Since the inception of the nation seventy one years ago, Pakistan has not been able to qualify for the World Cup finals.
However, Pakistan has performed relatively well in regional games in SAFF (South Asian Football Federation) tournaments. Till 60s - 70s, the National team was considered a formidable side in South Asia.
The country’s longest serving men’s football team coach, Tariq Lutfi who is also the FIFA coach instructor in South Asia, is skeptical about the future of the game in the country.
“This game is played across the world in over 200 countries. Compared that to Cricket or Field Hockey (played in Pakistan) is limited to 15 – 20 countries. Fooball is special. More than a 100 countries play at a professional level.
Unfortunately for us is is not the same. I don't think Pakistan will play the next World Cup or after that as there has been no change in strategy or focus for the game."
"We here about Lionel Messi or Christiano Ronaldo that Real Madrid and other big teams hire them. What we don’t realise is that these players start in this direction since the age of 6 – 8.”
Source: Getty Image/ RIZWAN TABASSUM / Contributor
Football facilities and academies
Mr Lutfi said currently there are neither major facilities nor structures to help flourish the game in the country.
“I don’t think this sport is ‘priority’ for Pakistani government. If it is then we will see some regulations, funds being allocated; only then we might see some improvements.
Apart from a few schools, there are hardly any playgrounds, academies or sports facilities to nurture young kids at grass root level."
"Children play football and are groomed from Day 1. This is what makes it great.”
Source: Getty Image/ Anadolu Agency /
Men's Football Team
“ We currently play at an amateur level. The players’ coaching, training is very different from international players. We have to improve the quality of training to help the players reach a level that is similar to the region and then for global level."
Local vs International Players
“Recently, after the advent of social media, there has been a policy to invite international players with Pakistani roots to play for the country.
Every Pakistani wants to wear the national shirt and hold the flag.
But I am not in favour of this strategy. I want to see effort being done on local players who are playing as a unit throughout the year and perform for Pakistan.
Only if there is a shortage of players, we should try international players.”
