Shahid praises Imran, Emaad

KARACHI: Manager and chief coach of PIA Shahid Ali Khan was delighted by the overall performance of his team in three consecutive matches decided in the penalty shootout as they won the national championship on Sunday.
Talking to ‘The News’, he said that the marvelous performances of Imran Butt, declared the best goalkeeper, and center half Emaad Shakeel Butt, best player of the championship, were the key factor in winning the country’s biggest hockey title.
Imran, who is the goalkeeper of national senior team, stopped many strikes in the penalty shootouts under the new format introduced by the FIH.
Shahid, who was one of the best goalkeepers of the hockey world, observed that Imran demonstrated splendid skills, especially in the quarter-final, the semi-final and the final — all three matches decided in penalty shootouts.
Imran controlled his nerves and foiled as many as nine penalty shootout strikes, he added.
Shahid said that Emaad was a promising midfielder and his timely feedings and passing created chances for goal scoring, giving a clear edge to PIA.
The former legend saw a future star in Emaad who scored some beautiful goals during the championship.
Shahid said that PIA’s planning and past experience helped them.
He said that PIA’s penalty corner striker Kashif Ali also played well and scored goals when the team needed most.
Kashif scored ten goals in the championship. Forwards Shafqat Rasool, Zubair, Nohaiz Malik and Azfar Yaqoob played well overall.
Shahid also appreciated the defense line of his team and said that full back Ehsanullah, the captain, proved himself a rock in the defence and brilliantly tackled the attacks of the rivals.
The PIA chief coach said that his team was a good combination of experienced and young players.
He applauded the performance of the runners-up WAPDA and said they played smartly and the final could have gone to either side.