Football in Pakistan is still a fledgling sport, but it rising among the masses with great speed. Particularly the Youth of Pakistan, who are indulged in the game more than ever. But sadly, given the current condition of the Domestic Facilities we don't stand a chance, in qualifying for Anything. The PFF is almost completely neglecting the Young Footballers of Pakistan. In order to even stand a chance of qualifying, The PFF must focus on Youth Tournaments and Leagues. The Football Clubs of Pakistan generally lack Youth Teams, but i think this should be a necessity if we are to develop Quality Players over the Years. In my opinion, a Youth League should be established and should be run every year. Graham Roberts should take charge of the senior team. And Akhtar Mohiuddin should handle the Youth Teams.
Pakistan has always had the Football Talent in different corners of the Countries. But the problem is and always has been the lack Of Facilities, Funds etc. Although this year has been a Good Domestic year of Pakistani Football, with the Start of the Club Football League, which had a grand prize of 10 Lakhs. And the continuation of the Geo Super League has further strengthened the caliber of our Footballers but it would not be enough to support our 2022 Qualifying Campaign.
I have several points, which if achieved will really increase our Chances of qualifying.
1. In the 2022 Qualifiers our Current Footballers would be aged, so we should focus on developing the Youth.
This can be achieved by having all Football Clubs establish Under 16 and Under 14 sides. Then the PFF should establish League for the respective age groups.
2. We have a serious lack of proper facilities, Grounds should be given out to the Clubs and they should be held responsible for the upkeep.
Every Community should have their own Football Clubs, and they should be financed by the community themselves.
3. Our Top Flight should have a season of 9 Months, and the PFF should make it Professional by Sponsorships. And they could also make the Top Flight Clubs Public Limited Companies with Shares for sale on the Stock Exchange so that they can go and achieve Economies of Scale.
4. The National Sides should have at least 2 International Tours each year and 2 Domestic Tours. So that the have a Basic Level of Match Fitness.
5. The Government of Pakistan should increase its Budget for the PFF from 15 lakhs to 1 Crore if Pakistan has any chance to Qualify.
6. Another Idea is that a Campaign called "Qualify 2022" should be setup. Evey Pakistani should pay minimum of 2 Rupees, but they can contribute more if they like, and if everyone pays just 2 rupees we will have a total of 32 Crores! Which can enable us to have international level Grounds.
7. The Private Sector should be given Incentives to Invest on the Leagues. Such as Advertisement.
There are many more ideas, even better than this. And they all can be achieved and so can the "2022 Qualify"
Campaign. If only the Government promotes the Game and Seriously takes the idea of Qualifying.
Forest Green Rovers 1 - 0 Mansfield Town
Lawless (10') Ahmed missed pen (58')
Attendance: 872 (215 from Mansfield)
(courtesy: Martin Shaw at the New Lawn)
After last week's morale boosting victory over Salisbury, Mansfield fell to a disappointing defeat at the New Lawn this afternoon against a side that had not won since August. Forest Green took the lead with a brilliant strike from Lawless after 10 minutes, giving Gamble no chance. The Stags generally had the better of the first half and Jason Lee headed against the inside of the post but the home side hung on to the lead at the break. In the second half, Forest Green's confidence grew and they created one or two chances without testing Paddy Gamble, but the Stags had a golden chance to equalise when Sinclair was brought down in the box, but Ahmed's well struck penalty was fantastically saved. Then home keeper Terry Burton made an equally incredible save from Stallard's close range effort, and the home side got bodies behind the ball to frustrate the Stags. At the end of the game the Stags were crestfallen as Forest Green celebrated wildly.
On four minutes, Sinclair put Arnold through but his run was poor and when he did get a shot in, it was even worse. Forest Green had a couple of crosses into the box a minute later, the first was headed away well by D’Laryea and the second by Jeannin.
The pattern of the game was set in the opening minutes: the Stags were going to rely on the pace of Sinclair and Arnold whilst Forest Green were going to pump as many high balls into the box as possible.
Then on 10 minutes, completely unexpectedly and out of nothing, Forest Green took a shock lead. A throw in from the right was cleared to Lawless 22 yards from goal who hit a fierce shot giving Gamble no chance as it flew into the right corner of the net.
Adnan Ahmed showed great skill on 12 minutes to get into the box but Arnold wasted it again. There was a nasty moment after 15 minutes when Gamble dropped a routine cross from the right. He was very lucky that no Rovers’ players were on hand to pounce.
Shortly afterwards, Sinclair showed blistering pace in a great run down the right. His cross from the by line was slightly too far for Arnold but Arnold did well to retrieve the ball from behind him and plant a fine cross into the box which Lee headed goal-wards. From our position in the main stand, we couldn’t tell if the keeper got a touch, but the header came back off the inside of the post and away in an amazing escape for the home side. After the game, both managers, who were positioned on the far side of the ground, confirmed that Forest Green keeper, Terry Burton, had pushed the ball on to the post for a fantastic save.
