PFF inks agreement with Jeddah's IPLG

LAHORE - The Pakistan Football Federation has entered into a venture with a Jeddah-bashed International Professional Link Group to twist the game from old standards to new heights. There is a belief that from strikers to goalkeeper, wingers to fullbacks, the coaching methodology has been continually updated with the latest ideas and a variety of interesting twists to the very old standards methods of playing and training and the PFF has planned to move into that zone of methodology. Addressing a press conference, PFF secretary general Lt Col (r) Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi reiterated the PFF president's pledge to continue the drive towards modern football with emphasis on youth development, women soccer and professionalism. "PFF's joint venture with IPLG is another gigantic step forward for Pakistan football which would propel the federation apply new ideas, that in turn contribute to raising the standard of the game," said PFF secretary. He was flanked by PFF Director Marketing Sardar Naveed Haider Khan, Nsibaba Eddy Imeh-Ony, Marketing Manager IPLG, which has also joined hands together with Al Nasr Club - the oldest club in the UAE, established in 1945. "I want to see this most popular sport right on top in Pakistan and will do my best to fulfill this dream. I want the soccer activity whole year through Marketing Cell to inspire and motivate people. I hope the atmosphere that I am trying to create, with the help of media, will continue to bear fruit. The PFF-IPLG agreement will certainly turn Pakistan football into new heights," said Naveed Haider. Lodhi added: "The federation is mobilising all its resources to promote football on new lines. Today's Joint venture will be for the enhancement of country's football and it is a positive step." Nsibaba assured that IPG, Al Nasr Club are ready to help the PFF in every aspect of the game and push the PFF into international media network and marketing area. Exchange of visits of men, women teams besides courses of refereeing, coaches and administrators is indispensable in this issue." He was convinced over the standard of the game in Pakistan and its improvement in recent years. "Their age-limit teams did heroics in 2004, 2006 SAF Games. Pakistan was unfortunate not to capitalise on the chances they received. There are some good players and some good teams, however, they lack of money and facilities, he added. "Several Pakistan players can be pros but there are some hurdles that need to be overcome here first. What's lacking is a sense of professionalism, while some obstructions make it difficult for [a players from the region] to adapt abroad. The deal will also create chances for Pakistan footballers to sign and show their mettle in foreign leagues," he added. Nsibaba said that experience of Al Nasr FC will be beneficial for Pakistan football as the ancient club have the honour of winning Etisalat National League -considered to be one of the most exciting in the Asian continent - thrice in 1978, 1979 and 1986. Nicknamed "The blue wave", Al-Nasr Sports Club is among foremost football teams of UAE and they used to play at Dubai's Al-Maktoum Stadium. "Working with PFF is among good choices for achieving our goals in sport, and will assist in enhancing the Pakistani team's role at national and international levels," said Nsibaba.