Dorji Khandu joined Transport United FC at the beginning of this year as a Technical Director and was also entrusted with the responsibility of leading the women’s team as Head Coach. Following the conclusion of the BoB Bhutan Women’s National League 2024, where TUFC Ladies were crowned 1st Runners-Up, he shared his reflections with the TUFC media.
“I am deeply thankful to the club for giving me this opportunity to lead such a dedicated team,” Dorji began.
I’d also like to extend my personal gratitude to the President, Mr. Jigme Tshewang, for his constant support and encouragement throughout this journey. Furthermore, the success we’ve achieved would not have been possible without the team behind the scenes – my assistant coach Karma Dema, Manager Kinley Wangmo, our physio, media team, logistic partners, and sponsors. Each one of them played a vital role in our achievements this season.
How would you summarize Transport United FC Ladies’ performance this season? What stood out to you the most?
Response: From the qualifying round to the final, the team’s progress has been remarkable. Their understanding of the game, tactical handling, and overall improvement has been impressive. Although some results didn’t go our way, that’s part of the sport. What stood out to me the most was the team spirit. The players constantly motivated each other, and their commitment to training and each match was commendable. They approached each game with seriousness and dedication, which is something I truly appreciated.
Winning the Fair Play award is a huge honor. What do you think contributed to the team’s discipline and sportsmanship throughout the tournament?
Response: The Fair Play award is indeed a great honor and reflects the core values we instill in our players. Beyond the technical training, we place a strong emphasis on sportsmanship, professionalism, and respecting opponents and referees. Managing emotions and staying composed under pressure are values we focus on in training. The players absorbed these lessons and implemented them on the field, which greatly contributed to winning this prestigious award.
Pema Choden Tshering was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the tournament. How crucial was her leadership to the team’s success this season?
Response: Pema absolutely deserves the MVP award. As captain, she not only performed brilliantly on the field but also exemplified leadership off it. Her qualities include leading by example, maintaining a positive attitude, and being a constant motivator for the team. Pema understands the game very well and knows how to bring the best out of her teammates. Her leadership was a major factor in our success this season.
With the addition of three players from Nepal, how do you feel their inclusion impacted the team’s overall dynamics and performance?
Response: The inclusion of the three Nepali players—Jenifer Rana Magar, Khusma Rai, and Susila Kumari Chaudhari—had a significant positive impact on our team. They brought not only their technical skills but also a level of discipline and professionalism that helped elevate our game. Playing alongside foreign players provided valuable exposure for our local players, and their adaptability and dedication helped us strengthen key areas of our gameplay.
What were some of the biggest challenges the team faced this season, and how did you work together to overcome them?
Response: We faced quite a few challenges this season. One of the most difficult was the departure of several players mid-season due to personal reasons, further studies, or moving abroad for work. Losing players to countries like Canada and Australia was particularly disheartening. Additionally, many of our players were also students, and balancing academics with training was challenging. Moreover, several of our key players, who were part of the national squad, returned injured, making it difficult for them to participate in crucial matches. With the limited talent pool in women’s football, it was hard to replace these players, but we worked hard to fill the gaps, focusing on the remaining squad’s development.
As the season ends, what are your immediate plans for the team? How will you approach preparation for next season?
Response: We’ll take a short break to recharge, and then we’ll resume regular training. One of our main goals is to strengthen the squad by identifying new talents and preparing the team to address the gaps we faced this season. Our focus will also be on improving individual fitness, teamwork, and tactical understanding so that we can come back stronger next year.
Looking ahead, what areas do you think the team needs to improve on, and what can fans expect from TUFC Ladies in the upcoming season?
Response: There are a few key areas we need to work on. One of the most important is fostering a winning mentality and developing more self-belief within the team. The players need to trust each other more, fight until the very end, and develop greater confidence in their abilities. Improving mental toughness is another area we’ll focus on. As for next season, fans can expect a tougher, more determined team, and a stronger performance in all aspects of the game. Thank you to all our supporters—we truly appreciate your unwavering encouragement, and we hope you’ll continue to stand by us.
“We’ve had a fantastic season, but the journey doesn’t end here,” Coach Dorji concluded. We will work harder, come back stronger, and push for even greater success next season.
