Kathmandu, March 29 -- The third season of the Nepal Super League, a knockout football tournament between seven franchise teams, is kicking off on Saturday at Dasharath Stadium, Kathmandu.

The seven teams in action include Kathmandu Rayzrs, Lalitpur City FC, Pokhara Thunders, Butwal Lumbini FC, Dhangadhi FC, FC Chitwan and Jhapa FC.

Two past champions-the inaugural edition (2021) champion Kathmandu and the second edition (2023) winner Lalitpur-are going to lock their horns in the first game of the tournament. The opening game is expected to be a sold-out crowd as the intense clash between the two Valley teams will also see a performance by singer Durgesh Thapa.

In their past four encounters in the NSL, Kathmandu have defeated Lalitpur ...