team A. With this win, GFC has now gone undefeated in 6 games. This was a match in where all the players showed great mental strength, determination and energy to string a comeback having been 2 -1 down.

The opening 20 minutes was dominated by GFC with the midfield retaining most of the possession without really making any headway. Within this time, from a seemingly inconspicuous play, Amar tried one of his trademark long range shots a few meters into the halfway line. Normally his shots would end up either in the AFL pitch or the block of apartments behind each of the goal. This was a bit different though as, not into the AFL pitch did the ball fly, but right over the keeper and into the net! 1 – 0 to GFC!! Our players seem to be making a habit of scoring fantastic goal!! Wonderful stuff from Amar which David Moyes would have been proud of!

Did that kick the players up for more? Apparently not, as the opposition seemed to settle more into the game and raised their level of play. With their neat intricate passes they had the GFC players chasing shadows for much of the time. Such was the state of play that within their first real attack they had the ball in the net. A lovely shimmy from their winger followed by an inch perfect cross was calmly side-footed into the far corner by their striker, who had arrived on the blind side. 1 – 1 and it was back to all square.

The Malaysians had much of the play in the 2^nd part of the first half without really making any clear cut thanks to dogged defending by our defenders, with Ashok and Dipen making last ditch tackles to clear dangers and Bikram  making his “it’s either you or me baby” booming clearances. GFC soaked up all this pressure whilst launching a series of counterattacks well, with Gakul and Upesh in the heart of it all. Andrew’s blistering pace was causing the opposition’s defence all sorts of problems with the only thing lacking being the final ball, whilst Pata’s clever play was continually being foiled. All this while Manish was cast as a frustrated lone figure upfront and it was this frustration which probably boiled over with him exchanging a series of verbals with the opposition. Aray Manish, Just Chill…

Half-time whistle blew and it was a frustrated atmosphere within the GFC camp as the general feeling was, that we could play a whole lot better than this! To change things around, Pradeep and Andrew were subbed in favour of Sunil and Pramod (who was also making his GFC debut! Welcome to the club Pramod!).

Half time started and the play improved slightly with Pramod getting into the thick of things, one of which was playing a one two with Manish, which the latter fired over. Amar and Bikram both tried their trademark long shots which both flew skywards. With our defenders up in attack, intelligent play from the Malaysians saw them start a counter attack from our left wing. With Bikram rushing back to halt his progress, the opposition player took a shot at goal from long range before he could be reached. Our normally reliable keeper, Thulo, totally misjudging the height of the ball, and although it lacked the power to be a belter of a shot,allowed it to slip from his fingertips and straight into the net. 2 – 1 up to the Malaysians!

As the Malaysians gained in confidence, they started a series of attacks with one creating a one on one situation with the keeper. Bikram’s last minute presence was sufficient for the player to hurry his shot with Thulo saving well with a one handed stop. Next they had a free-kick outside the penalty area, which one of them belted over the wall and straight onto the crossbar. SMACK!! Lucky shave for GFC!

The contest in the 2^nd half was much more evenly matched and with one of GFC’s attack, Pramod was sent clear but it was judged to have been offside by the referee and in any case, he missed the shot. A few minutes later, with the ball in the penalty area, Manish was on hand to guide the ball into the net beyond the keeper’s despairing dive. 2 – 2 and it was evens stevens again! What a match this was turning out to be!! An El Classsico??!

With both teams going for the win, it was the Malaysians who again got another free-kick on the right of the penalty area. The same player again stepped up and rifled the ball over the wall which Thulo managed to get his fingertips to help it onto the crossbar. In their next attack they had a shot which pace was taken off by Amar’s foot with our keeper making an easy save. Within this time, Sunil suffered a foot injury and was replaced by Andrew.