On 25 minutes, Ahmed found Arnold with a fine ball. The little striker cut inside and curled a shot over the bar. There was a rare break for Forest Green on 30 minutes when pedestrian defending from O’Hare and Moses allowed Symons through for a free shot from 20 yards which he scuffed wide of the left post. A minute later, at the other end, Lee flicked on well for Arnold who fired wide with a really poor effort. On 35 minutes, Ahmed made a great turn in the box and curled a shot straight at the keeper. Three minutes later, Arnold volleyed an ambitious effort wide of the right post.
There was another scare for Gamble 3 minutes before the break as he came out of his area and lost the ball but luckily O’Hare was on hand to clear it. Gamble partially redeemed himself 2 minutes before the break when Fowler shot through a crowd of players and the Stags keeper saved with his shins.
Half time 1-0.
The Stags had not played too badly in the first half but Forest Green had looked at a low ebb after a terrible run of form and the Stags were not able to take advantage. Arnold had been poor although he did put in one good cross for Lee to head against the post.
Six minutes into the second half, Somner volleyed well wide for Mansfield. Moments later, Forest Green put together a good move and Fowler shot just wide of Gamble’s post. Then more good play by Forest Green as Low set up Symons who again shot just wide. Straight to the other end and good play this time by Mansfield as Ahmed played in Silk on the right wing but his cross was dreadful and went behind for a goal kick.
More good play by Ahmed as he fed Sinclair in the box. Just as the pacey striker was about to shoot, he was brought down for a clear penalty. No sending off this time and Ahmed stepped up confidently but his well struck penalty was brilliantly saved on to the cross bar and, just for good measure, the ball dropped back down into goalkeeper Burton’s arms. It was a huge disappointment for the Stags and the 215 faithful fans at the far end of the ground.
Shortly afterwards, O’Connor and Stallard replaced Lee and Somner. On 71 minutes, Stallard shot straight at the keeper, after good play by D’Laryea and 2 minutes later, O’Hare headed an Arnold corner over the bar.
On 79 minutes came the moment when you knew it wasn’t going to be our day. Arnold did well on the left to get a low cross into the box to find Stallard who had lost his marker. Stallard’s close range shot was low and hard and was destined for the back of the net but keeper Burton somehow kept it out with an incredible save.
On 83 minutes, in a now rare Forest Green break, Clist shot just wide. Right on 90 minutes, Sinclair showed a good turn of pace in a run down the left but his cross-come-shot was just in front of the advancing O’Connor and just past the right post. It was the last chance of the game which ended with Stags players crestfallen, as home fans in the main stand and the players too celebrated like an FA Cup final win.
In truth this was not a bad performance from Mansfield and without three incredible saves from the home keeper, the Stags could easily have run out deserved 3-1 winners. But credit to the home side who defended determinedly, occasionally broke well, scored one screaming goal and, in the goalkeeper, had the true match winner. The win moves Forest Green Rovers, who are in the final relegation spot, to within a point of the Stags. Worrying times at Field Mill. However if the Stags continue to perform like this, they will soon move up to a mid table position.
Being one of the few Asian players to have made it professionally should not be such a big issue, but unfortunately it is. I feel privileged to be in the position I’m in, but it would be nice to be looked at as a footballer only.
I got into the game by just doing kick ups for hours on end each day and by playing with my brother Riz and my mates on the streets of Birmingham. Everywhere was a football pitch! I grew up a stone’s throw from Villa Park and St Andrews but Aston Villa were always my team! I played for a local Sunday league team called Kinghurst before moving to London.
When I was in London I managed to get scouted by Fulham when I was 12 and playing for my local district side Sutton in a cup final. I scored the winning penalty - back in those days I was a striker! From then I worked through the schoolboy, youth and reserve teams and eventually into the first team at Fulham via a brief loan spell at Brighton.
What contributes to the lack of Asian players in the game? I think the fact that there are very few role models out there and the stereotypes that are made, like the players being physically weak, having the wrong diet and being scared of the weather are two of the reasons.
To see more numbers, the generalisations and stereotyping needs to stop and the kids need to be judged on an even playing field.
I think the culture factor has been made an issue by others. The reason my experience was different was because I managed to find a balance that allowed me to be dedicated to my football without neglecting religion.
I also had to make a lot of sacrifices like seeing my mates and going on nights out etc. At the same time, I had the full support of my parents and family.
There is lots of good work being done by various campaigns such as The Asian Football Network, The PFA, Show Racism The Red Card and Kick It Out to name but a few. They are rasing the awareness of the whole issue of why there are only four players of Asian origin at the 92 league clubs.
I think with their continued support the numbers will gradually increase. Encouraging kids to take part in sport clubs might help too as would going into the community and giving away free tickets. After-school clubs should be set up too for them to practice their skills.
Zesh Rehman again moved clubs as he was loaned out to League Two play-off contenders Bradford City AFC for rest of the season. This new loan comes barely a month after returning to parent team Queens Park Rangers FC from a frustrating loan spell at Blackpool FC where Zesh managed just 4 caps in as many months. Zesh made his debut playing as left-back for the Bantams in a 1-0 loss to Bury FC last night on 27 Jan 2009.
Meanwhile, fellow international Adnan Ahmed returned to League One side Tranmere Rovers last month after finishing an impressive loan term at Blue Square Premier side Mansfield Town FC.
