PHF weighs adding manager and coach ahead of Hockey World Cup

Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is weighing adding two more officials to the national hockey team management ahead of the FIH Pro League and the Hockey World Cup, with discussions underway on the appointment of a new team manager and additional coaching staff, 24NewsHD TV reported on Friday. 

According to sources, several former internationals are being discussed for the vacant support roles, with Manzoor-ul-Hasan emerging as a leading candidate for senior manager, while Olympians Hanif Khan and Shahnaz Sheikh are also in contention.

Head coach Khawaja Junaid is expected to retain his position, while former goalkeeper Salman Akbar and Adnan Zakir, both of whom have coaching experience in Europe, are being considered for coaching roles as Pakistan prepare for a key stretch of matches on the continent.

Pakistan will play the next phase of the Pro League in Belgium in June, where they are scheduled to face Belgium and Spain in two matches each, with the World Cup also set to be held in Europe.