Wadan Durrani is a 17-year old footballer from Charsadda in Pakistan. His hopes and ambitions of becoming a pro enable him to pursue his dreams, despite the challenges he faces in making this a reality. We caught up with him in our Dreamers series to talk about what the future holds in store for the young man.
Zushan Hashmi: Tell me a little bit about how you started playing football?
Wadan Durrani: At first, I used to play cricket because it was the only sport in our village, then I watched football videos and I started playing football by myself at home. In the village, nobody played with me because cricket was everyone’s favourite sports, and football didn’t really fit the bill.
What position do you play?
I play as an attacking midfielder.
Are there lots of football players and fans in your village?
Everyone in our village and city plays cricket and watches it too. Football just isn’t that popular, so no one knows much about it not.
What have been some of the most exciting parts of your career so far?
The most exciting part of my career was when we won the semifinal at a local tournament and I performed really well in that. I want to emulate this again in the future.
Do you play for a team?
I play for the Charsadda team.
In Pakistan, cricket is by far the most dominant sport, how does it look like, in terms of opportunities for football players?
In Pakistan, lots of facilities are provided to cricketers. There are many talented footballers who are hidden and not visible due to financial crises in football in Pakistan.
READ: Paolo Torneri on integrating careers: football and physiotherapy
What do you think the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) needs to do, to help grow the sport?
The PFF should take strong measures to bring talented players to the top and facilitate those players who cannot grow further, by providing them with financial support and creating more opportunities.
What do you enjoy doing besides playing football?
Honestly, I enjoy playing football and watching it, nothing besides that comes close.
How are you keeping yourself busy during the lockdown/pandemic?
I keep myself busy by practising and exercising at home during the lockdown.
Where would you like to be in the future, in terms of your football career?
I want to play professional football abroad because in Pakistan young footballers don’t get sufficient opportunities and I want to become a great footballer if God is willing.
Who is your favourite footballer and why?
My favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo as he is the perfect footballer.
Any other thoughts/comments?
I would say, don’t quit try again and again until you make it.
You can check out our soccer guide for the lockdown.
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Saqib Tanveer assisted in the curation of this article. You can follow him here on LinkedIn.
