KARACHI: It was a proud moment for Pakistan-based footballer Kaleemullah when he signed a four-month contract with US club Sacramento Republic FC to become first Pakistani to achieve his feat.
Kaleem’s stay of a month-and-a-half in San Francisco was enough to impress the club’s coaches during the trials and also to earned support from the Pakistani community in the process.
“To be able to live your dream is the biggest opportunity you can ask for,” said Kaleem. “It’s something I’m proud of, but I know that I have to improve my game.”
The Chaman-based striker revealed that it has been two weeks since he signed the contract. “We were just waiting for the club to sort out my visa proceedings and then make an official statement. Now that it’s all done, I’ll finally be playing at the US Soccer League [USL], which will always be a plus point in my career.”
The 22-year-old will be playing 15 matches in his four-month stay, with his first match due on Saturday against USL leaders Oklahoma City Energy FC at Bonney Field.
“Sacramento Republic is a big club, and it has the potential to qualify for the Major Soccer League too,” said Kaleem. “It’s still a very long way to go, but I’m hoping to score as many goals as I can. I may even get to stay here for more than four months if I make a difference for the club this season.”
He has also captained the national team in the all-important India-Pakistan tour which the men in green won in Bangalore last year.
Sacramento Republic FC’s Technical Director Graham Smith confirmed Kaleemullah’s contract on the club’s website. “The signing of Kaleemullah demonstrates the continued mission of Republic FC to bring the best players from around the world to our Capital City.”
Dear TNT Reader,
At The News Tribe, our mission is to bring you free, independent, and unbiased news and content that keeps you informed and empowered. We are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, as we understand that we are a platform for truth.
Apart from independent global news coverage, we also commit our unique focus on the Muslim world. In an age marked by the troubling rise of Islamophobia and widespread misrepresentation of Muslims in Western media, we strive to provide accurate and fair coverage.
But to continue doing so, we need your support. Even a small donation of 1$ can make a big difference. Your contribution will help us maintain the quality of our news and counteract the negative narratives that are so prevalent.
Please consider donating today to ensure we can keep delivering the news that matters. Together, we can make a positive impact on the world, and work towards a more inclusive, informed global society.
Donate Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription
