Quetta’s Ali Zafar Hazara, a teenage football prodigy, has once again been selected to play in the squad against Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on June 6 at Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad.
The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has made several changes to the national football team, signaling a new era in Pakistani football with the emergence of talented new players. Ali Zafar Hazara, in particular, has demonstrated the courage and ability to showcase his talent on the field.
Footballing Career
Like many football stars, Quetta’s Ali Zafar Hazara began his footballing career on the streets of Quetta. Initially, he played for Hazara Star Football Club, but the coaches of Hazara Pioneers Football Club soon noticed his exceptional talent. He went on to win football titles at the provincial and national levels. he still plays at this club.
Ali noticed an advertisement on Facebook about football trials for the Under-19 National Team. Inspired by his abilities and supported by his coaches and parents, he traveled to Lahore, the home of the PFF, to try his luck.
The trials were fruitful for Ali Zafar Hazara, and he secured a spot in the final team of Under-19.
SAFF Under-19 Championship, 2023
The 17-year-old has already showcased his football skills at the 2023 South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Under-19 Championship held in Kathmandu, Nepal. He scored the winning goal against Nepal in the 76th minute. This significant goal proved to be the turning point, securing Pakistan’s lead and ending their 12-year victory drought.
Watch his winning goal against Nepal here:
Experience with PFF
Ali Zafar praised the training he is receiving at the PFF Academy. He acknowledged that National Coach Constantine and his staff have helped him improve not only physically but also mentally as a player. With room for further improvement, he aims to become a top footballer with the support of the Federation.
READ MORE: Road To Oslo: Young Footballers Supported by ‘Better Future Pakistan’ Dream of Victory
Playing Position
Ali is a midfielder who can play as a Central Midfielder, Central Attacking Midfielder, and on the Left/Right flank. His adaptive passing abilities make him an important player during the game.
Views on Football Leagues in Pakistan
The football scene in Pakistan is gearing up for a significant change with the upcoming launch of the Pakistan Football League (PFL), which is expected to kick off nationwide soon. The PFL aims to fill the void created by the absence of a well-structured football league in the country. Notably, Ali Zafar is determined to make his mark at the club level.
Moreover, Ali is confident that his talent will be recognized by international clubs, where he hopes to reach new heights. Every football player dreams of playing for big clubs and becoming a star.
Favorite Football Player
Ali’s favorite football player is Lionel Messi, the boy from Rosario, Argentina, who became the best football player ever. Inspired by Messi’s career, Ali Zafar aims to follow in his idol’s footsteps.
Furthermore, Ali is a huge supporter of FC Barcelona and regularly follows and watches their games as a die-hard Culer.
Request For Government
Ali Zafar Hazara urges the Government of Pakistan to enhance the footballing structure in the country and position Pakistan as a leading football team in Asia and eventually the world.
According to Ali, the government should allocate resources to football development comparable to what is done for cricket. He expects the establishment of an official football league in Pakistan, similar to the PSL, that would be accessible nationwide and lead to an overall improvement in the country’s football infrastructure over time.
