Himal Press 
POKHARA: Three Star Club and Tribhuvan Army Club are playing in the final of the 23rd Aha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup at the Pokhara Stadium on Saturday.
Five-time champions Three Star Club aims to clinch a record sixth title, while Tribhuvan Army Club seeks to make history by securing its maiden title. This is the fifth time that Tribhuvan Army has reached the final of Gandaki Province’s premier football tournament, having been defeated twice by Nepal Police Club and once each by Three Star Club and Manang Marshyangdi Club in previous attempts. Three Star, on the other hand, will equal the record for most wins with Nepal Police Club and Manang Marshyangdi if it secures victory against Tribhuvan Army on Saturday.
Both Nepal Police Club and Manang Marshyangdi Club have lifted the title six times each.
Speaking at a pre-match press meet on Friday, Tribhuvan Army Coach Meghraj KC expressed confidence that the final against Three Star would be exciting. “I am aiming for a hat-trick of titles by helping Tribhuvan Army lift its first title on Saturday,” added KC.
Tribhuvan Army Captain Bharat Khawas said the final against Three Star will be a tough match.
On the other hand, Three Star Coach Bikram Lama anticipates an intriguing experience both on and off the field on Saturday. “I see this match differently as it is a contest between me and my former coach KC. I used to play according to his instructions in the past, and now I am competing against him,” Lama said.
Lama was a player for Three Star Club when KC served as the Head Coach.
Three Star Captain Biraj Maharjan said Tribhuvan Army is an experienced side. “But our youngsters are determined to create history,” he added.
In the semifinals, Tribhuvan Army Club defeated Church Boys United 2-1, while Three Star secured a spot in the final by defeating Jawalakhel Youth Club 1-0.
The winning team will receive a cash prize of Rs 1.2 million, while the runner-up will take home Rs 600,000.
Twelve teams participated in the 23rd edition of the Pokhara Gold Cup.
