Laken Limbu, a footballer born and raised in Singapore, is set to play for Nepal in a much-anticipated Nepal vs Singapore friendly match on March 21 at the National Stadium. This match holds special meaning for the 22-year-old midfielder, whose football roots were planted in Singapore before flourishing abroad.
Early Football Foundations in Singapore
Born in 2002 to a Gurkha father serving in the Singapore Police Force, Limbu attended Cedar Primary School and Serangoon Garden Secondary School. He developed his skills at Anza Soccer Academy and F-17 Academy, playing alongside notable talents such as Marc Tan, Zikos Chua, and Zamani Zamri.
Reflecting on his start, Limbu said: “I began with street soccer in the Gurkha camp and gradually transitioned to competitive inter-school football. Playing with older players taught me resilience and the need to work twice as hard.”
Climbing the Football Ladder
After moving back to Nepal in 2019, Limbu joined third-tier side Jhapa FC, later progressing to Three Star Club. He further advanced his career by playing for Machhindra FC and Church Boys United, gaining valuable experience in the AFC Cup and AFC Challenge League qualifiers.
In 2024, he made a significant leap by signing with India’s Delhi FC, with support from Singapore-based Rookbook Sports.
Making His Mark on the International Stage
Limbu made his international debut for Nepal in 2023 against the Philippines and has since collected 13 caps. Nepal’s head coach Matt Ross highlighted Limbu’s role in the team, noting his tactical intelligence and physical strength.
“We’re preparing to press Singapore in the match,” Ross shared. “It promises to be an exciting encounter.”
Friendly Reunion and Ambitions Ahead
The upcoming Nepal vs Singapore fixture will also reunite Limbu with his former F-17 team-mate, Ilhan Fandi, both eager to exchange jerseys after the game.
Limbu remains focused on climbing higher: “I am hungry to learn, grow, and challenge myself in Europe or Asia’s top leagues. This journey has just begun.”
