KATHMANDU, JUNE 13

Nepal women's national football team striker Sabitra Bhandari has signed a contract with Israel's Hapoel Raanana Women Football Club making her the first player to play in Europe.

Hapoel Raanana confirmed the deal on social media posting two photographs of Bhandari, who is popularly known as Samba in sporting fraternity. The Hapoel Raanana welcomed Bhandari in the club. 'The impressive Nepali pioneer footballer officially signs for the club after a long follow-up,' wrote the club on Facebook with two pictures.

Hapoel Raanana is an Israeli women's football club competing in the Ligat Nashim and the Israeli Women's Cup.

'It's has always a dream and I can see the dreams of playing in Europe is coming true,' said Bhandari. 'I am yet to receive the details of the contract as it is confirmed by my agent. But I am already excited with the development.' Bhandari described the deal as another step in her career.

'This is a great opportunity and it is another step in my journey as a footballer,' she said. 'I will try my best to utilise this opportunity,' added the all-time highest scorer Bhandari, who has also played in professional leagues in India and Maldives.

Bhandari will be the first Nepali footballer to play outside South Asia. She has spent three seasons in Indian league and also helped Gokulam Kerala win back-to-back league titles.

She netted 29 goals in 10 matches to guide Gokulam Kerala to title last season. Bhandari is the most celebrated woman footballer in Nepal and she also holds the record of 43 goals in 43 matches for the national team.