KARACHI, Dec 6: Having highly-rated Fulham defender Zesh Rehman in their ranks, Pakistan go with all guns blazing against Sri Lanka who claim the Briton’s presence won’t be a challenge at SAFF soccer championship which kicks off on Wednesday.

Although Pakistani defence would obviously be bolstered after Rehman joined the national side all the way from United Kingdom where he plays top-flight soccer, Pakistan coach Salman Ahmed Sharida was cautious to predict.

Sharida, who joined Pakistan on Oct 23, said he would not only be banking on Rehman, saying he was looking forward to more coordinated efforts by the team rather than individual display at People’s Sports Complex.

“Rehman is a good player but it is not one player who will play. All the players must give their best. I am sure we will display good football. However, I think Rehman’s presence will be positive for us. We are ready for Sri Lanka and all the players are in good physical shape,” Sharida told Dawn.

The coach, from Bahrain, was however not ready to say something concrete about the results, saying he would not promise glory at eight-nation regional competition featuring hosts, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and defending champions Bangladesh.

Sharida is non-committal, saying he has had little time for preparations and talent-hunt before the event. The coach says since he is out of touch of the South Asian region soccer, it’s difficult to comment on the oppositions.

Pakistan played three matches in Bahrain against local sides as part of build-up to the contest. After losing to Al-Muharraq 1-3, they drew with Al-Najma 2-2 and lost to Al-Nadia Busteen 1-2.

While Sharida is not focussing on Rehman, Sri Lanka team manager Clement de Silva is not bothered either by the presence of the 22-year-old Rehman.

“It is the footwork and skills that count. Rehman has two legs and two hands like our players have. He may be an English Premier League player, but we are not bothered at all. I don’t see any weaknesses in my team. The players are in good shape and technically perfect.

“Pakistan are a good side and have the ability to fight. But we are here to win. And I am sure we are going to win against Pakistan tomorrow,” de Silva said.

The manager said Rehman’s presence could not be challenge for his side which also had at least three players playing professional league abroad.

“Kasun Jayasooriya is playing league in India and Maldives, Mohamed Fuard in India and United Arab Emirates, while Channa in Maldives and India. So there is no trouble for us while dealing with Rehman,” he opined.

The Sri Lankan said his side had been warming-up for the event with some practice matches in Thailand 10 days ago before landing here. “We played against Thailand’s provincial champions and lost 2-0 and won against Thailand youth team 2-1. We did better than expectated.”

Rehman, the much sought after soccer personality in Pakistan, says he will give his best, but can’t comment on either Sri Lanka or the other rivals. All he is looking for is playing international soccer for Pakistan.

It will be a perfect opportunity for home side to grab the first-ever SAFF title, while Sri Lanka are 1995 winners. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been clubbed together in a relatively easier Group ‘A’ along with 2003 runners-up Maldives and Afghanistan. Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Bhutan are in Group ‘B’.

If past record is any guide, Pakistan have better record against Sri Lanka. Pakistan thrashed Sri Lanka 4-0 in the league match in 1993 in Lahore, while Sri Lanka beat Pakistan 2-0 in Kathmandu in 1997 before Pakistan edged past Sri Lankans 1-0 to secure third place. At 2003 edition in Dhaka, Pakistan squeezed past Sri Lanka 2-1.

However, records may not count much since teams have gone through different changes, most of them having foreign coaches. It will be tactics and physicals fitness that will take the winners to the podium.

Afghanistan, who will be vying for top honours for the second time and face Maldives in the opener, could prove dark horse with young players under German coach Klaus Staerk.

Only Sri Lanka and India, having star striker Baichung Bhutia, have opted to go for local coaches, while the remaining participants have foreign imports.

Wedenesday’s fixtures:

Maldives v Afghanistan at 3.00pm; Pakistan v Sri Lanka at 6.00pm.