PFF set to take crucial steps in order to groom the youth

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) is set to take some much needed steps in order to improve the standard of youngsters in the game.

International exposure for the starlets has been much called for and the PFF’s decision to snub Uzbekistan was just another glorious opportunity that went begging.

However a top Federation official has revealed that the U-22 team will travel to Palestine this May, where they will take part in a tournament in order to test their mettle against quality opposition.

“We have been invited by Palestine and plan to field our Under-22 team in the international tournament there which will give ample exposure to our boys ahead of the Asian Cup Qualifiers,” said the source.

Pakistan narrowly missed out on a trip to the Middle East last year, after the Israeli government refused to issue clearance to the players.

Serbian boss Zavisa Milosavljevic has already reiterated that he will need at least five international friendlies in order to prepare a decent team, while it remains uncertain whether the PFF agree to his demands,  the Federation will give the youngsters
game time in the National Challenge Cup as proper U-16 and U-19 teams fielded in the competition.

While the decision has come under scrutiny by some, the PFF remain committed to their idea and are set to field their age limit squad.

“I will lose three Under-19 and around five U16 players following the PFF decision. We don’t give more chance to U16 players at senior level but losing Under-19 payers will harm us a lot during the National Challenge Cup,” said a Departmental coach, who
preferred to remain anonymous.

The U-16 team has been a success story over the past year, with several players such as Sher Ali and Mansoor Khan guiding the side to victory in the 2011 SAFF Cup.

However it remains to be seen whether if the PFF’s efforts bear fruit and earn some much needed silverware for the Green-Shirts in the future.  

Short URL: https://www.newspakistan.pk/?p=12925

Posted by Shahrukh Sohail on Feb 16 2012. Filed under Pakistan, South Asia, Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry