Rai had scored two goals and assisted for three goals to help MMC claim the third place in the season. Rai, 25, was awarded a motorbike as the best player of the tournament. Besides Safal Cup, Rai also played a key role in the team’s title haul of the Gurkha Cup in the capital in June and King’s Cup in Thimpu, Bhutan, in August. [break]
But despite his prolific performance in domestic football, Rai has never made his debut in the national arena. “I have been chosen eight times in the national squad but I have never made my debut on the field,” said Rai who ended up on the bench during all the eight matches.
Rai who hails from Pathari, Morang, says, “I don’t know why I have never been able to impress the head coach of national team despite my efforts in training sessions.” He recalls the painful memory of being left out during the final declaration of the national squad for SAFF Championship held recently in the capital. “I was in the SAFF squad until last 28, but I was axed while the team was reduced to the final 20.”
“I think I can play better than others. I will once again and for the last time try my best to get a place in the national squad. But if I cannot succeed, I will never think of joining the national team,” says Rai.
Rai made his debut for the top tier team in 2060 BS from Machhindra FC. He had also played for Ranipokhari Corner Team (RCT) in 2068, returned to Machhindra in 2069 and joined MMC for the current season.
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