Lahore-Soon after the lifting of FIFA suspensions on Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), the international professional football clubs have started reserving places for young talented Pakistani footballers. Pakistan’s renowned national team goalkeeper Saqib Hanif, hailing from Bannu, KP, has become the first player to be signed by Maldives professional club, MAALHOS FC.
Saqib has been a part of BG Sprots FC, Maldives to play professional league in seasons 2016 and 2017. Speaking on the occasion, Saqib said: “I must say that the opportunities are being created for Pakistani players to play professional football abroad in result of the rigorous efforts made by the PFF and its president, who have been very keen to promote the young football playing talent of Pakistan.”
He said he himself is the product of PFF’s Youth Development Programme launched by PFF president Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat. Saqib was a part of Pakistan football team, which beat India in India in a historical 2-match series in 2014, when India had a much higher FIFA ranking than Pakistan. He also represented Pakistan against Afghanistan in 2015 in Lahore.
Saqib visited PFF Headquarters before leaving to meet the PFF chief, who, while praising Saqib’s significant performance, has congratulated him on signing a lucrative contract with the Maldives club. “We are making best efforts to give a chance to all our young footballers to play professional football outside the country ,” he added.
Saqib Hanif meets PFF president Faisal Saleh Hayat before leaving for Maldives.