Pakistani footballers no less than others: Saad

National striker starts Maldives stint on a high, eager to prove his talent

KARACHI: The general perception in Pakistan indicates that the country lacks the talent to make it big in international football; 21-year-old striker Saadullah begs to differ.

The Pishin-based youngster is currently playing for Maldives BG Sports FC and believes that he is no less talented than his teammates from different countries.

“The important thing I’ve realized here is that Pakistanis aren’t as bad at football as people think,” Saad told The Express Tribune.

Saad made his mark for BG Sports FC on his debut, scored the winning goal for the team in the opening match of the season.

“My teammates include players from Spain, Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago,” said Saad. “Similarly, there are also footballers from Germany and Brazil who are playing for other clubs here. I’ve been watching them closely and talent-wise, I feel Pakistanis are their equal.”

He said that the only drawback for the country’s footballers is a lack of facilities and limited opportunities, as the local season only goes on for five months in a semi-professional atmosphere.

Saad added that it took almost no time for him to bond with his foreign teammates. “Even the language isn’t a barrier as the local players in Maldives can talk in Hindi and others speak in English,” he said. “Moreover, the Spanish midfielder in my team has been very supportive and created many chances for me in my first match.”

Saad said that he will return home on May 5 to represent Pakistan at the Asian Football Confederation U23 Championship, which will start on May 16 in the UAE.

 

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