Wednesday July 12, 2017
Kabul (BNA) Chief Executive Dr. Abdullah Abdullah admired the performance of the under-15 football team, his office said in a statement on Tuesday. According to the statement, Afghanistan U-15 football team had won all four competitions in a recently held football tournament played in Tajikistan and clinched the title. Coach Syed Hadi Kazimi said: “We contested the tournament empty-handed and emerged the champions.” Thanking the CE for receiving of the country’s heroes, Kazemi said, “You are the first political figure who praised the U-15 national football team,” the statement added. Yousuf Kargar, technical advisor to the football federation, said beating sides like Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan was not an easy task. He added the federation and players presented a positive image of the country, the statement continued.
Kargar complained of a lack of facilities and funds, urging the CE to stop interference from lawmakers and politicians in affairs of the federation.
Firdaus Sherzad and Ali Zahidi, two members of the triumphant team, said they faced problems in schools on their return from international events. After hearing from the football coach, officials and players, the CEO said: “We are aware that despite problems and difficulties, you have earned victory and pride for the country.” The CEO assured his office would meet financial requirements of the team until the federation recover from its financial crisis. He added the team enjoyed respect in Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) just because of its achievements and the performance of the national federation, the statement concluded.