Chelsea striker Nicolas Anelka and British boxer Amir Khan, among other stars, have backed Chelsea's 'Search for an Asian Star' campaign.
Launched last month, the project aims to indentify young talented players from the Asian community. Chelsea will be holding open trials for youngsters from Asian backgrounds during the May Bank Holiday with the most gifted players being offered a three-day residential trial at the club’s world class academy.
Anelka, the club’s anti-discrimination ambassador, hopes that it is the first step in attracting more British Asian youngsters to the game.
‘I think it’s important because on the pitch you should see all the countries and colours of the world, it is important to show this and very important to do it,’ he said.
Anelka, a French Muslim, also believes that race or religion should be no barrier to participation in football.
‘Religion is outside of football, you do what you want to do outside the pitch but on the pitch everybody is the same, and we all have the same desire to play football and enjoy the game, so this is the way we have to think because football is a fantastic game,’ he added.
This is the first time a professional club has attempted to address the under representation of Asian players within the game in this way, and Anelka hopes to see an increase in participation at all levels of the game as a result. He struggles to explain why football has been missing out on such a large demographic.
‘Football is famous in Asia and all over the world so I can’t tell why these youngsters are not involved. They try to be involved, and this is the best way to make things happen,’ said the 30-year-old.
British boxer Amir Khan is also the latest sportsperson to give his backing to Chelsea's Search for an Asian Soccer Star initiative. The 22-year-old Bolton Wanderers fan, who will fight for the world light-welterweight title this June, has given his support to the project which is designed to tackle under-representation of Asian footballers throughout the game.
"Sport can have a huge positive effect on young people and that is why I am supporting Search for an Asian Soccer Star. We need to get more Asian kids into all sports and end the negative stereotyping of the Asian community," said Khan.
"The opportunities that the programme offers can be of huge benefit to the young people involved and even though I am a Bolton supporter I am fully behind Chelsea's scheme."
The Search for an Asian Star event will take place on the 2, 3 and 4 May at our Cobham training ground for players in the under 12,13 and 14 age groups and will be open to London and south-east based players from Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan and Bangladeshi backgrounds.
Participants will be judged on a series of matches and tests specifically designed and used by the Chelsea Academy to demonstrate their speed, skills and ability.
The winners from each age group will be offered an initial three-day trial at our academy and any player meeting the required standards will be offered the chance to join some of the country’s most talented youngsters in the Chelsea youth system.
With hundreds of kids already signed up applications for the Search for an Asian Star are due to close shortly. To apply for the event please visit www.chelseafc.com/asiansoccerstar
Another tense Asian Community Cup Final unfolded into a seven-goal thriller at our west London home yesterday afternoon.
The match pitted Preston's Canaries against Punjabi United from Wolverhampton, a side who recently brought several players to Chelsea's Asian Soccer Star, with the Canaries sealing a 4-3 win with only minutes left to play.
The match took place at Stamford Bridge under the watchful eyes of Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe, who saw the canaries captained by Adam Karim build a 3-1 lead at half time.
Punjabi United pulled back the two-goal deficit in the second half with some impressive football rallying the side, but the Canaries managed to secure the win with a header in the dying minutes.
'It was good quality football and very emotional, everybody was up for the fantastic event,' said Sutcliffe.
'There was a lot of effort from people behind the scenes as well, we're delighted Chelsea gave the Asian community the opportunity to play here again and it continues the good community work Chelsea have been doing for a long time.'
This was the sixth successive year Stamford Bridge has hosted the Asian Community Cup, which helps motivate clubs with the promise of a final inside our west London home.
Mesba Ahmed from the London Tigers, who organised the event, knows better than anyone the influence Chelsea's inclusion brings: 'The standard of clubs have gone up over recent years, more discipline has come in and you have teams who are preparing a lot earlier for the tournament, everyone is taking it seriously.
'The Asian Community Cup gives a lot of motivation and we don't allow teams to enter unless they have a youth structure, so the system is in place and the whole idea is to strengthen clubs.'
Chief executive officer of the Premier League, Richard Scudamore, was also in attendance at the game: 'It was an excellent game, very competitive and a really decent standard of football.
'All these things are good, but in terms of Chelsea and what they have done for the Asian Community over recent years is fantastic.
'In allowing such finals as this to be held at Stamford Bridge just shows the dedication Chelsea have to the community, it all results in games like this, which was great to watch.'
Zesh Rehman signed a two-year deal with City on Thursday after snubbing higher-division interest.
Luke O'Brien, Joe Colbeck and Leon Osborne are also putting pen to paper as Stuart McCall's squad continues to take shape.
Talking to the Telegraph & Argus Rehman said: "There were a couple of other clubs from a higher league but this just felt right.
"My gut feeling told me to sign for Bradford and I've absolutely no regrets.From day one, I felt at home here. I'm fortunate enough to have played in all the divisions and I see this as the next step of my journey.
"I'm 25 now and still feel the best years are ahead of me."
McCall revealed that Rehman, like Peter Thorne, has taken a hefty pay cut to commit to the club where he spent the second half of last season on loan.
He said: "We know the differential from what Zesh was getting paid last season and this season is huge. And I know he could have got more money from a club at a higher division.
