KARACHI: Only a small visa issue is keeping Pakistan international winger Mohammad Adil’s move to Maltese side Pembroke Athleta on hold.

Adil went on a 12-day trial to the first division side in Malta and having impressed the side during his stint, he hopes he will go back with necessary paperwork to complete his move.

“I got a visa for just 12 days during which I had nine training sessions with the club,” Adil told Dawn from the Malta International Airport as he was preparing to come back to Pakistan.

“I had a good spell there but unfortunately my visa expired and the deal was put on hold,” added the stocky wide-man who shone to prominence with Khan Research Laboratories (KRL) before moving to Kyrgyz giants Dordoi Bishkek.

“Once I get the paperwork done from here, the club will finalise the details and hopefully I can fulfill my ambition of playing in Europe.”

In the meantime, Adil said that he will keep himself fit by training with former side KRL.

“I can’t wait to go and play in Malta, where the facilities are amazing and there is a good chance for me to grow,” he said. “But I’ll be with KRL before the transfer is finalised.”

KRL play in the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Cup final round from February 9 and Adil said there might be a chance that he features for them in the tournament.

“I could play for KRL in the PFF Cup but I’ll make a final decision on that once I’m back,” he maintained.

The qualifying round of the PFF Cup is close to completion with six teams — Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Ashraf Sugar Mills (ASM), Karachi United, Pakistan Police, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines (SNGPL) and Pakistan Railways — having booked their places in the final round.

Railways booked their place from Group ‘III’ on Wednesday after Mohammad Asim’s 70th-minute strike gave them a 1-0 win over Falcon Company at the Fame Football Club ground, according to the information made available here.

Published in Dawn, February 4th, 2016