Setback for WAPDA ahead of President’s Cup
Preparations hampered as leading forward quits.
Wapda suffered a blow just five days before opening their campaign against Nepal Police Club in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President’s Cup in Kathmandu as their leading forward Khuda Bukhsh pulled out of the camp.
Wapda are representing Pakistan in the event for the fourth time.
The squad, which will leave for Kathmandu today, will rue the absence of Bukhsh who decided to quit due to personal reasons.
However, Bukhsh has been replaced by Pakistan under-21 captain Jadeed Khan against the wishes of coach Khaild Butt who now sees the team’s chances of winning the competition waning.
“My target was to win but now it seems a little difficult,” Butt told The Express Tribune.
“I had a very balanced side, but losing Bukhsh is devastating. Now we are stuck with Khan, who is not good enough to replace Bukhsh.”
Published in The Express Tribune, April 18th, 2011.