Kiban Rai Explained

Kiban Rai
Birth Date:28 May 2005
Birth Place:Brecon, Wales
Height:1.72m[1]
Position:Striker
Currentclub:Newport County
Clubnumber:18
Youthyears1:2021–2023
Years1:2023–
Caps1:21
Goals1:0
Club-Update:16:25, 21 September 2024 (UTC)

Kiban Rai (born 28 May 2005) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a striker for 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]

Personal life

Rai was born in Brecon, Wales, and he also qualifies to represent Nepal through his parents.[7] [8] 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.[9]

Style of play

Rai operates as a striker or attacking midfielder.[10] He is known for his creativity and technical ability.[2]

External links

Notes and References

  1. https://www.newport-county.co.uk/player/13 Newport County profile
  2. Web site: ACADEMY | Nine new scholars confirmed for 2021/22 season. www.newport-county.co.uk. 6 March 2023. 6 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230306005644/https://www.newport-county.co.uk/news/2021/july2/9-new-academy-scholars/. live.
  3. Web site: Salford come from behind to beat Newport. www.bbc.co.uk. 14 March 2023. 15 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230315022121/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64760963. live.
  4. Web site: Surprise visits and high standards – County's top duo aim to use academy talent. South Wales Argus. 13 March 2023. 13 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313153812/https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/23377992.newport-county-hope-academy-talent-follows-kiban-rai-lead/. live.
  5. Web site: Kiban Rai signs first professional contract. www.newport-county.co.uk.
  6. https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66577562 Rai first Newport goal
  7. Web site: Rai debut interview . 17 March 2023 . 17 March 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230317122016/https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/23390750.kiban-rai-hunts-action-shock-newport-county-debut/ . live .
  8. Web site: Newport County: Kiban Rai becomes first Nepalese player in EFL. DasFootball. 26 June 2023.
  9. Web site: Gurkha's son aims to inspire – and play for Wales. www.bbc.co.uk.
  10. Web site: Newport County hope academy talent follows Kiban Rai lead. southwalesargus.co.uk. 13 March 2023. 13 March 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230313153812/https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/23377992.newport-county-hope-academy-talent-follows-kiban-rai-lead/. live.

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