"When that's the case you're never sure you're going to get the player but Zesh has shown great commitment to us and he is desperate to do well here.
"He's settled into the place and enjoys everything about it. Zesh is certainly not signing for Bradford for money - he wants to be a success here and it will be great to have him on board."
Rehman made 17 appearances last term right across the back four but McCall intends to utilise the Pakistan international in his favoured central-defensive role.
The City boss added: "He is versatile and played full back and centre back last season. I thought Zesh was outstanding at left back against Gillingham and had some good games on the right but we're looking at him to be a centre half.
"Simon Ramsden is adept at playing right back and centre back but we definitely see Zesh playing in the middle."
Pakistani international midfielder Adnan Ahmed agreed a two year deal with Hungarian National Championship I (NB I) side Ferencvárosi TC as a free agent after being released from his previous team Tranmere Rovers FC from The Football League One.
After impressing Ferencvárosi's English coaches during trial matches held against various European teams in July 2009, Adnan was signed up as the team nicnamed Fradi by its fans reinforced their squad to launch an assault on the NB I title after a 3 year absence from the top division due to financial troubles causing relegation to the record title holders of Hungary (28 league titles and 20 national cup wins).
FTC was bought by the owner of England's Sheffied United FC, Kevin McCabe in 2008, who invested in the team and allowed FTC to win the NB II Eastern Group and be promoted back into the top division of Hungarian football. Because of McCabe, FTC now has established links with many clubs around the world, including China's Chengdu Blades FC, Australia's Central Coast Mariners FC, and Brazil's famed São Paulo FC.
We at FPDC wish Adnan Ahmed all the best, and hope he gets some good first team action and does his bit in helping The Fradi win back the Hungarian title
Lahore, 15 August : Worchester City FC’s defender Shabir Khan is under watchful eyes ofPakistan football team coach George Kottan during Euro Tour arranged by Operation Wing of Pakistan Football Federation on the directives of PFF’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat.
Kottan is in Europe to nurture new talent from Euro Leagues and give muscle to the National and National U23 team for coming assignments in international arena. He is looking for three overseas players to become part of Pakistani teams in future.
“Since joining Pakistan last February, I am searching for a exploitable left full back because this spot is a feeble point in the National Team. I have tried WAPDA’s Naveed Akram, NBP’s Yasir Sabir, Mehmood Khan and Orangzeb (KESC) with several drills but none of them impressed me. I observed Shabir Khan’s style was better then home-based players when he represented Worcester City FC against St. Albans City FC at Clarence Parkand Woking FC at Kingfield FC in Conference South Leaguer, one of the second divisions of the Football Conference in England, having 22 teams.”
said Kottan, one of the seven gold medalist coaches in the history of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship.
Lanky, twenty four -year-old Shabir is left leg player who have a good structure to suit defender. “I need a left full back who can switch from defense to offence very quickly, and be able to go ahead to support the front-runners. Two games are not enough. I need to watch him (Shabir) for more games and during Training session too.”
I will analyze all the players of Euro Leagues from different angles as my goal is to build up a formidable teams for the SAFF Championship (December 2009) and 11th South Asian Federation Games (Jan-Feb 2010).
Kottan will continue his search for more overseas footballers of Pakistani origin who are showing willingness to wear color of Pakistan football.
Amjad Iqbal (17 August - Bradford Park Avenue v FC United, Manchester)
Shabir Khan/Adam Karim (17 August - Worcester City v Basingstoke Town)
Reis Ashraf (18 August - Leamington v Evesham United)
Amjad Iqbal (22 August - Bradford Park Avenue v Hucknall Town)
Lahore, 9 September : ‘I have checked three U20 players Harun Bhatti, Yousuf Butt and Bilal Butt keenly and am confident that these youngsters would implant a new life into the Pakistan team in forthcoming days. My European trip was successful as myself hunted out some new, young faces who are ready to offer services to Pakistan in the near future,” this is stated by Vienna-born Pakistan football team coach George Kottan.
Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat had asked Kottan to nurture new talent from Euro Leagues during August in order to provide muscles to the National and National U23 team for coming assignments in international arena. “there may be some good players of Pakistani origin in Europe and they could eventually prove to be very helpful for the team," he said. Former Bolton Wanderers FC Academy, Harun Bhatti, is now right full back of Accrington Stanley FC, club from Accrington in Lancashire, in the north-west of England. Harun, who will celebrate his 18th birth day on 31 December 2009, is a first year apprentice professional and was successful in the Clubs pre-season trials. The club’s boss John Coleman says about Harun,’A tall athletic player who plays at fullback but made his debut in the midfield which immediately demonstrated his versatility. He has a good first touch and eye for the telling pass either to feet or space and will prove to be a good acquisition to the squad.’ He used to appear in The Football League Youth Alliance , a second tier of youth football competition in England, beneath the FA Premier Academy League. The competition is currently contested by 58 clubs, split into four regional conferences, with Accrington in 18-team North-West. Bilal Butt, also born in 1991 like Harun, is centre-back of Brentford FC, a professional English football club based in Brentford in the London Borough of Hounslow. They are currently playing in Football League One. With the excellent training he will be given at Brentford, he will have the opportunity to maximize his potential and become one of the strong footballers, said Youth Team Manager Darren Sarll about Bilal. Yousuf Butt used to play as goal keeper in Danish 1st Division for Hellerup Idræts Klub (HIK), a Danish sport club from Hellerup, Copenhagen. Having born on 18 October 1989.Yousuf is still under 20 and impressed Manager Hasse Kuhn who called him “future star’.
