PFF media cell adds:
The entire Pakistan football fraternity was today shook by the sad demise of former captain Abdul Ghafoor Manjana. He was also known as Pakistani Pelé, the prodigy of Pakistani football. From officials to fans, from journalists to students, his alma-mater, all are grieved at this devastating news.
According to the press release issued here by Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), President PFF, Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat in his condolence message said that I was deeply saddened by the death of Pakistani Pelé. This must be very difficult for all football lovers and players. He will remain in my thoughts and my prayers. Abdul Ghafoor was such a kind person, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I will remember his contribution for the development of football in Pakistan. The loss to the football is irreparable, and it will be very difficult to fill the vacuum created by the passing away of such a great soccer star of Pakistan at this moment.
Secretary General PFF, Lt. Col. ® Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi TM (I) said “I am shocked to learn of the death of Abdul Ghafoor. He was one of the greatest football player ever produced by Pakistan. I wish to express my deep sorrow, and sincerely sympathize with his family in this bereave moment.”
KARACHI: Former Pakistan football captain Abdul Ghafoor, also known as the Pele of Pakistan, passed away on Friday after a protracted illness.
71-year old Ghafoor suffered a brain hemorrhage four years ago due to which he was paralyzed. He remained the captain of the Pakistan football team for 11 years from 1974 to 1985 and under his leadership Pakistan triumphed over the national teams of Russia, China and the UAE .
“Abdul Ghafoor was such a kind person, who will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” President of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), Faisal Saleh Hayat, said.
He added that Ghafoor’s contribution to football in Pakistan was immense and will always be remembered.
“I will remember his contribution for the development of football in Pakistan. The loss to football is irreparable, and it will be very difficult to fill the vacuum created by the passing away of such a great star of Pakistan.”
For a detailed eulogy of by Riaz Ahmed, visit: