Haverfordwest County AFC's Atif Bashir has brightened Pakistan's chances of winning Group-A of second AFC Challenge Cup as his inclusion in the national camp strengthened Pakistani team.
Atif is the fifth foreign-based player called for the ongoing camp in the build up for the national team, which will take part in the Second AFC Challenge Cup Qualifiers from April 2 to 6. Chinese Taipei will host the four-team Group-A qualifier, to be participated by last edition's runner-up Sri Lanka and little-known Guam.
"Overseas players Altaf Ahmed, Zeeshan Rehman, Adnan Ahmed, Amjad Iqbal played their part brilliantly when we forced the Asian powerhouse and Asian champion Iraq scoreless draw at Damascus in 19th World Cup Qualifier last year.
The credit to motivate expatriate Pakistanis to represent Pakistan goes to Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Faisal Saleh Hayat, who is making all out efforts for the uplift of soccer in Pakistan.
"The inclusion of Atif Bashir from Welsh Premier League propels us to give power to our defensive/midfield strategy during team game plan", said Akhtar Mohiuddin, head coach of the national team.
The camp will continue till March 31 when the team will leave for Chinese Taipei. Atif Bashir returned to the Welsh Premier League in January 2008, switching to Haverfordwest from Welsh League side ENTO Aberaman. He had previous spells with Afan Lido and Grange Quins in the Top Flight, played 19 times with the two clubs in the League.
Born in Berlin, now living in Wales's capital Cardiff, Atif was a youngster with Hertha Berlin and had a spell as Cardiff city trainee when he moved to Wales. He also played in the Welsh League for Maesteg Park and Taffs Well. Atif, who will celebrate his 23rd birthday on April 3, 2008, made his debut for the Haverfordwest County, known as Bluebirds, against Rhyl at Belle Vue as left back on January 26.
Atif's club, founded in 1899, used to play at Bridge Meadow stadium and is currently ninth in 18-club Welsh Premier League, which will conclude on April 19. It is now two-horse race between holders, the New Saints and Llanelli AFC.
Chaman-born Akhtar added: "Overseas football players of Pakistan origin are showing willingness to play for their country and it will help further in promoting the game besides motivating the youth to take up soccer as a sport.
"Pakistan soccer has become a source of interest for foreign players and for this very reason European-born Usman Gondal, Zeshan Rehman represented the national team in 2005, followed by Kashif Siddiqi who played for Pakistan Olympic team in 2007. A battery of foreign players were in Lahore last year when Pakistan camp was installed for clash against Iraq and AFC Under-16, Under-19 Championship," he said.