The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has approved Bilal Ahmed Butt of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) as commandant for the training camp in the build-up for the Pakistan U-16 team taking on Syria, Yemen, Oman, Qatar and Central Asian Kyrgyzstan in the 13th AFC U-16 Championship Qualifiers (Group-A).
The AFC has revised the schedule and asked the Qatar Football Association to host six-nation qualifier from October 22-November 2 instead of October 17-28. "I am really thankful to PFF chief for reposing confidence on me. To take care of all probables, on and off the field, will be my prime duty, said Bilal Ahmed Butt. "The coaches Akhtar Mohiuddin, Muhammad Habib and Zahid Taj have a fine soccer background and it is easy working with them."
The AFC U-16 event was set up to provide another tier of competitive international football in Asia with the aim of developing young playing talent in the region. The competition - which is held every two years - also acts as a qualifying tournament for the FIFA World U-17 Cup 2009 at Nigeria at which the AFC is given five berths for Asian teams.