After a gruelling season that began on 11 May, the BoB Bhutan Premier League will conclude with the final three matches this week.
Paro FC secured the league title a couple of weeks ago, while BFF Academy FC, Phuentshogling Heroes FC, Tsirang FC, and Daga United FC have all been relegated and will need to fight through the qualifiers to regain promotion.
RTC FC is in fourth place with 30 points. They, having drawn the most matches this season, will face Tensung FC tomorrow. Tensung FC must win to keep their hopes of survival alive.
Currently in sixth place with 22 points and a -14 goal difference, the battle for survival looks grim for the men from Tencholing.
If Tensung FC win tomorrow at the RTC Artificial Turf, the pressure will shift to Samtse FC, who sit on 24 points. Given their superior goal difference, Samtse must either win or secure a draw in their match against Transport United FC on Saturday to secure fifth place and avoid relegation.
Transport United, however, have their own ambitions. Level on 38 points with second-placed Thimphu City FC, Transport will push for a win to overtake Thimphu City, as they are currently separated only by goal difference.
On Sunday, the final day of the season, Thimphu City will face the league champions, Paro FC. Thimphu City will aim to spoil Paro’s celebrations and secure second place in the league.
Will Thimphu City play the spoilers, and can Samtse secure safety in their first season in the topflight? All will unfold this week.
Sherub Dorji
