Youngsters still waiting for promised rewards: PFF chief lauds Pak team performance in Street Children WC

LAHORE: President PFF Faisal Saleh Hayat has lauded Pakistan team performance in Street Child World Cup.

In a message, he said players gave remarkable performance in the final against Uzbekistan. Despite suffering defeat on penalty shootouts, young footballers won the silver medal and also the hearts of the nation. The President PFF said that the team formed and cared by Muslim Hands organisation and coach Abdul Rashid, remained unbeaten in the entire event, fought hard in the final.

The youngsters and their coaching staff’s hard work, skills and courage has been proven. The team’s performance in Moscow is a good sign for the future of Pakistan football. The players proved that despite the lack of resources, there is no lack of talent in the country.

Pakistan can make a statement in the world if opportunities are provided to the players. Faisal further said that after the restoration of Pakistan’s FIFA membership, a lot of immediate measures to increase the activities of football in Pakistan have been taken.

“The immediate retaliation of the loss, during suspension, is not possible but from the grass root to upper level all efforts are being made. We are trying to upgrade the entire system. PFF is putting serious efforts to explore the new talent from roads, streets and remote areas. We will provide the grounds and facilities to polish this talent Including Muslim Hands. Our doors are open to every organisation which is working for promotion of football. We will openly accept the suggestions and cooperate with them. Private sector should join hands with PFF for the bright future of football in Pakistan,” Faisal concluded

An earlier report said: Pakistan Street Child football team once again made the nation proud by beating some of the toughest teams in the Street Child Football World Cup 2018 on their way to the final, where they were defeated by Uzbekistan on penalties kicks after a very close contest.

However, despite their consistently good performances the talented young team has received nothing but empty promises from the higher-ups in the government, which has left it disheartened and disillusioned.

A Twitter page dedicated to Pakistan football, FootballPakistan.com, has drawn attention to the Sindh government’s promises made to the national Street Child football team years ago, which, to this day, remain undelivered. Head coach of the Street Child team, Abdul Rasheed, told Geo News that the Sindh Assembly had promised Rs0.2 million to each player as well as jobs, but nothing has yet been done.

“Rubina Qaimkhani, the provincial minister at that time, had promised jobs whereas Bilawal had assured to invite Argentine legend Maradona to Pakistan,” Rasheed said.