The last few minutes of the 2^nd half was one of pure excitement. Manish, who had been taken off for treatment on his foot after a collision, had just come on again and was putting himself out and about. Within a few moments, he found himself free in the penalty area and tried to place his shot to the left of goal. What followed was something one would imagine watching in a slow motion replay, with their keeper diving to reach the ball, but just touching his fingertips, before making its way into the corner of the goal (imagine all this happening really slowly and you get my gist). GOAL! 3 – 2 to GFC. What a turnaround it had been!! There were scenes of jubilation on both sides of the field, as well as off it, as the players and fans rejoiced in celebration!! 2 goals to Manish, Arsene Wenger did you say you needed another striker??

With the clock seemingly taking forever to reach full time, the Malaysians gained another free kick right on the edge of the penalty area. Up stepped their now all-too-familiar free kick taker who bent the ball over the wall and which seemed destined for the top corner. This time, Thulo made amends for his earlier gaff as he stretched and flung himself to tip the ball over the crossbar! A wonderful save! From the resulting corner, one of their players managed to get his head onto the ball, with our keeper stranded on the ground (that idiot had slipped while trying to challenge for the ball!!). Our hearts stayed in our mouths as we saw the ball thankfully fly way above the crossbar. Seconds later, the referee blew for full time. GFC wins again 3 – 2 and the streak continues…

Our next match will be against Black Star Roasters and it’s about time we did something about beating “khuiray” teams ,as stated in the previous post. This game was a good workout in preparation for the next match with the boys showing great grit, determination and bravery (just like the Gurkhas!) to grab a win from the jaws of defeat. Kudos to the Malaysians for making a great game out of it! (I probably wouldn’t be saying this had we gone on to lose the game!)

Gurkhali Ayo!!

Next Match

Gurkha FC vs Blackstar Roasters FC

Date: 29th August (Sunday)
Time: 11.00 am
Venue: Mt Gravatt

Please be at the field by 10.00 am!

Gurkha FC 4 – 0 SkyWind FC
Manish (2)
Gakul (1)
Bikram (1)

Gurkha FC’s run of good results continued with a comprehensive 4 – 0 victory over SkyWind FC. The match started in typical GFC style, with GFC dominating the opening proceedings. We had the majority of possession without actually being able to penetrate SkyWind’s defence. When we finally thought we had managed a breakthrough when the opposition conceded a penalty, our usually reliable striker Manish blasted the bar into seventh heaven. However, he made amends just a  few minutes later, when Gakul fed him a lovely ball from the centre of midfield and with the deftest of touches, he flicked the ball over the keeper and into the goal. 1 – 0 to GFC!!

More possession to us with Manish cracking a peach of a shot straight into the cross bar. Just before half time though, GFC got a free kick 30 odd yards from goal. What followed was a classic case of passing accuracy at its best as Gakul took the free kick which swerved right over the keeper and straight into the net. 2 – 0 up and we were on a roll!! All this while, the opposition had only managed to get into our box just twice. The referee blew for half time minutes later.

The general consensus during half-time was that we should be giving this team a “dhobi” style scoreline, with small patches of arguments on how we should be playing. Possessions aplenty with the only thing lacking being the final ball and the finishing. Nevertheless the boys went into the second half with a confident strut.

The second half had barely started when GFC got another free kick 25 yards from goal. With Gakul and Manish standing over the ball, it was difficult to guess who was going to take the shot. Up stepped the latter and what a free kick it was, bang right over the wall and keeper and straight into the net again; 3 – 0!! A splendid free-kick which any Premier League manager would have been proud of! Not to be outdone, Bikram tried a shot from outside the box which probably found it’s way into the trees.

Saurav had the ball in the net later on, which was judged to have been offside. The same scenario was repeated by Bikram, although he was clearly onside. This probably got him agitated, motivated, frustrated, call it what you may, but he had the ball in the net in the next minute which actually counted! Picking up the ball from midfield, he had one look up and struck the ball from more than 25 yards out, which looped straight into the net. Fantastic piece of finishing!! 4 – 0; and it was probably game set and match!!

Towards the latter part of the match, with the players tiring and taking the opposition for granted, SkyWind had more of the ball and started attacking GFC’s goal. Thanks to splendid defending from Shin and gang, their attacks were mere patchy shots which lacked power and accuracy. Eventually the referee blew for full time with the final score being 4 – 0 to GFC.

