RAPL players from all eight teams arrived in Kabul last week, anxiously awaiting the start of the RAPL main event that will kick off 28 August between Shaheen Asmayee and De Abaseen Sapi. The main event will be exclusively broadcasted on TOLO TV, Lemar TV, Arman FM, Arakozai FM, And also you can watch in youtube, (www.Youtube.com/afghanpremierleague) For the first time in its three-year history each of the eight RAPL teams will carry 21 players instead of 18. The increase in roster size is a result of a boost in interest by talented Afghan players in the league.
This year the highly talented pool of Afghan players will benefit from coaching provided by professional FIFA-certified coaches from Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Speaking to the opportunity of receiving such guidance, Zmaray Salangi (forward of Oqaban Hindukosh) said, "I am extremely lucky to be coached by such experienced people. With their help and the help of our Afghan coaches, Oqaban Hindukosh is sure to make it to the semi-finals." Salangi is just one of many young and talented players the RAPL will be featuring this year. Born and raised in Kabul, the 19 year old has been driven to become a great footballer since as far back as he can remember. "Since boyhood, all I have been concerned about and the one thing that I love more than anything is football. I want to be the best player from Afghanistan, ever."
All players will be staying at the well equipped RAPL guesthouse located in the Share-now part of Kabul which is about a 10 kilometer drive to the Afghan Football Federation's Green Field Stadium. The eight teams have a rotating practice schedule at the AFF Stadium, where the main event matches will be held also.