Yousuf joins Youth Football Camp

LAHORE - Denmark-based goalkeeper Yousuf Butt joined three domestic goalkeepers in selection-trial-cum-coaching camp at the famous Model Town Football Academy, located at Model Town C & D Block, Lahore, installed in the build up for the Pakistan Youth team to tour Thailand and appear in the 2012 Olympic Football Asian Qualifying Tournament. Pakistan have been pitted against Malaysia with the first leg to be played in Kuala Lumpur on Feb 23 and the return leg in Pakistan on March 9. The upcoming keeper met the age restriction of the coming show that allowed only players born on or after January 1, 1989. The date of birth of Yousuf, holding dual Canadian/Pakistani nationality, is October 18, 1989. "While they are citizens of various European countries, the players are eligible to wear colour of Pakistan because of their family heritage " said Pakistan PFF President Makhdoom Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat. "The availability of foreign players is broadening our base and opening doors to Pakistanis around the world who want to play football. We also want to boost PPFL, PFF League with foreign players and, above all, improve national squad. We are taking seriously the coming Olympics Qualifiers where our Youth team will go all out. Several talented players of Pakistan origin are living abroad and we are well prepared to utilize their skill for our future challenges. We will continue to dig out football players of Pakistani heritage for the betterment of Pakistani soccer," assured Faisal. Yousuf was eagerly-awaited in the camp as knee injury had already forced out Naiman Khan of Agrupacion Deportiva Pablo Iglesias (ADPI) Rivas, Madrid (Spain) with doctor advising him at least twelve weeks rest. "The inclusion of Yousuf enhanced the GK strength to four with Amir Gul (NBP), second choice keeper after Jaffar Khan in 16th Asian Games last year, Saqib Hanif (PEL) and Muhammad Omer (KESC), said coach Tariq Lutfi.

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