ahore, 5 November : “I am sure that that Zeshan Rehman (Bradford City) and Atif Bashir (Bridgend Town FC) together are the best central defenders in South Asia. Atif was outstanding for me during Colombo’s AFC Challenge Cup this year while I am really impressed with the potential of Zeeshan during Talent-search Euro Tour 2009. Zesh had never represented Pakistan under me but I have records that he played SAFF Championship brilliantly at Karachi four years ago under Bahraini coach Salman Shareeda and missed the next at Maldives last year due to food poising. This defender, favorites to join me for coming SAFF Championship mission alongwith Atif, has enormous talent and enough capability to re-join Pakistan after playing his last international for Pakistan at Syria two years ago, blocking all Iraqis attacks in World Cup Qualifier 0-0 draw” this is stated by Pakistan National team coach George Kottan who was on European Tour recently in a mission to form firm-footed Pakistani teams for the 8th SAFF Championship (December 2009) and 11th South Asian Federation Games (Jan-Feb 2010).
Nicknames Zesh, he is an English Pakistani football defender who was the first British Asian to start a Barclays Premier Leaguematch and is the first to have played in all four divisions of professional football in England. He was the first Pakistani international footballer to play professional football in England.
“I watched him play for Bardford in Coca Cola League Two game against Notts County at Meadow Lane on 8 August and Carling League Cup tie against Nottingham Forest at City Ground on 12 August.But I have to take more time to see Birmingham-born defender in more actions so that his actual competency could be known as far as representation of national team is concerned.” added Kottan who visited Pakistan in 2003 as Bangladeshi coach when Pakistan hosted Asian U20 Asian Championship at People’s Sports Complex. He also coached Goan outfit Churchill Brothers in India 2006. Vienna-born Kottan is one of the seven gold medalist coaches in the history of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship. He was very impressive during event six years ago as under his supervision Bangladesh were crowned champions at their own backyard at Bangabandhu National Stadium at Dhaka.
Meanwhile, Zesh, now 25, praised Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat’s directives to ask Kottan monitor the European-based footballers of Pakistani origin who are interested in playing for Pakistan and also those who have already played for Pakistan but are still unknown to Kottan.
“I will never forget 7 December 2005 when I made international debut for Pakistan against Lankans at Karachi’s Peoples Sports Complex during 6th SAFF championship. You have to dream big and remember anything is possible with hard work, faith and belief. Pakistan conceded only one goal during four games of the event and that too from penalty-mark. I also want to see the whole infrastructure of Pakistani football improve and see more players from other countries decide to represent Pakistan. My ambitions for Pakistan are to reach last 32 of World Cup one day Insha Allah. Hopefully, we can achieve this while I am still a player, if not then I would love to be the manager that does it.
“Football on British soil is going fine, I am gaining more experience all the time and have now worked under nine managers and played for six clubs Fulham, Brighton & Hove Albion, Norwich City, Queens Park Rangers, Blackpool and Bradford city during last six years. In terms of gaining more experience it was exactly what I needed and one of the reasons I moved around England.”
Former Manchester United, Huddersfield Town, Tranmere and current Ferencvaros midfielder, Adnan Ahmed has his own weekly column on the trials and tribulations of being an English-born footballer, who represents Pakistan at international level whilst plying his trade in yet another foreign country – exclusive to Goal.com UK.
KARACHI, Nov 22: District South ‘A’ won the final of the KESC Under-16 Youth Football League by beating District West ‘A’ 1-0 at the Peoples Sports Complex here on Sunday.
The scoreline of the one-hour duration match remained 0-0 until half time.
The decider was scored by South’s frontrunner Mohammad Umair in the 62nd minute.
The winning team was awarded a cash prize of Rs25,000 along with the winner’s trophy while the runners-up received Rs15,000.
Individual prizes of Rs5,000 each were also presented to Sameer Hayat of District South (best player of the tournament) and Mohammad Arsalan of District Central (best goalkeeper).
The prizes were distributed by squash legend Jahangir Khan, the chief guest on the occasion. Also present was KESC’s Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Owais Ghani.
Karachi, 1 December: Public Civilisation School has announced draws for Civilisation Football League 2009. According to event organizer, Pakistan’s popular Federal B Area’s Shadaab Stadium, one of venues of PFF’s precious Pakistan Premier League, has been picked for the five-school show. The football teams of school taking part in the glittering event are host Public Civilizations, Beaconhouse, Generations, HPS and City School. All matches will be played on league basis and the two top teams will play the final.
