Lahore, 31 Dec: Silver medallist for Punjab in 1992 National Games, Khaled Khan added another feather to his cap when Model Town Football Club (MTFC) appointed him as coach, replacing Qasim Raza (WAPDA) and interim coach Daniel Gill. “Myself need to make a change or advancement in my career or profession as the set-up of MTFA is well-equipped with infrastructure, latest facilities and scientific approach that will help me a lot. I’m so happy and grateful to be a part of the ancient and famous club of Lahore,” said Khalid, who was key player for Punjab, Lahore, Wohaib FC and Model Town FC from 1991-2006s.
Son of Amir Ahmed Khan, Khalid is a qualified coach who completed AFC C-Certificate Football Coaching Course at Lahore under Siddiq Sheikh from 22 Feb-8 March 2006. He is strong candidate for next year AFC B-Certificate Course, to be held from 10-30 September at same city.
Although Khaled A.A. Khan, 40, is recognized for his own talent while he was a player, it is perhaps his appointment in 1992 as first-ever Pakistan U16 captain makes him most notable in the history of Pakistan football. He visited Rajshahi, Bangladesh for fifth AFC U16 Championship. “It is vital that a highly qualified coach can oversee the needs of players teachers and club’s other coaches. Good players need talent but they also need good coaches. The most important quality a coach need is enthusiasm. Players respond brilliantly to an eager, hard working leader. MTFC monitored the coaching skill of Khaled during various assignments and decided to appoint him for MTFC and Group-D, having players of age 14-17,” said MTFC’s President Mian Rizwan Ali. The same year 1992 saw him representing Pakistan U16 in Thailand’s Coca Cola Cup and National team in first Jordan Cup 1992 at Amman where host Jordan, Moldova and Sudan were other participants.
Khaled domestic careen span ran from 1991-2006 and during international assignments he was Vice Captain of Pakistan A in Ist SAFF Championship at Lahore and Iran’s inaugural Economic Co-operation organization Tournament in 1993. He also figured in Asian Club Championship twice (Wohaib FC 1992, Defence FC 1993). He wrapped up international circuit with matches against India and Oman for Haroon Yousof-led Pakistan U21 team during Atlanta Olympics Qualifiers in 1995.