PFF chief praises army support as Pakistan pushes football development

Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani has credited the country’s armed forces for playing a pivotal role in promoting football and nurturing young talent, 24NewsHD TV reported.

Speaking during a meeting with Pakistan’s Under-16 national team, currently participating in the UEFA Development Tournament for the first time, Gilani thanked Syed Asim Munir for his support in advancing football initiatives and talent identification programmes.

Gilani added that the Army’s fitness and sports directorate has effectively implemented talent hunt programmes aimed at identifying promising players across the country.

The PFF chief said the federation would continue working closely with the armed forces to facilitate Pakistan’s participation in major global events and accelerate the sport’s development.

On the occasion, Pakistan U-16 head coach Mohammed Essa described participation in the UEFA event as a landmark moment. “I represented Pakistan for 20 years but never had the opportunity to play in a UEFA competition,” he said.