Nolberto Solano officially takes charge of Pakistan football team

Former Peru international and ex-Newcastle United player has officially taken charge of the Pakistan football team as they prepare for the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers.

The 50-year-old was received by senior officials of the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) upon his arrival at Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore this Saturday.

“Solano is a good human being,” PFF General Secretary Shahid Khokhar told Nukta. “He is very excited and committed to contributing to the growth of Pakistan football," Shahid said.

A high tea was hosted in Solano’s honour at the secretariat, followed by an extensive meeting with PFF officials where they discussed on the national team setup and the upcoming training camp at the Kunj Football Ground in Abbottabad.

Meanwhile, a total of 50 players have been shortlisted for the camp, including 15 members of the senior national squad and they will report on Saturday (today).

On the other hand, Solano also inquired about the condition of the Abbottabad pitch and sought details regarding the assistant coaches who will support him during the buildup to the qualifiers, which are scheduled to take place in Cambodia from September 3 to 9.

Solano is also scheduled to hold a Zoom meeting with his assistant coaching team later today.

The assistant coaches for the camp include Mohammad Habib, Gohar Zaman, Mehmood Khanand Jaffar Khan. Argentine fitness coach Jorge Castaneira is expected to arrive on August 20.

Pakistan’s campaign in the AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers will open against Iraq on September 3, followed by a clash with hosts Cambodia on September 6 and concluding with a match against Oman on September 9.