Lahore, 10 September : ” from strikers to goalkeeper, wingers to fullbacks, the coaching methodology has been continually updated with the latest ideas and a variety of interesting twists to the very old standards methods of playing and training. PFF Chief pledged to continue his drive towards modern football with emphasis on youth development, women soccer and to professionalize the game in Pakistan. PFF’s Joint Venture with Jeddah-based International Professional Link Group (IPLG) is another gigantic step for betterment of football in Pakistan. The PFF-IPLG Joint Venture propelled PFF to apply new ideas, which would contribute in developing the standard of the game in the country,”
This is stated by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF)’s Secretary General Lt. Col (R) Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi during Press Conference at FIFA Football House, Lahore today afternoon. Also present on this occasion were PFF Director Marketing Sardar Naveed Haider Khan, Nsibaba Eddy Imeh-Ony, Marketing Manager of IPLG which has also joined hands together with Al Nasr Club – the oldest club in the UAE, which was established in 1945.
“I want to see this most popular sport right on top in Pakistan and will do my best to fulfill this dream. I want the soccer activity whole year through Marketing Cell to inspire and motivate people. I hope the atmosphere that I am trying to create, with the help of media, will continue to bear fruit. The PFF-IPLG agreement will certainly turn Pakistan football into new heights.” said Naveed Haider.
Ahmed Lodhi added : “PFF Chief Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat vowed to improve football infrastructure and said we are mobilizing all resources to promote football on new lines in the country by evolving a comprehensive activity plan. Today’s Joint venture will be for the enhancement of country’s football and it is under positive step under Faisal Saleh Hayat who changed the scenario with his dedication and determination as the game is gaining recognition since 2003 due to efforts of the present PFF set-up.”
Nsibaba assured that IPG, Al Nasr Club are ready to help PFF which will promote soccer in Pakistan and pushed PFF into International Media Network and Marketing Area. Exchange of visits of men, women teams besides courses of refereeing, coaches and administrators is indispensable in this issue.”
He convinced the standard of the game in Pakistan has greatly improved in recent years and their age-limit teams did heroics in 2004, 2006 SAF Games. On main level, Pakistan was unfortunate not to capitalize on the chances they received. Pakistani football has much potential : there are some good players and some good teams, however, there is lack of money, and facilities.
“Several Pakistanis have the worth to play pro-soccer abroad and I believe there are still some hurdles that need to be overcome for football to blossom in the Pakistan. What’s lacking is a sense of professionalism, while some obstructions make it difficult for [players from the region] to adapt abroad. The deal will also create chances for Pakistani footballers to sign and show their mettle in foreign leagues,” he told.
Nsibaba added that experience of Al Nasr FC will be beneficial for Pakistan’s football as the ancient club have the honor of winning Etisalat National League -considered to be one of the most exciting in the Asian continent – thrice in 1978, 1979 and 1986.Nicknamed “The blue wave”, Al-Nasr Sports Club is among foremost football teams of UAE and they used to play at Dubai’s Al-Maktoum Stadium. Al Nasr Club which means (Victory) will also be launching their own satellite channel from January 2009, becoming the first UAE club to have their own satellite sports channel.
“Working with PFF is among good choices for achieving our goals in sport, and will assist in enhancing the Pakistani team’s role at national and international levels.” concluded Nsibaba who added that Signing Ceremony will take place after Eidul Fitr infront of Media gathering.