By Shahrukh Sohail, Chief Editor, Islamabad
Pakistan’s star striker Kaleemullah has inked a deal with sports agency Kora Stars, as the Chaman-born star aims to break into Europe.
Kaleem, who is currently playing for Kyrgyzstan champions FC Dordoi Bishkek, has become the first local footballer to sign with a professional football agent, a necessary requirement in advancing one’s career in global football.
The San Francisco-based football management agency had been taking a keen interest in the progress made by the talented forward during his time in the Shoro Top Liga in recent months and has moved swiftly to sign the talented striker as he seeks to take his career to new heights.
The agency, led by CEO and FIFA agent Adel Saad, aims to further branch out and enter potential football markets that have so far not been discovered.
Kaleem represents exactly what the company is seeking and his inclusion has delighted Saad, who claims that the attacker can be a big boost to Pakistani football.
“Football is a world sport and when you have a 22 year old – 2 time golden boot – in the top level of 2 different leagues, that says something. I’m very pleased that Kora Stars Sports Agency has signed with Kaleemullah. I’m confident in his abilities. He’s going to put homegrown Pakistani footballers on the map,” said Saad in a press release.
The agency has already started working on a move for Kaleem and has had offers from Chinese Super League side Chongqing Lifan and Icelandic second-division team Þróttur Reykjavík. According to reports in the media, the Pak Shaheens international will be looking to travel to Iceland for a trial and will sign a short-term contract if he impresses the management.
“I can go to China when the transfer window opens in the summer,” Kaleem told Dawn on Sunday.
“I will go for a trial in Iceland [later this month] after Pakistan’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier [against Yemen]. Þróttur have aspirations of earning promotion to the top division [Úrvalsdeild karla]. I’ll see what facilities they have and what sort of contract they are offering me before deciding on the switch.”
“If it’s better than what I’m getting at Dordoi, I’ll join them,” he added.
With a move seemingly on the horizon, Kaleem heaped praise on his representatives and reiterated they will help him achieve his dream of playing in Europe.
“Signing with KoraStars was a really good decision for me since I am confident that Adel and his team will help me achieve my dream of playing in Europe. Every player needs great counseling and the right opportunities and KoraStars has a great staff that has been really supportive of me. I consider KoraStars as a blessing for me and one for Pakistani football.”