May 28, 2006	Sunday	Rabi-us-Sani 29, 1427

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KARACHI, May 27: For Abdul Ghafoor, once known as the ‘Black Pele of Pakistan’, life revolves around football and he has found a renewed vigour ahead of the World Cup finals.

The 65-year-old is usually found grumbling about the curse of old age but sparks to life at the mere mention of football and the mega event in Germany which helps him forget his loss of hearing and nearly impaired vision.

As the showpiece events approaches, the former Pakistan captain has two wishes -- that Brazil retains its title and his jailed son Abdul Ghani is released on June 8, a day before the tournament kicks off.

“Football has given me everything -- fame, respect and recognition. They called me Pele and I am proud of it,” Ghafoor said.

“Now I wish my innocent son is released and I see Brazil win the title in Ghani's company.”Ghani, who played football for domestic teams, was arrested in early 2004 from his home in Karachi in a crackdown against extremists and remains under lock and key.

The employee of a state-owned bank was accused of planning terrorist acts and is awaiting trial at a Karachi prison.

“My son's only fault was that he grew a beard and he played football,”claimed Ghafoor.

The midfielder was part of Pakistan's set-up when it was a credible footballing nation, grinding its way into Asia's top 10 with players in demand from league clubs in India.

Ghafoor played in Dhaka in the 1960s and later represented Mohammedan Sporting in the Calcutta league in India.

It was in Dhaka, which became the capital of Bangladesh in 1971, where he met his wife Sabiha, who also has a penchant for football.

“My husband has been a football hero in Pakistan. There was a time when we couldn't go out because hundreds of people would gather outside and want to see their Pele,” said Sabiha, whose other son Abdul Waheed plays for Pakistan Army.

“People said he was a carbon copy of Pele and adored him no end,” she remembered.

Ghafoor now stays away from football grounds but avidly stays in touch with the English Premiership and Brazilian soccer.

“Now I just watch Brazil and remember our good old days. We were so good then that we could have been in the World Cup, but politics and an indifferent attitude from the government plunged us into oblivion.

“Pakistan's representation in the 2006 World Cup is confined to sending a few hundred balls to be used in practice sessions, and the attendance of three Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) officials at the opening ceremony.

Despite his advancing years, Ghafoor hopes one day to meet his long-time idol, Pele, who was a member of Brazil's winning squads in 1958, 1962 and 1970,

“I saw him play on television, the 1958 World Cup when he scored so many goals and the following World Cups.

“He was the toast of world football. I couldn't get a chance to meet him but I am sure one day I will meet Pele, it's my firm belief.”—AFP