Maldives Club signs Pakistani goalkeeper Saqib Hanif
Pakistan’s main goal keeper has left for Maldives to take part in Dhivehi Premier League as he was first to sign by any club after the lifting of FIFA suspensions on Pakistan Football Federation.
International professional football clubs have started considering young talented Pakistani footballers after FIFA has lifted its ban from Pakistan Football Federation (PFF). Pakistan’s frontline goalkeeper Saqib Hanif is the first local player to be signed by Maldives Professional football club MAALHOS FC.
Saqib has also been the part of Maldives’ BG Sports FC in the seasons 2016 and 2017. While taking to media before his departure, Saqib was off the view that Pakistani players got opportunities playing with international clubs after the rigorous efforts made by the PFF.
“I am also a product of PFF’s Youth Development Program launched by PFF president Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat” Saqib said. Saqib was also the part of that team who defeated India in a bilateral series played in 2014 on Indian soil. Saqib also represented Pakistan against Afghanistan in 2015 at Lahore.
Saqib had a meeting with president PFF before leaving and president praised the significant performance of Saqib and also congratulated him on signing contract with the Maldives club. “We are making best efforts to give a chance to all our young footballers to play professional football outside the country.” PFF’s President added.
