‘Series represents message of peace’

KARACHI: The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) is looking forward to the two-match series in Pakistan, claiming that the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the host country would not be able to affect the series.

The series begins on February 27 with the first match taking place in Lahore. The tourists will play the second and final match in Karachi before Pakistan go on a return-leg in April.

“We are beginning our football calendar with this series, wishing it to be a great start in the new year,” PFA Secretary Abdel Majeed Hijjeh told The Express Tribune. “We are not scared of coming to Pakistan, and as we see the series representing a message of peace. For us the spirit of the game matters, and we know that the people in Pakistan can relate to the Palestinians. We are Muslims and we are going through tough times as well, therefore sport should only bring happiness and harmony along with healthy competition.”

According to Hijjeh, the Palestinian national team is looking forward to beating Pakistan and plans to gear up for the series through a two-week camp in Ramallah before they fly on February 24. Pakistan is ranked 170 in the world while Palestine sit ten places below them. Previously, the countries have played three matches where the Palestine have won twice and drawn once.

Lodhi praises PFA

The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Secretary Ahmed Yar Khan Lodhi said that Palestine’s commitment is extraordinary since international teams have refused to play in Pakistan due to the uncertain security situation.

“We are grateful to the PFA that they are sticking to their commitments despite the recent assassination of the Governor of Punjab,” said Lodhi. “They are willing to come and this is good for our image. Other federations and countries should learn from them. I don’t think that sport events should be determined by the political unrest in a country.”

For Pakistan the series holds importance as it is falls between their two-part ties with Malaysia, and Lodhi feels that the matches with Palestine will provide the necessary confidence and practice.

The management at the People’s Sports Complex in Karachi are also excited to host their first international match since 2006. “We need these matches and people in the city are mad about football so we’re expecting big crowds here,” said Abdul Rashid, manager of the People’s Sports complex.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 11^th, 2011.