Wellington Phoenix striker Sabitra Bhandari launches fundraiser for ACL op

Wellington Phoenix women’s player and Nepal national team captain Sabitra Bhandari has set up a fundraising campaign to pay for her anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

Bhandari ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the second such injury of her career, in her right knee against the Brisbane Roar in early January and could be out of action for up to a year.

The 29-year-old wrote an emotional plea on her Facebook page to help her have the necessary surgery on her knee.

“I have sustained [a] serious injury to both MCL and the graft of ACL that was previously surgically inserted into my knee,” the post read.

“I am in a situation where I need to undergo a complicated surgery again.

“Last time, ANFA [All Nepal Football Association] leadership provided complete management and support for my treatment.

Wellington Phoenix's Sabitra Bhandari ruptured her ACL in an A-League match against the Brisbane Roar. Photo / Photosport

“At that time, I had no problems financially or mentally, so I was able to return to the field on time.”

She said this time ANFA won’t be able to help in the same way and would provide some cash assistance, but she would fund the procedures herself.

Bhandari said the Phoenix have offered treatment and rehab in New Zealand, but she is looking to have the surgery at the same hospital she was treated at last time in Qatar.

“The club is telling me that they are ready to treat me at a local hospital in New Zealand.

“But since my injury is serious and the treatment I received at the Aspetar in Qatar was of a excellent standard last time, I want to get treated at the same hospital again.

“The club is going to withdraw the money received from the insurance for me.

“The club will release the amount received from the insurance for me.

“But since the amount will not be enough for my surgery and 7-8 months of rehabilitation, I have come to ask for help from the supporters.”

Wellington Phoenix said they are backing Bhandari’s plea for financial support.

“League insurance would have covered Samba’s knee surgery in New Zealand but not the estimated US$80,000 ($134,198) cost of the operation and seven to eight months of rehab at Aspetar Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine Hospital in Qatar,” a spokesperson for the club said.

“The entire insurance payout the club receives will go towards Samba’s operation, but there is a big shortfall.

“Her fanbase, in particular the Nepalese community, have been incredibly generous so far to help her fulfil her wish of receiving treatment at the world-renowned Aspetar facility, where she had her ACL surgery in 2021.”

The spokesperson said the club’s medical team has worked tirelessly to ensure she is in optimal condition for the operation and hope she can secure a surgery date soon so she is back in the team as quickly as possible.

Bhandari is seeking to raise $135,000 for the procedure and has raised about $43,000 so far.

“I have always faced difficulties in my career, and overcome them with courage every time. Your help is needed to rise again this time.”

Bhandari, also known as ‘Samba’, was unveiled as the Phoenix’s fourth visa signing for the 2025-26 A-League season in July and made her debut for Nepal at 17 years old.