Two boys, infinite dreams: Lyari’s stars shine in Malaysia

In the heart of Lyari — Karachi’s oldest and most spirited neighborhood — two young boys kicked worn-out footballs on dusty streets, never imagining those kicks would one day take them across continents.

Abdul Fatir, 8, and Sharif-ul-Haq, 10, recently represented Pakistan at the KL Cup 2025 in Malaysia, one of Asia’s largest youth football tournaments. Competing under the South Youth Soccer Academy and supported by the Kiran Foundation, their team ranked 6th among 32 international squads — an incredible feat for boys who had never played beyond their local grounds.

For Lyari — a community full of raw talent but lacking recognition — the boys’ journey became a symbol of hope and what’s possible when belief meets opportunity.

Born into the game

Fatir’s connection to football runs deep. His grandfather, Qadir Bakhsh, captained Pakistan’s national team in the 1970s. His father, Badar Qadir, a former player, now trains youth in Lyari.

“In our home, football is like a second language,” says Badar. “Fatir grew up watching us play. He could dribble by the time he was three.”

Now in Grade 5, Fatir made headlines by scoring a goal at the KL Cup, becoming one of the youngest scorers in the tournament.

“Playing in Malaysia was tough,” he says. “But when I scored, I couldn’t stop smiling.”

When he returned, his community celebrated him. His father hugged him and said, “One goal this time—next time, bring more.”

At school, he's now called the "Mini International Footballer." But his sights are set higher: “I want to play for Barcelona. I love Neymar. I think I dribble like him.”

The boy who beat fear

Unlike Fatir, Sharif-ul-Haq didn’t inherit football — it found him. He began playing at five, first in a small local academy, then at the Kiran Foundation School, where education and sports go hand-in-hand.

“I was scared of the ball,” he says. “I used to get hurt and run away during games.”

A coach’s tough words changed everything. “You won’t become a footballer if you’re scared. You learn by getting hurt,” he told him. From that day on, Sharif never backed down.

Sharif’s maternal grandfather was also an international footballer and referee. “My mom says he always came home with a trophy. I want to be like that.”

Before his first match in Malaysia, he quietly recited the Kalma and stepped onto the pitch with pride. “I was nervous, but I told myself—this is my moment.”

Sharif admires Cristiano Ronaldo for his skill and humility. “I want to be a great footballer, but also a good human being.”

Lyari: Overflowing with talent, starved for support

Lyari is often called the cradle of Pakistani football. But despite its legacy, opportunities remain scarce.

“There’s no shortage of talent here,” says Coach Muhammad Aftab, who trained both boys. “What we lack is structure and support. These kids can compete with anyone in Europe or Brazil—they just need a platform.”

Coach Aftab believes in building more than athletes. “We teach discipline, humility, and respect. That’s what makes a real footballer.”

The Kiran Foundation, a key player in Lyari’s youth development, played a vital role in this journey. When South Youth Soccer Academy reached out looking for under-10 talent from Lyari, Sabin Naz, head of youth programs, knew exactly who to recommend.

“Fatir and Sharif didn’t need a trial—we already knew they were ready. This was more than a tournament. It was a chance to rewrite the story of Lyari.”

The journey ahead

Today, Fatir and Sharif are role models for their peers. Children want to be like them. Their families couldn’t be prouder. But this is just the beginning.

Fatir wants to wear the national jersey again — next time with a trophy in hand. Sharif dreams of helping others like him believe that greatness can come from anywhere — even a narrow street in Lyari.

From Lyari to Malaysia — this was a journey of courage, passion, and dreams. It marks the beginning of a new hope — that perhaps Pakistan’s next football hero will rise from Lyari.