The Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), led by President Syed Mohsen Gilani, has marked an important turning point in the country’s football journey by holding its first official meeting with the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
During the session, the focus was on strengthening Pakistan’s football infrastructure and forging long-term collaboration. The AFC reaffirmed its support for Pakistan, pledging technical and developmental assistance to help build a sustainable football ecosystem. The discussions highlighted grassroots development, coaching education, and modern infrastructure as cornerstones for future growth.
This renewed international engagement comes at a crucial time for Pakistan football. In parallel with the AFC discussions, the PFF also welcomed a high-profile addition to the national setup — Nolberto Solano, the former Peru international and ex-Newcastle United midfielder, who has officially taken charge of the Pakistan football team ahead of the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.
Solano, 50, was received at Lahore’s Allama Iqbal International Airport by senior PFF officials this Saturday. PFF General Secretary Shahid Khokhar praised him as “a good human being” and noted Solano’s enthusiasm and commitment to contributing to the growth of Pakistan football.
In his honour, the PFF hosted a high tea at the federation secretariat, followed by an extensive meeting where officials discussed the national team setup and the upcoming training camp. Originally scheduled at the Kunj Football Ground in Abbottabad, the camp has now been shifted to Islamabad due to ongoing monsoon flooding.
The dual developments — AFC’s renewed commitment and Solano’s arrival — reflect a sense of momentum and possibility for Pakistan football. For years, the game in the country has suffered from instability and missed opportunities, but these fresh steps signal that the federation is now looking to combine international support, professional expertise, and structured domestic planning to chart a new course.
During a press conference on August 21 at the Pakistan Football Federation, President Syed Mohsen Gilani, accompanied by Head Coach Nolberto Solano, emphasised that Solano’s presence will provide a valuable learning opportunity for local coaches.
“His experience will play a key role in strengthening modern football in Pakistan and motivating our players,” Gilani stated.
Newly appointed Head Coach of the Pakistan U23 and Senior Men’s National Teams, Nolberto Solano, a former Peruvian international footballer and experienced coach, also shared his vision for Pakistan football.
“First of all, I want to thank PFF President Syed Mohsen for giving me this opportunity. It’s a great responsibility and a challenge for me. In the few days I’ve spent here, I’ve seen an abundance of talent. I truly believe we can achieve something meaningful. There’s a real opportunity to develop the game and raise it to a competitive standard. But we must be patient.”