The club is pleased to announce the signing of forward Kiban Rai after a successful trial!
Rai, 21, is from Brecon, Wales and joined the youth academy of Newport County in 2021 at under-15 level, signing his first professional contract in June 2023.
He made his debut in March 2023, and became the first player of Nepalese descent to appear in the EFL or Premier League. His father is a former British Army Gurkha.
He scored his first professional goal in dramatic fashion, heading home against Premier League side Brentford in the 96th minute of a Carabao Cup tie to send it to penalties.
He made another appearance in the EFL Cup the subsequent year, lining up against the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and Raphael Varane as Manchester United bested the Exiles 4-2 at Rodney Parade.
After 30 appearances for Newport over two seasons, he was released at the end of the 24/25 season and was signed by Aldershot in June 2025.
He made 23 appearances for the Shots in the first half of last season, scoring two goals and assisting one, before going out on loan to Merthyr Town where he spent time as a youngster both before joining Newport. He made 13 appearances in the National League North recording four goal contributions.
New Aldershot manager Scott Davies couldn’t guarantee Rai enough playing time at his young age, but said “He’s trained very well and conducted himself brilliantly and I really do hope he turns out to be a success with the next club that he joins”.
We are happy it is here, and Kiban feels the same way, telling the club, "I'm happy to be here and as soon as I found out it was a possibility I was very interested. It's a great club with a lot of ambition, its goals align with mine so I thought it would be the right environment for me to keep developing."
Alan Dowson added, "I gave Kiban his debut at Aldershot against Scunthorpe, playing in the Football League as a young teen is no small achievement but he just needs a chance to settle down and after starting preseason late, he's now getting better and better by the game and he did very well the other day [against QPR U21s] so he'll be a great addition to the team."
On reuniting with his old manager Rai said, "I know what he expects, he's always pushed me to keep on improving and has given me confidence which is obviously important for this stage of my career and I am happy to work with him again."
Finally, his message for the fans: "You can expect someone who is going to work hard every single time he's on the pitch. I like to be positive on the ball, show my creativity, take players on, create chances, and score goals!"
Welcome to the Bev, Kiban!
See our new man in action all season long with your SEASON TICKET