By Shahrukh Sohail
Although the Green Shirts may not be playing any International friendly in September, Football aficionados from Pakistan can look forward to Asian Kings Tournament in Manchester (Etihad Stadium) that starts on the 8th and has a Team FootballPakistan in its midst.
FPDC Founder and International Referee Malik Riaz Hai Naveed will be taking charge of the side and with his experience of managing PMC Club Athletico Faisalabad in the Pakistan Premier League before, fans will be optimistic of the team’s chances.
Former Manchester United Academy starlet Adnan Ahmed has been brought as captain and with his inclusion, the tactician was buzzing with excitement and highlighted that chances like these don’t come that often.
“Pakistan has to rely on foreign players. So it is a good opportunity to get all players together, show the strength and form a Team FootballPakistan.Com. We are proud the first foreign player competing in the Pakistani National team had his arrival sorted by FPDC.”
A number of International players like Atif Bashir, Shahnoor Qayum and Adam Karim are also on the roster and it is expected that the all-Pakistani outfit should pose a decent challenge in the competition. However regardless of the result, supporters can finally see the Green Kickers in action and hope that initiatives like these continue in the future. FootballPakistan is happy, that Forward Sports Boss Shakeel Khawaja is sponsoring the equipment for the team.
Full Squad (dated 29.8.12):
Coach/Manager: Malik Riaz Hai Naveed
- Adnan Ahmed
- Atif Bashir
- Shahnoor Qayum
- Azza Anwar
- Irfan Khan
- Adam Karim
- Kamran Khan
- Ayaz Ud Din
- Fraaz Ahmed
- Bilal Butt