Draws: 5 Dec : Civilizations vs Beaconhouse (9 AM), Generations vs HPS (10.30 AM) 6 Dec: City School vs Generations (9 AM), HPS vs Beacon hours (10.30 AM) 7 Dec: Civilizations vs Generations (3 PM) 8 Dec: Civilizations vs HPS(3 PM) 9 Dec: Generations vs Beacon hours(3 PM) 13 Dec: Final (10.30 AM) A.R.Khan 0321-2562974
Lahore, 11 December : National Champions Pakistan WAPDA lost the chance of getting leadership when they were held to 1-1 draw by Habib Bank Limited in the 179th match of Pakistan Premier Football League at Peoples Sports Complex, Mauripur Road, Lyari Town today. It was clash between two teams who were in top two of Pakistan in 1983 and 1991. It was 26th and final match for HBL who collected 30 points while WAPDA recorded 56 points from 25 matches.
HBL took the lead in the 15th minute when full back Amjad Yousof's header proved too tricky for keeper Abdul Aziz. But winger Qamar Zaman, also with header off Zulfiqar Shah's cross, neutralized the lead seven minutes later. It was 1-1 at interval a while second session produced no goal.
Saturday Fixture Pakistan Premier League KPT v Army (Peoples Sports Complex, Mauripur Road, Lyari Town, 2 PM), PIA v KRL (Korangi Baloch Stadium, Sharafi, Karachi 2 PM) Pakistan Football Federation League (Group-B) Wohaib FC v Baloch FC (Punjab University, Lahore, 2 PM)
Lahore, 12 December : Rawalpindi-based Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) became new football Champion of Pakistan when they registered solitary goal win over Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in Pakistan Premier Football League today at Korangi Baloch Stadium, Sharafi, Karachi. They outpaced Pakistan Army on goal counts. Pakistan Army also snatched 2-1 win over Karachi Port Trust (KPT) at Peoples Sports Complex, Karachi. Both the teams managed 60 points from their quota of 26 matches but KRL overwhelmed Army on goal-count as their goals of 40-8 is ten goals better than Army’s 36-14. Despite having a match in hand, holders Pakistan WAPDA have no chance to catch top two as they managed 56 points from 25 matches. Their only interest to beat or draw KESC on Sunday, 13 December in the 182nd and final match of the League to topple Pakistan Navy (57 points) and secured third spot.
Samar Ishaq-led KRL became 18th National soccer Champion of Pakistan. It is their maiden title since making debut in 1995 as they missed the bus in 48th National Championship at Quetta 2001, losing to WAPDA in the final at Mali Bagh. KRL also completed double as they won winning trophy of 19th National Football Challenge Cup (NFCC) at HESCO-controlled Shaheed Umaid Ali Kaimkhani Stadium, Hyderabad on 28 April 2009. They also returned to AFC Football club competition after 2000, and will represent Pakistan in 6th AFC President’s Cup 2010. Pakistan International Airlines with 9 titles is still most successful team of Pakistan, followed by Punjab (8 titles) and Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) seven titles. Six-times winner Karachi is in fourth place. Pakistan Army collected the title four times, ABL and Balochistan won the top berth thrice, followed by two-times champion Dhaka, Sindh, Pakistan Railways, Faisalabad's Crescent Textile Mills. Peshawar, East Pakistan, Chittagong, Habib Bank Limited, Quetta and Pakistan Air Force managed to win the national event once like KRL. The all-important goal during KRL-PIA clash was scored by Chaman-born Kalim Ullah in the 42nd minute. Meanwhile, Muhammad Imran fired the winner in the Army’s 2-1 win. Right full Muhammad Khabab landed opener in the 22nd minute to give soldiers much needed goal. Army kept it intact till interval but Muhammad bin Younus restored parity in the 62nd minute. However, five minutes later Imran gave stunning blow to Portmen with decisive strike. The KRL team for the competition was comprised of Goal keepers: Ghulam Nabi, Asim Khurshid Defenders: Muhammad Ahmed, Muhammad Luqman Amir, Rana Fakhar Hayat, Arif Masih, Kamran Ahmed, Samar Ishaq, Muhammad Zeshan , Muhammad Shahid Midfielders: Syed Ghazi Khan, Tariq Aziz, Sajjad Hussain, Yasir Afridi, Shahid Ahmed, Kaleem Ullah, Abdul Jabbar, Zubair Ahmed, Attiq Ur Rehman, Zia-Us-Salam, Adeel Ahmed, Mudassar Saeed Strikers: Mehmood Khan, Muhammad Abid Khan, Muhammad Rizwan Asif, Muhammad Qasim Officials : Muhammad Ayaz Butt (Manager), Sajjad Mahmood (Coach), Aseed Saeed ( Assistant Coach), Muhammad Rashid Iqbal (Asst Manager) Sunday Fixture Pakistan Premier League KESC v WAPDA (Peoples Sports Complex, Mauripur Road, Lyari Town, 2 PM)
Lahore, 13 December : Multan-born international striker Arif Mehmood, only Pakistani to score hat-trick in history of SAFF Championship (three against Bhutan on Tuesday) clinched Leading Scorer award in Pakistan Premier Football League. WAPDA’s popular spearhead struck twenty goals in PPFL that saw 454 goals after completion of all 182 matches of event. Arif, who missed several key matches of WAPDA due to camp and event of SAFF Championship 2009, took Rs.50,000 on Sunday for winning top scorer award for the fourth time in last six editions. Arif, also skipper of WAPDA, being only player to reach twenties. His goals were too much for other rivals as second placed Asmat Ullah (PEL) and Muhammad Ishtiaq (HBL) were far behind with eleven goals.
