Volleyball: Pakistan gear up for qualifiers

Volleyball federation looking to hire Cuban coach.

KARACHI: The Pakistan volleyball team is gearing up for its maiden Olympic qualifiers, pinning its hopes on the services of a Cuban coach for the tournament that takes place in Berlin in June.

The Pakistan Volleyball Federation (PVF) Secretary Major (retd) Mohammad Afzal said the team consisted of talented individuals and the event will help them make their mark as they bid for a place at the Olympics.

“We couldn’t qualify [for the Olympic qualifiers] in the past because of our lack of participation in international events,” Afzal told The Express Tribune. “But now we have an opportunity and we’re trying our best to avail what the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) is giving us.

“We’re also likely to get a Cuban coach and the PSB has approved the funds. Negotiations are underway and, hopefully, in a week’s time the contract should be finalised.”

Azfal said that the PSB has signed an MoU with Cuba which will help the federation in its attempt to hire a foreign coach.

“The Cuba men’s team is ranked number five in the world and Pakistan will gain a lot from a Cuban coach.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 29^th, 2012.