Kaleemullah Jr set for Turkish trial, offering glimmer of hope for football revival

By Alam Zeb Safi
LAHORE: Promising young striker Kaleemullah Khan Junior is set to arrive in Turkey on March 27 for a trial with Turkish club Fatih Karagümrük SK, in what is being seen as a potentially significant step for both the player and Pakistan’s struggling football landscape.
Kaleemullah Jr, who has recently emerged as one of the country’s brightest youth prospects, will undergo evaluation with the Istanbul-based side as he seeks to secure a professional contract abroad.
His brother, former Pakistan international Saadullah, expressed optimism ahead of the trial, calling it a “big mission” and urging nationwide support.
“Kaleemullah Khan is a glorious player and it’s a great opportunity for him to impress the club’s selectors. If he succeeds, it will be an inspiration for the entire football youth of the country. We wish him the best of luck,” Saadullah told thecricketplus.com.
The young forward shot into prominence during the AFC U17 Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in November last year, when he scored a hat-trick on his debut in Pakistan’s emphatic 11–0 win over Guam — the largest victory recorded by the country’s U17 side. His goals, coming in the 28th, first-half stoppage time, and 56th minutes, highlighted his composure and attacking instinct.
A successful outcome in Turkey would mark a rare breakthrough for a domestically developed Pakistani footballer. Such opportunities are critical not only for individual player growth but also for strengthening the national football ecosystem.
For years, Pakistan’s national teams have relied heavily on diaspora players based abroad, many of whom are contracted with solid foreign clubs. While their contributions have been valuable, the long-term development of the sport hinges on locally nurtured talent securing international exposure.
Former Pakistan striker Kaleemullah Khan Senior remains a notable example, having played for clubs across multiple countries, including a stint in the United States. Other players such as Mohammad Adil, Saddam Hussain, Mohammad Ahmed and Saqib Hanif and so many others have also experienced spells with overseas clubs, though such cases remain limited.
Pakistan football, however, continues to grapple with deep-rooted structural challenges. A prolonged period of internal disputes and administrative instability over the past decade has severely hampered the sport’s growth, disrupting domestic competitions and player development pathways.
While the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has managed to meet international commitments, largely due to global obligations, progress on the domestic front has been minimal.
The federation’s current leadership faces scrutiny over its perceived fragility and lack of experience as without cohesive governance and strategic planning, the sport’s revival will remain uncertain.
The increasing number of Pakistani players in foreign leagues could play a vital role in raising standards and rebuilding confidence in the system.
As KaleemUllah Jr prepares for his trial in Turkey, many see his journey as more than just a personal opportunity but as a test case for the future direction of Pakistan football, which continues to stand at a delicate crossroads.