Transport United FC: A Legacy of Passion and Perseverance
The Transport United FC Legacy Reunion Project is a chance to reflect on our club’s remarkable journey, from its beginnings fueled by passion to its current standing as a force in Bhutanese football.
Early Days and Championship Dominance (2001-2011):
Our story began in 2001 with Nidup Dorji, a passionate football fan working for the Road Safety & Transport Authority (RSTA). Driven by his love for the sport and a desire to engage young people, Nidup, armed with his AFC B coaching license, founded Transport United FC. Supported by like-minded officials from RSTA, the club received funding and its name, reflecting its roots.
Under Nidup’s leadership, the early years were a period of immense success. His expertise as head coach guided the club to an impressive record: four National Championship titles and four qualifications for the AFC President’s Cup, a true testament to the team’s dominance.
Challenges and Resilience (2012-2016):
The year 2012 brought a significant challenge. Financial difficulties resulted in relegation to the B-division. However, this setback did not dampen Nidup’s dedication. He remained at the helm, managing resources through donations and demonstrating unwavering commitment to the club. It took four years of hard work and perseverance, but Transport United FC finally secured victory in the B-division, earning a well-deserved promotion back to the National League in 2016.
Coaching Transitions and Continued Success (2017-2023):
Affiliation with the Asian Football Confederation brought new requirements. To compete in the National League, the club needed an A-licensed coach. In 2017, Nidup transitioned to the role of President of the Technical Division, paving the way for Ngawang Dhendup to take over as head coach. This change ushered in another era of victories. Under Ngawang’s guidance, the club achieved remarkable feats, including a National League win in 2017 and an historic double in 2018, becoming the first club to win both the Thimphu League and the National League in a single calendar year. This success was further amplified by qualification for the AFC Cup in both 2018 and 2019.
Ngawang’s tenure ended in 2020, and Passang Tshering led the club for a year, securing a respectable 4th place finish. Ngawang Jamphel, fondly known as MJ, then took charge in 2021. Despite the challenges of the pandemic with most games played behind closed doors, MJ’s leadership secured a commendable 3rd place finish.
Determined to maintain momentum, Coach Bikash Pradhan was appointed in 2022. The team started strong, winning the first edition of the BFF President’s Cup. However, the league season proved more difficult, resulting in a 5th place finish.
In 2023, the club sought to recapture its past glory. Coach Kinley Dorji, formerly the Coach Educator, assumed the role of head coach. The season began brightly with a string of victories, but a slump in performance led to a change in leadership. Lobzang Dorji stepped in as interim coach, demonstrating exceptional resilience and leading the team to an impressive finish in 3rd place, undefeated in their final seven games.
Looking Ahead (2024):
With a new season on the horizon and Coach Pema at the helm, Transport United FC is fueled by a burning desire to reclaim its championship title. The club’s legacy is one of passion, perseverance, and a dedication to excellence. As we look forward, we draw strength from our rich history, ready to write the next chapter in the Transport United FC story.
