19 teams to take part in National football challenge
'Pakistan Times' Sports Desk

LAHORE: In all 19 teams will take part in the National Football Challenge Cup (NFCC) from May 1-15 at Karachi. The event has been revived after 2005 on the instructions of President,Pakistan Football Federation (PFF),Faisal Saleh Hayat.

The Draws Ceremony of the event will be held on April 20 here at FIFA Football House and PFF had asked all the managers of the teams to attend the draw ceremony.

With most successful team of event Allied Bank Limited (four wins) and title holders Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTCL) no more in soccer activity, National Champions WAPDA, Khan Research Laboratories (KRL), Pakistan Army, Karachi Port Trust (KPT), National Bank of Pakistan (NBP), Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Wah’s Pakistan Ordnance Factory (POF), Pakistan Railways, Pakistan Navy, Pakistan Public Works Department (PWD), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), Pak Elektron Limited (PEL), Pakistan Television (PTV), Pakistan Steel, Karachi Electric Supply Corporation ( KESC), Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and Pakistan Police will be bracketed in draws.

“ It is purely an event for organizational and services team of Pakistan who used to appear in top-two Divisions of PFF viz Pakistan Premier League and PFF League. The event will dig out upcoming, talented players for us in the build up for the National team to take part in coming SAFF Championship 2008 at Maldives/Sri Lanka,” said Faisal.

“ The reinstallation of event for departmental teams is a healthy sign and players will emerge from every niche of Pakistan.

The way PFF Chief is promoting soccer was unheard before on this soil and his commitment, dedication was proved yet again when Pakistan jumped five places in latest FIFA Ranking.

I am anxiously waiting for the 19-team show in order to gather more keepers for the coming National Camp,” said Pakistan’s goalkeeping coach Noman Ibrahim.●