Making international debut during Test Series in Sri Lanka 2002, he appeared in U17 Asian Championship 2002, U20 Asian Championship 2002, 14th Asian Games 2002, World Cup QR 2003. He pocketed gold in 9th SAF Games 2004 and later on represented Pakistan in Taif's Islamic Games, Indo Pak Series and SAFF Championship in 2005 and 14th Asian Cup Qualifiers in 2006, Arif was also leading marksman in PPFL 2004, 2006 and 2007 while Imran Hussain (Army) and Muhammad Rasool (KRL) grabbed top scorer award in 2005 and 2008 respectively. Arif returned to international soccer after two years gap in 2008 and played in SAFF Championship and Malaysia friendly on 10 October 2008. Georg Kottan also picked him for Thailand Tour and SAFF Championship 2009. Twenty-six years old sharp-shooter is also the only player of PPFL to register four hat-tricks in ongoing show : All the Scorers: 20 : Arif Mehmood (WAPDA) 11 : Asmat Ullah (PEL), Muhammad Ishtiaq (HBL) 10 : Nomi Martin Gill (Navy), Bilal Ahmed (HBL), Abdul Rehman (KESC), Zahid Ahmed (KPT) 9 : Shakir Lashari (PIA), Imran Niazi (WAPDA) 8 : Zeeshan Ali (PIA), Qamar Zaman (WAPDA) 7 : Sharjeel Vicky (Army), Ismail Baba (KPT), Sajjad Ahmed (Navy) Muhammad Qasim (KRL) 6 : Zeeshan Javed (WAPDA), Nasr Ullah Khan (PIA), Abdul Hadi (Afghan), Mehmood Khan (KRL), Muhammad Asif (NBP) 5 : Abid Ghafoor (PEL), Muhammad bin Younus (KPT), Muhammad Rasool, Aurangzeb (KESC), Fariooq Shah (NBP), Aman Ullah (Afghan), Asif Mehmood (Navy) 4 : Muhammad Wasim (KPT), Yasir Sabir (NBP), Muneer Ahmed (PMC), Ansar Abbas (Army), Muhammad Essa (KESC), Farhan Qadir, Asif Bakhsh (Navy), Muhammad Adil, Kamran Ishaq (PEL), Muhammad Iqbal (PAF), Amjad Yousof (HBL, Kalim Ullah (KRL) 3 : Mudassar Saeed, Rizwan Asif (KRL), Shahid Saleem (KPT), Adeem Shahzad, Imran Abdullah, Imran Hashmi, Wasim Ullah (PIA), Abdul Nasir (Afghan), Muhammad Shair (PEL), Muhammad Shahid, Zulfiqar Ali Shah (WAPDA), Muhammad Zeeshan (PAF), Usman Manzoor, Muhammad Asif (PMC), Jaffar Ali, Imran Hussain, Muhammad Imran (Army), Khayal Muhammad (HBL), Own goals 2 : Sagheer Ahmed, Shahid Ali (PEL), Afzal Ur Rehman, Saleh Khan, Muhammad Ehsan, Irfan Ali (PAF), Haroon Yousof, Bashir Ahmed (PMC), Hanif Majeed, Abdul Ghaffar (PIA), Abid Ali, Jaffar Khan, Muhammad Khabab (Army), Javed Hamza (KESC), Muhammad Jamil, Muhammad Habib, Saif Ullah, Sana Ullah (Baloch FC), Abid Khan, Fakhar Hayat ,Samar Ishaq, Shahid Ahmed (KRL), Akhtar Mamil (KPT), Muhammad Imran (NBP), Bilal (Navy), 1 : Muhammad Bilal, Muhammad Rashid, Waheed Hameed, Safi Ullah, Ejaz Sarfraz (PEL), Khuda Bahsh, Yasir Iqbal (WAPDA), Muhammad Jamil, Amir Khan, Faheem Afzal, Muhammad Asif, Muhammad Farooq, Arif Nawaz (PAF), Naeem Ullah, Rehan Aslam, Muhammad Rehman, Muzammil Hussain, Muhammad Qais (PMC), Muhammad Haji, Zubair Moazzam, Abdul Jabbar, Nazeer Ahmed, Ehsan Ali, Nadeem Tariq (PIA), Muhammad Shabbir, Muhammad Sharif, Ijaz Ahmed, Tanveer Shahid (Army), Muhammad Ali, Haji Ahmed Shah, Jadeed Khan Pathan, Abdullah, Fazal Rehman, Himmat Khan (Afghan), Qadeer Khan, Muhammad Ibrahim, Aurangzeb, Abdullah, Zakir Lashari, Muhammad Habib (HBL), Ahmed, Abdul Ghafoor (KESC), Muhammad Ahmed, Zia Us Salam (KRL), Faraz Anwar, Naveed Ahmed, Shakir Taj (KPT), Muhammad Iddriss, Najeeb Ullah (Baloch FC), Muhammad Ashraf, Atiq Ullah, Abbas Ali (NBP), Nasir Hussain, Rizwan, Jabbar Hussain, Abdul Haq, Muhammad Basharat (Navy)
ahore, 13 Dec : Pakistan Water & Power Development Authority (WAPDA) topple Pakistan Navy and collected third-place berth when they drew KESC 0-0 in the 182nd and final match as marathon Pakistan Premier Football League concluded at Peoples Sports Complex, Mauripur Road, Lyari Town today. The electricitymen who lifted the title in 1983, 1991, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007 and 2008, failed to earn their eighth title as they finished three points behind Champion KRL (60 pts) and second placed Army (60 pts).
