FOOTBALL is the most watched and played game in the world. But unfortunately it has never been given any priority in Pakistan as compared to the rest of the world.

This year's FIFA world cup is going to be held in South Africa. Its matches will feature the playing balls once again, 'made in Pakistan', but it is a bitter truth that despite having its world class industry, we have never proved our mettle in the sport itself.

For the national soccer team, it is good to have foreign coaches and trainers, but there is no use in having a rotation policy and to replace them in a very short time.

Consistency is necessary. The Pakistan football federation started goal projects under FIFA's supervision in various cities of the country a few years back, but still there has been no significant change in the structure of the sport in the country.

No doubt, the ongoing club football league is a very good step by PFA, but the fact is that football players in Pakistan lack or never even get international exposure. This is why our national team is relatively unknown not only in international arenas, but domestically as well.

If talent-hunting and scouting programmes are organised at a higher level, it is possible that young players could get a chance to play in Europe, which is a dream of every football player.

Many African and Third World countries did the same. Now some of those nations have qualified for the World Cup and their players play in bigger clubs representing their nations.

This is an example of what the Pakistan Football Federation should do. They should upgrade the game for the youngsters to play in playgrounds and then in stadiums.

Football fans all over Pakistan can only hope that the PFA should do more if we can see Pakistan as a bright football -playing nation.

MUHAMMAD FAIZAN TARIQ
Karachi