KATHMANDU, June 21: All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has appointed Raju Kaji Shakya as head coach of the Nepali U-23 side that is taking part in the AFC U-23 2018 Qualifiers to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) next month. 

After Megh Raj KC turned down ANFA's offer for the post citing personal reasons, Nepali football governing body chose Shakya as his replacement on Wednesday. However, Prakash Aryal will continue with the role of assistant coach despite the change in head coach. 

ANFA had decided to give the role of head coach of the Nepali U-23 side to KC on Friday.

However, KC who returned to Nepal on Monday from Japan where he attended AFC 'C' coaching license instructor training, informed ANFA that he is unable to accept the offer due to his busy schedule.

“In the absence of KC, Shakya was looking at the training of the team. KC, who couldn't accept our offer, suggested us to approach Shakya and we did the same. And Shakya accepted our offer,” said ANFA's CEO Indraman Tuladhar. 

Meanwhile, Shakya talking to Reuplica said that he accepted the offer made by ANFA. “Since Megh Raj KC didn't accept the offer, ANFA approached me and I said yes to them,” said Shakya, who is also assisting Japanese coach Gyotoku Koji for the national side. 

He also said that Nepal is pitted in tough group in the qualifiers and have to work hard to do well in the UAE.  Nepal will face host UAE, Uzbekistan and Lebanon in the qualifiers at Tahnoun Bin Mohamed Stadium of Al Ain. 

“It will be very hard for us to progress from the qualifying round as all the opponents are stronger than us. Since their level is higher than ours, it will be beneficial for Nepali players playing against such tough teams,” said Shakya, “Though they are strong, our target is to play good football and try to make it to the final round.''

Shakya was the head coach of Nepali U-23 team that won gold in SAG held in Guwahati, India beating the host team in the final. He is the only footballer to win gold in SAG as player and coach. 

Nepal will start the qualifying campaign taking on host UAE on July 19 while it will compete against Uzbekistan two days later. Likewise, Nepal will face Lebanon in its last group stage match on July 23.  

 
• all nepal football association
 
• raju kaji shakya
 
• nepali u-23 side
 
• afc u-23 2018 qualifiers