KARACHI: Manager of the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) development squad, former Olympian Mansoor Ahmed has expressed optimism that the Oman visit will help the players to gain exposure for bigger challenges in the future.

“I’m sure that the five-match series against the Oman national hockey team will immensely benefit our players to hone their skills,” the former Olympian goalkeeper told Dawn on Tuesday on the eve of team’s departure to Muscat.

The 18-member team, accompanied by five officials, leaves for the Omanese capital early Thursday morning on a short visit. The team returns on Sept 16.

He said the squad which comprised camp trainees of both seniors and juniors, gets an opportunity to prove their mettle.

“I’ll give chance to all the players in the series and after assesing their performance will submit the report to the PHF,” he added.

The manager said he look forward that the team will return victorious.

He said on return the development squad will be up against Asia Cup-bound Pakistan Colours in a home series.

The Asia Cup is slated to take lace at Dhaka from Oct 11 to 22.

Squad:

Hafiz Ali Umair, Ali Raza (goalkeepers), Asad Aziz, Mubashir Ali, Mohammad Sohail Manzoor, Tazeem-ul-Hassan, Faizan, Taimur Malik, Rana Sohail Riaz, Shajeeh Ahmed Saeed (captain), Mohammad Atiq (vice-captain), Samiullah, Shan Irshad, Abdul Jabbar, Mohammad Naveed, Nohaiz Zahid Malik, Awais-ur-Rehman and Amir Ali.

Officials: Mansoor Ahmed (manager). Mohammad Usman, Mohammad Saqlain and Rehan Butt (coaches), Mahmood Waqas (physiotherapist).

Published in Dawn, September 6th, 2017