Returning WAPDA coach eyes PPFL title

Butt to come back after two-year absence because of ‘personal reasons’.

KARACHI:

Khalid Butt resumed his responsibility as the coach of the seven-time national champions after two years and aims to win the Pakistan Premier Football League (PPFL) that will kick off from September 1.

Considered one of the strongest domestic clubs in the national football circuit, Wapda saw their worst two seasons since 2011. The team won its last title in 2010 and failed to make any impact since then. They finished 11th among 16 teams in the league last season.

However, Butt, who had to quit his job because of personal reasons, is confident he can help the team redeem itself and win the league this year.

“I didn’t know Wapda would slump to 11th place in my absence,” Butt told The Express Tribune. “We were the champions in 2011. I hope we can give a tough time to the current champions KRL and the other PPFL teams.”

Wapda won the PPFL trophy in 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2010 with Butt.



‘Not looking for foreign players’

Nigeria’s Oludeyi Abayomi is being linked with a move to KESC while Pak-Afghan Clearing Agency FC  eye two Afghan footballers.

Butt said recruiting foreign footballers is an uphill task considering the financial constraints.

“Good foreign players demand at least Rs300,000 per season along with security arrangements and as a result they become a liability on the team.

“I’m not looking for any foreign player because Wapda doesn’t have the funds. But I can assure you that our team will return to winning ways this season without becoming a financial burden on our department.”

Wapda will begin their campaign against Lyallpur FC on September 2.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 22^nd, 2013.

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