Shamlan believes that it is important for the players to see their families before preparing for the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the AFC U23 event next month. PHOTO: SHAFIQ MALIK/EXPRESS
According to Shamlan, it is essential to have more matches and training sessions abroad for the team if they are expected to give good results at the 2018 World Cup qualifiers that will begin in March.
“I have a plan,” Shamlan told The Express Tribune. “Since we’ve played well here [Lahore], I have asked the players to take some rest. They should meet their families, it’s important for them to see their loved ones before coming back to the camp on February 14.”
Elaborating on his plan of action, Shamlan said he wants to take the team to Malaysia on February 22 and then to Thailand for more training.
“They need exposure and we need to improve. These tours are necessary for us,” said Shamlan.
On the other hand, midfielder Saddam Hussain said he will be hoping to come back for the Malaysia tour.
Hussain, who plays for FC Dordoi in Kyrgyzstan with Kaleemullah and Muhammad Adil, had featured in the friendly against Afghanistan.
“I’ll be going back to FC Dordoi on Sunday,” said Hussain. “But I want to tour Malaysia with the national side; I want all the training I can get with Shamlan.”
Referring to the Pakistan Football Federation’s (PFF) announcement of increasing the players’ daily allowance from $60 to $100, the midfielder said that monetary incentives are a good source of motivation.
“One professional pair of shoes costs us Rs20,000-25,000. Kaleem, Adil and I have started using them now that we are getting good money and a good environment,” said Hussain. “I hope the PFF keeps up this effort. No sport can progress or produce competitive players without investing money in them.”
Published in The Express Tribune, February 8th, 2015.
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