Some lessons to be learnt from this match:

1. This is the most important one. ALWAYS respect your opponents. DO NOT EVER take the opposition for granted; not matter how weak they may seem. No goalie likes to concede a goal and for the latter part of the 2^nd half, they seemed more than capable of scoring one.
2. When being substituted in, know your roles properly and stick to it! It seemed that, at times, there was confusion on where the substitute player was supposed to be playing.
3. Finally, to a lesser extent, communicate on the field. Three players at the same location.. Two to three players going for the same ball.. Wingers not helping their full backs out and vice versa.. etc.. etc.. You get my point. At times though, the passing seemed almost telepathic. Keep that up!

On a final note, this was a great result and should prove a confidence booster against the next few opponents, 2nd one probably being Blackstar Roasters. Hope the players are all pumped up for this particular battle. About time we went on to beat one of the ‘khuiray’ teams! Come on GFC!

Gurkhali Ayo!!

Next Match

Gurkha FC vs Malaysian A

Date: 21st August (Sunday)
Time: 11.30 am
Venue: Yeronga

Please be at the field by 10.30 am!

Multicultural Football Tournament

Hello fellow GFC players and fans!! GFC has been offered a position in this year’s 2011 QPS World Cup Multicultural Football Tournament hosted by Annerley Soccer Club. The following is a snippet of the e-mail sent by the organizers.

“The 2011 QPS World cup will be the largest multicultural football tournament in Australia.
The 2011 QPS World cup is to be played at the Annerley Soccer Club, Ridge Street, Greenslopes.

Dates:
Your 3 qualifying matches to be played on ONE of the following dates:
Pool A: Friday 23rd / Saturday 24th /Sunday 25th September 2011
Pool B: Friday 30th September/ Saturday 1st /Sunday 2nd October 2011

Finals to be played:
Sunday 9 October 2011 (winners of each group = 32 teams)

Fields:
Matches to be played on the following 4 fields:
Field 1 – Annerley Seniors- Elder Oval
Field 2 – Annerley Juniors: Ridge St
Field 3 – Annerley Juniors: Clubhouse
Field 5 – Annerley Juniors: Juliette St

(AGREEMENT TO WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND LIABILITY RELEASE)
Importantly, all players must understand that there is NO insurance coverage provided in respect of this competition and, to be insured, the player must arrange their own separate cover with an insurance provider or broker. ALL participating players must sign team sheet.
You will not be allowed to play unless we have a SIGNED team sheet.

FINALS:
The makeup of finals will be determined once the final number of teams is confirmed. It is proposed that 32 teams will play in the Premier and Division 1 quarter finals on Sunday 9th October 2011.

PRIZE MONEY
Last year the teams unanimously voted to pay a registration fee in 2011 so we could have PRIZE MONEY for this year’s 2011 QPS World Cup Football Tournament. Therefore as well as trophies we are having $1300 in prize money for the winners/runners up. There will be two divisions again this year [Premier and Division 1]

FIRST AID:
St Johns Ambulance will attend, however each team must have own FIRST AID kit.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
1. Games will consist of 2 x 20 minute halves with no time added and a 5 MIN half time break (drink).
2. Each team will play 3 games in the qualifying stage.
3. There will be UNLIMITED interchanges.
4. Penalties APPLY for red card sanctions. (Player will miss following game).”

Final Note

If any players are interested in taking part, just approach any of the senior players. However, be sure to take note of the dates and make sure you are FREE on those particular days!!! Don’t just say you are playing and then back out at the last minute, unless it’s something that’s really outta your hands; like your cat died or something…

Also, do take note, QPS stands for Queensland Police Service… There is sure to be police presence at the grounds. So, for those players wanting to take part, you guys better be at your BEST behaviour, and that means, no “jhagada saghada” or “lahdai sadai”. We don’t want to be bailing any of our players out on those nights!!!

