Meet Our Family

The Hearts and Hands Behind Our Mission

At Sahara Club Australia, we believe that great things happen when passionate people come together for a common cause. Our team is more than just an organizational structure—we’re a family united by our shared commitment to transforming lives through football and community service. From our dedicated executive board to our enthusiastic volunteers, every member plays a vital role in bridging Australia and Nepal through the power of sport and compassion.

Message from the President

Sahara Club Australia President Siddhartha Poudel

Siddhartha Poudel

President – Sahara Club Australia Inc.

saharaclubaustralia@gmail.com

+61 0452 620 763

It brings me immense pride and gratitude to share a few words as the President of Sahara Club Australia. My journey with the Sahara family began over two decades ago when I joined Sahara Club Pokhara as a general member during my high school days. What started as a simple passion for football quickly turned into a lifelong commitment to a cause much greater than the game itself—uplifting the lives of underprivileged children through sports and social engagement.

When I moved to Australia in 2016, my connection with Sahara only deepened. I became actively involved with Sahara Club Australia, a sister branch of our beloved Sahara Club Pokhara. Here, far from home, I’ve seen how powerful the spirit of community and purpose can be—even thousands of miles away. It fills my heart with joy to see our diaspora coming together to support the academy in Pokhara, which has transformed the lives of countless street children and orphans. Their journey from hardship to hope, from dusty streets to the national football team, is a reminder of what compassion and commitment can achieve.

At this stage, our efforts in Australia go beyond supporting the goals of Sahara Pokhara. Through initiatives like the Sahara Australia Cup, we are creating a space where young people from our community can connect, compete, and grow—not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. In a time when mental health challenges are on the rise among youth, sports offer a powerful tool for healing, confidence-building, and social inclusion. Our tournament is more than just a game; it is a bridge—uniting generations, creating friendships, and reinforcing a sense of belonging.

Leading this organization is an honor I do not take lightly. I’m inspired daily by the passion of our members, the dedication of our volunteers, and the unwavering support from our well-wishers. Together, we are not only carrying forward the legacy of Sahara Club but also writing a new chapter filled with purpose, unity, and impact.

As we grow stronger in Australia, our hearts remain rooted in Nepal. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our mission. I look forward to what we can achieve together in the years ahead—for the love of football, and for the betterment of our community.

Executive Board

Leading with Vision and Purpose

Our executive board combines diverse professional backgrounds with a shared passion for community service. These dedicated leaders volunteer their time and expertise to ensure Sahara Club Australia continues to grow and make meaningful impact both locally and internationally.

Executive Team

SID POUDEL PHOTO

Siddhartha Poudel

President

SANTOSH PANDEY

Santosh Pandey

Vice President

PUSKAL THAKALI

Puskal Thakali

Vice President

KALYAN KHADKA

Kalyan Khadka

Treasurer

GAURAV BARAL

Gaurav Baral

Joint Treasurer

JESSICA TAMANG

Jesica Tamang

Secretary

BINAY CHHETRI

Binay Chettri

Executive Member

NIRAJAN SHRESTHA

Nirajan Shrestha

Executive Member

Rajani Tamu

Rajani Gurung

Executive Member

ISHWAR PAHARI

Ishwar Pahari

Executive Member

SURYA KHANAL

Surya Khanal

Executive Member

MADAN KOIRALA

Madan Koirala

Spokesperson

AWANI POUDEL

Awani Poudel

Joint Spokesperson

GOKARNA POUDEL

Gokarna Poudel

Om Upadhayaya

Om Upadhayaya

Regional Coordinators

Gyanendra Gautam

Gyanendra Gautam

Vice President + TAS Coordinator

SAJJAN SHARMA

Sajjan Sharma

Vice President + VIC Coordinator

ROMAN SHAHI UPDATED

Roman Shahi

Vice President + QLD Coordinator

SAGAR SHAHI

Sagar Shahi

Melbourne Coordinator

Tournament Management Team

LABIN GURUNG

Labin Gurung

ISHWAR PAHARI

Ishwar Pahari

sahara club australia logo

Ajay Taco

NIRAJAN SHRESTHA

Nirajan Shrestha

Tournament Management Team

The dedicated team that brings our flagship event to life

Our tournament management team works year-round to ensure the Sahara Australia Cup delivers an exceptional experience for players, families, and supporters while maximizing fundraising impact for our academy in Nepal.

Core Management Team

SA Cup Management Team
Labin Gurung
Ishwar Pahari
Santosh Pandey
Nirajan Shrestha
Kalyan Khadka
Siddhartha Poudel
Prem Gurung
Gaurav Baral
Ananta Gurung
Abinash Ghimire
Biswash Shrestha
Samip Gauchan
Ajay Taco

Advisor And General Members

Wisdom and Experience Guiding Our Path

Our advisory team consists of respected community members, and long-standing supporters who provide valuable guidance and continuity to our organization. Their collective wisdom helps us navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth.

Advisor Executive Team

HEMANTA KAFLE

Hemanta Kafle

PREM TAMU

Prem Tamu

DILA KHAREL

Dila Kharel

Mana Khatri

NANDA GURUNG

Nanda Gurung

LABIN GURUNG

Labin Gurung

Ram Shrestha

Ram Shrestha

Ananta Gurung

Ananta Gurung

Advisors and General Members

Full NameFull Name
Bhupal SitaulaPrem Gurung Tamu
Sudip PathakBiswash Shrestha
Abinash GhimireSantosh Bhandari
Mahendra GhimireIshwar Pahari
Bijen BatajuBijay Chettri
Ashok OliRajiv Pradhan
Kapil KhattriShibu Ghimire
Ajay TacoGaurav Baskota
Brasish SuwalNitish Gupta
Dipesh KCGyanendra Sitaula
Ershad AhmedEthan Shakya
Rajan GhmireMan Bahadur Tamanag
Binod KunwarRabi Magar
Binay ChettriUtsav Aryal
Satkar PoudelGokarna Poudel
Anil PokhrelYuddha Lama
Sabin GhimireSantosh Neupane
Mana KC