Kiban Rai (born 28 May 2005) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a striker for Merthyr Town on loan from EFL League Two club Newport County.

Career

Rai joined the youth academy of Newport County at Under 15 level.[2] He made his senior debut for Newport in the 3–1 EFL League Two away defeat to Salford City at Moor Lane on 5 March 2023 as a second-half substitute for Nathan Moriah-Welsh.[3][4] In June 2023 Rai signed his first professional contract with Newport County[5] On 29 August 2023 Rai scored his first goal for Newport, the 96th minute equaliser in the EFL Cup 1-1 draw against Brentford of the Premier League, which Brentford won on penalties.[6]

On 30 January 2025 Rai joined Southern League club Merthyr Town on loan for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.[7]

Personal life

Rai was born in Brecon, Wales, and he also qualifies to represent Nepal through his parents.[8] [9] His father was a British Army Gurkha and in 2023 Kiban Rai became the first player of Nepalese descent to sign a professional contract in the Premier League or EFL when he joined Newport County.[10]

Style of play

Rai operates as a striker or attacking midfielder.[11] He is known for his creativity and technical ability.[2]

References

  1. ^ Newport County profile
  2. ^ a b "ACADEMY | Nine new scholars confirmed for 2021/22 season". www.newport-county.co.uk. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
  3. ^ "Salford come from behind to beat Newport". Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  4. ^ "Surprise visits and high standards – County's top duo aim to use academy talent". South Wales Argus. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  5. ^ "Kiban Rai signs first professional contract". www.newport-county.co.uk.
  6. ^ Rai first Newport goal
  7. ^ Rai Merthyr loab
  8. ^ "Rai debut interview". Archived from the original on 17 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  9. ^ "Newport County: Kiban Rai becomes first Nepalese player in EFL". DasFootball. Retrieved 26 June 2023.
  10. ^ "Gurkha's son aims to inspire – and play for Wales" – via www.bbc.co.uk.
  11. ^ "Newport County hope academy talent follows Kiban Rai lead". southwalesargus.co.uk. Archived from the original on 13 March 2023. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kiban_Rai
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