Lastly, as you all have read above, there will be a cash prize of $1300 for the winning team, and from the looks of it, the runners-up will get something as well.  That is sure to go some way in increasing the coffers of GFC, so be prepared!!

More information this coming Sunday. As in the earlier post, PLEASE arrive at the field by 1.00pm. CheerZ and see yah all!!

Gurkhali Ayo!!

Fund Raising Event!

Charity Match

On the 6^th of August 2011, Gurkha FC organized a fund raising event to raise cash for an injured fellow footballer from Melbourne. Ujwal Chettri was found lying unconscious by police and was warded in Alfred Hospital with serious brain injury. Although his life is out of danger, his senses are still not working properly. However, over the past week, he has slowly started to recognize his family and friends. Yeti FC, whom the player is affiliated to and who has been providing financial and emotional support, sent out an appeal for help to the general Nepalese public in Australia.  Being a former team-mate of Ujwal, Amar Tamag, a current player of GFC, approached the club who responded by organizing a mini-football fiesta on the stated date.

Using the social media network, Facebook, and through the old fashioned means of e-mail, word was spread around about the event being organized for a good cause.  In just a couple of days, the responses were promising, with attendees and volunteers answering the call for help.

The day itself started off brightly (as in it was a sunny day!) and in typical Nepalese fashion, behind schedule (will we ever change??!). Nevertheless, the event took off with players from GFC and Deshon Boys (mixture of Singaporean, Malaysians and Indian nationalities) divided into 4 separate teams. The teams were to play a 6-a-side tournament in a league format with the top 2 fighting it out for the ultimate prize; the right to brag about being champions and as well taking home whatever remained of the barbeque and drinks, which were incidentally being looked after by a number of volunteers.

The climax of the day ended with the two GFC teams reaching the finals of the mini-tournament with Ashok and Dipen’s team taking top honours (and evidently the main prize of the all you can eat BBQ and drinks for that night). The score shall not be revealed (one of the teams got a hiding…) as it beats the whole purpose of the tournament, which was to have fun whilst at the same time raising money for a good cause. In doing so, with the sales from the BBQ, drinks, player’s participation fees as well as doing a round of “chanda” collection, GFC had raised a total of $780 on the day. Considering that the event was organized at such short notice, this was a great achievement which all the players and volunteers who took part should be proud of. To all those who made this event a great success, GFC thanks you all and please, do give yourselves a round of applause. Job well done people!

GFC will pass on the contributions to Yeti FC in due time and in doing so, wish Ujwal all the best in his recoveries. GFC hopes to see you the next time we drop by in Melbourne! You better be ready then!!

Gurkhali Ayo!

P.S: Special thanks go out to the Deshon Boys for being good sports and participating in this event.

Next Match

Gurkha FC vs. Skywind

Date: 14th August (Sunday)
Time: 2pm
Venue: Yeronga

Please be at the field by 1.00 pm!

Our participation in the Southside Football League has come to an end this year. On behalf of the club, I’d like to thank our sponsor (Pack & Send), all players and supporters of the team. Without them, our football team wouldn’t exist.

A quick wrap on this year’s season, we started off the football season with a good win against the Korean team, but then seemed to go downhill in term of standings. Most of the games were enjoyable and more importantly it’s great to see players having a laugh, making friends on the field and seeing each player improve. There has been talk that we need to organize the club better and I cannot agree more. With all players on board and also running the club, I think it’s a fantastic effort.

Next year we’re hoping to officially establish the club and obtain a home ground for the team. With this in mind, there are requirements we have to meet and it will rely on the commitment of players. We will prioritize players (regardless of how they play), meaning, the club will rather have 15 committed players than 25 players who play well, but cannot commit to the season. Having a home ground will allow us to train better and prepare for the next fixtures. If you have other ideas or suggestions please feel free to share them in the comment section below.

A 6 aside outdoor competition will commence at the end of this season at Yeronga.  If you’re interested to participate please email me at: management@gurkhafc.com

We will have an end of season/fund raising dinner party in December. Manish will be co-ordinating this. Once again please feel free to email regarding the dinner.