LATEST POLL

Was it the right decision for Usman Khan to give up his UAE contract and play for Pakistan?
  • Votes: (0%)
  • Votes: (0%)
Total Votes:
First Vote:
Last Vote:
 

Exclusive Interviews

Is Mike Hesson becoming Pakistan's Head Coach? PSL 9 Champion Coach in conversation with Saj

In an exclusive interview for PakPassion, the former RCB ...

"There were lessons for everybody at Qalandars to learn, including me": Sikandar Raza

Sikandar Raza, in his exclusive interview with PakPassion, reflects ...

"For Shaheen Afridi’s leadership journey, this result will not be a bad thing": Rassie van der Dussen

Top Proteas batter Rassie van der Dussen shares insights ...

"Babar is a role model of Pakistan cricket": Luke Wood

England & Peshawar Zalmi fast bowler Luke Wood joins ...

"In the last game, the spinners took 9 wickets so as a coach, you feel pride for them": Alex Hartley

Former England spinner and spin coach for the Multan ...

“It hasn’t been the overseas pacers that have been impressive, it’s been some of the locals” Ian Pont

Former Essex cricketer and renowned fast bowling coach discusses ...

Known as ‘Pakistan’s Messi’, Kaleemullah Khan is a striker who plays for FC Dordoi in Kyrgyzstan. He is FC Dordoi’s 5th highest goal-scorer in club’s history with 18 goals in 17 matches. He made his international debut for Pakistan in 2011 in a friendly match against Palestine. He has bagged 4 goals for Pakistan in his short career.

In an exclusive interview with PakPassion.net, Kaleemullah Khan discusses his inspirations as a child, his passions, Pakistan’s chances in the World Cup Qualifiers, his future aspirations, about the ISL and much more.


By Farid Khan (14th March,2015)

 

PakPassion.net : Most youngsters in Pakistan spend time playing cricket on the streets. How did the passion in football grow in you as a child?

Kaleemullah : People in Baluchistan, especially in Chaman, are die-hard fans of football. Since my childhood, football was my passion. Whether it was day or night, I just had football on my feet. I loved to play this sport and I knew that I had what it takes to be a professional player.


PakPassion.net : Which player was your biggest inspiration when you were growing up?

Kaleemullah : Usually, people in Pakistan follow top international stars and dream of playing in the best clubs in Europe, but mine was a different case. My cousin Essa Khan was an inspiration for me. He has served Pakistan football for many years. Playing for Afghan club, Chaman had always been my dream and luckily, I was able to fulfill my dream.


PakPassion.net : Do you follow the football leagues around the world like EPL, La Liga, Serie A and Bundesliga etc?

Kaleemullah : Yes, obviously! I do follow all the top leagues of Europe. Football means the life to me. As far as supporting European clubs are concerned, I support Real Madrid. They are the European giants and I think that club has got everything in it. All the players they have posses different skills and techniques. Once they combine those skills together, they become lethal.


PakPassion.net : Have you ever thought of a dream move to the big European leagues like EPL, La Liga etc? Is it very hard to play in them?

Kaleemullah : Yes, it goes without saying. Every footballer has a dream to play in the top leagues in the world and for that, hard work is all you need. You can survive with hard work, even though you are not naturally gifted because hard work beats talent if talent doesn’t work hard. I will keep on working hard to make this possible one day.


PakPassion.net : How do you see Pakistan's performance in the upcoming World Cup Pre-Qualifier 2nd leg against Yemen? Do we have a chance of a win?

Kaleemullah : The team had a great start this year and hopefully we will give our best performance in the up-coming 2nd leg. Unfortunately, we lost 3-1 in the away leg at Doha, Qatar, but with full support of our fans in Lahore, we are confident of progressing.


PakPassion.net : India staged the ISL. Do you think it was a success and how important is it for Pakistan to hold such a big league and invite foreign players to play here?

Kaleemullah : Yes, I think it was definitely a very big success. Especially, because it was the first time that such a big event took place in the South Asian region. Well, I am convinced that it’s going to be a great initiative if Pakistan is to stage anything close to the stature of the ISL. Our local domestic talent will emerge and our players will get to learn and experience a lot from the foreign players once they rub shoulders with them and share the dressing room with them.


PakPassion.net : You're currently playing in Kyrgyzstan. Have you received offers from clubs abroad like in Europe? Are you considering moving there?

Kaleemullah : Firstly, I’d like to say that I’ve had a great time in Kyrgyzstan. It’s been a wonderful experience for me and I have thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have scored a lot of goals and finished the season as the highest goal-scorer in the league with 18 goals, but now I feel it’s time to move on. I’ve received multiple offers from abroad and I’ve opted to go to Iceland next season. I hope this move of mine would prove to be as fruitful as my previous one was if not more.


PakPassion.net : What was your dream when you were still a child and has it been fulfilled yet?

Kaleemullah : I dreamt of representing Pakistan one day and thanks to Allah Almighty, it has been possible due to my hard work. It’s a dream of every footballer to be able to play for his country. He has given me more than what I wished for when I was young.


PakPassion.net : Do you think Pakistan will be able to qualify for the World Cup anytime soon?

Kaleemullah : Yes, why not! It’s a slow process, but if we are given the right training and players work hard, we can qualify for the World Cup one day. Our players have the potential to succeed, but lack proper training. I am sure if we play as a team and play with unity, we can qualify for the World Cup.


PakPassion.net : Do you think the PFF is doing enough for the betterment of football in Pakistan and is the status improving?

Kaleemullah : Yes, the PFF is doing its bit and is keen in developing football in Pakistan. Again, it will take time, but the signs are encouraging. The PFF needs to make dramatic changes to develop football to an international level in our country.


PakPassion.net : What do you want to do once you retire as a player? Any future plans?

Kaleemullah : Yes for the love of the game, I would surely want to be a part of it till the end of my life. I aim to take up coaching once my playing days are over and I will work to develop young footballers in my country.


PakPassion.net : There is an immense fan following of football in Pakistan. What message do you want to give to young players who want to take up football as a profession?

Kaleemullah : It’s pleasing to see such support and awareness of football in Pakistan, but it’s sad that we have not been able to develop many players over the years. My message to the fans would be to be brave and never be afraid to be a hero. All of us have hidden potential and we need to discover it. Play the game with passion and learn to respect the game. Play the game to learn and not to earn. It’s certain that your game will give you a lot once you give the game your all.

 

Discuss!