Street child footballers make Pakistan proud - #DunyaHeroes

LAHORE: (Dunya News) – Street Child footballers of Pakistan are the real #DunyaHeroes who made Pakistan proud by securing 3rd position in Street Child Football World Cup in Brazil in 2014. The boys left the world shocked as the young blood of Pakistan defeated some of the biggest footballing nations of the world. Not only did this team bag the 3rd position Street Child Football World Cup but also secured 2nd position in Chicago Kicks and 3rd position in Norway Cup out of the 200 teams from 52 countries that took part in the tournament.

Captain of the team Aurangzeb said that it was extremely difficult. “It wasn’t easy. We didn’t have opportunities. We just used to play in the streets. We didn’t have any grounds. You can come and see. We don’t have any grounds in Maripur. There is just a pole. Not even a goal post. We play there”, he said.

Another player of the team Awais said that he spent around 4 years on the street. “Nobody respected us. I had to sleep in the street; used to eat there too”, he added.

“I was in 5th standard when I felt that I didn’t want to study. I loved football and that’s why I gave up my studies”, said Sumair, another member of the team.

Manager of the team Syed Atfaan Maqbool said that Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Sharjeel Memon had announced some reward for these kids around one year ago. “This reward hasn’t been given as yet. These kids have problems. Their families have problems. If the reward reaches them, many of their problems can be solved”, he said.

Pakistan Street Children Football team has proved that hard work and commitment can beat any odds yet the government patronage for these rising #DunyaHeroes is still missing.