Kahura-based KRL, launched by famous scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan in 1995, will represent Pakistan in 6th AFC President’s Cup next year as they recorded their first national football title on Saturday. It will be return of KRL, who earned Rs. 4,13,000 as Match Bonus, in AFC club competitions after nine years. The researchers appeared in 11th Asian Cup Winners Cup 2000.
Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jilani, Federal Minister for Sportswas chief guest of the match and on Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)'s President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat’s direction revised cash money presented to teams and players. KRL grabbed the winning trophy and gold medals from chief guest in addition to Rs. 6 lac while their former player Sajjad Mehmood became Coach of the event. Four-times National Champions Army had to content with silver medals and Rs.4 lacs. WAPDA had grabbed bronze medals and Rs.3 lacs.
PIA’s playmaker Nasr Ullah Khan was adjudged Most Valuable Player (MVP) and he pocketted Rs. 1,00,000 while leading marksman Arif Merhmood (WAPDA, 20 goals) and best goal-keeper Ghulam Nabi (KRL) took Rs. 50,000 each. In order to promote Sportsmanship, PFF Chief had also decided to hand over Rs.1,00,000 to winner of Fair Play trophy and Lahore’s PEL deserved the award with sportsmanship throughout 142-day show. PEL had more happiness when their keeper Saqib Hanif was declared Best Emerging Player of the show. The awards of Best Match Commissioner and Best Referee went into pockets of Qamar Yar Khan and Sattar Badini respectively. Both received Rs. 50,000 each. Okara’s Shahid Hussain received Best Assistant Referee Award of Rs.25,000 introduced for the first time. The final league match was supervised by Shafaat Habib (Army), supported on the line by Sattar Badini (Kharan), Abdul Aziz (Karachi) and 4th Official Fareed Ahmed (KPT).
Lahore, 14 December : Winger Sabir Khan’s lone strike was carried until the final whistle by Sui Southern Gas Company Limited (SSGC) as they overwhelmed Pakistan Telkevision (PTV) by narrow 1-0 scoreline in the final of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) League – Departmental Phase at soccer arena of Quaid-Azam Sports Complex, Pak Steel Township. The win allowed Shahnawaz-led team A-Division status and they will appear in next year’s Pakistan Premier League. SSGC returned to Tier-I competition after seven years, their last A-Division campaign was 49th National Championship at Bannu 2003.
PTV, who played A-Division football last year and relegated on first attempt, failed to return to top flight soccer and as they floored three real chances in the 7th, 37th and 69th minute through Muhammad Allah, Ali Sher and sub Nadir Khan respectively while Gas’s keeper Zaman Ghani was also in sound form. SSGC had also fumbled four sitters. Three of them by star international striker Asim Faiz in the 64th, 73rd and 82nd minute. Imran also came close but his finishing in the 16th minute was below standard. The lone goal of the match appeared in the 8th minute when Rustam Khan created the path for Sabir to go through and steered the ball past PTV’s keeper Ahmed Shahzad. Earlier in semi-finals, PTV had earned 2-0 win over Sindh Government Press (SGP) at Rawalpindi’s Municipal Stadium Syed Pur Road, Satellite Town (Block B) while SSGC thrashed Higher Education Commission (HEC) 4-0 at Pak Steel Township. Thus SSGC joined National Champion Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Pakistan Army, Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA), Pakistan Navy, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), Lahore's Pak Elektron Limited (PEL), Karachi Electric Supply Corporation (KESC), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) , Pakistan Air Force (PAF) , Chaman's Afghan Club and Champion of PFF League ( Club Phase) - whose final will be played on 17 December 2009 – in PPFL 2010. PMC Athletico Club Faisalabad and Nushki’s Baloch FC, who finished 13th and 14th respectively in recently-concluded PPFL, opened the space for SSGC and PFF League Club Champion to grip PFF’s main show next year. The Departmental leg was comprised of seven teams with SSGC and PTV entering the final, while PPWD, Police, SGP , HEC, Pakistan Steel eliminated. The Champion of departmental leg SSGC will now face Champions of Club in Grand final on 31 December 2009. The final was supervised by Sattar Badini, supported on line by Iqrar Hussain, Ibrar Hussain and 4th Official Mumtaz Hussain. Tuesday Fixture: PFF League - Club Leg (semi-final): Sahiwal’s Young Blood v Lahore’s Wohaib FC (Punjab University, Lahore, 2 PM)
