Solano sees signs of progress as Pakistan targets growth at Maldives tournament

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MALE, Maldives: Pakistan head coach Nolberto Solano and captain Abdullah Iqbal expressed confidence in the national team’s upward trajectory on Monday, saying the Maldives Diamond Jubilee International Tournament offers an important platform to build momentum ahead of regional and continental challenges.
Pakistan begin their campaign against Bangladesh on Tuesday in the four-nation tournament, which also features hosts Maldives and Afghanistan, with the event serving as a key preparation exercise ahead of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship later this year.
Former Peru international Solano, who has overseen Pakistan’s gradual rebuilding process over the past year, welcomed the opportunity to test his squad against competitive opposition.
“We’re very pleased with the Pakistan Federation for accepting this tournament, and thank you to Maldives for inviting us to be part of this beautiful competition with good national teams,” Solano told reporters. “This kind of tournament is important because it helps the players spend more time together and continue developing as a group.”
Pakistan have endured a turbulent period in recent years, including FIFA suspensions and interruptions to domestic football activity that hindered player development and international competitiveness. However, Solano said recent administrative progress has given him reason for optimism.
“After suffering through the suspension period, Pakistan is starting to come good and move towards better regulations,” he said. “The next step, hopefully sooner rather than later, is becoming fully professional.”
The coach stressed that establishing a sustainable domestic football structure remains critical to unlocking the country’s potential.
“There are a lot of young talents and great players in Pakistan who deserve opportunities,” Solano said. “Strong local competition allows young boys to dream and aspire to become professional footballers. Pakistan needs to give its own talent that pathway because not many players can go abroad to play.”
While domestic football continues to develop, Pakistan have increasingly benefited from players of Pakistani heritage competing overseas, particularly in Europe.
“We have experienced diaspora players playing in Denmark, Sweden and other European countries, and that gives another level to the national team,” Solano said. “The combination of those players with local talent is helping us become more competitive.”
Captain Abdullah Iqbal, who has been a central figure in Pakistan’s recent resurgence, said the tournament provides valuable preparation before more significant challenges arrive.
“It’s great fixtures for us to prepare for the SAFF Championship,” Iqbal said. “We’re very pleased to be here and excited to test ourselves against strong opposition.”
Looking further ahead, Solano said Pakistan’s long-term focus remains qualification campaigns for the AFC Asian Cup and FIFA World Cup.
“There are a lot of friendly competitions this year, but we’re also looking forward to next year when qualification begins again,” he said. “Those are the major objectives.”
Pakistan open the tournament against Bangladesh, who are reportedly bringing a youthful squad to Male. Solano dismissed any suggestion that his side would underestimate their opponents.
“Even if Bangladesh are bringing younger players, it is still the national team,” he said. “We have to be professionals and represent our country in the best possible way.”
Iqbal also pointed to the team’s development since their last meeting with Maldives, a narrow 1-0 defeat in 2023.
“In football, a lot can happen in two or three years,” he said. “We’ve improved a lot during that period and we’re ready for the challenge ahead.”
Football continues to operate in the shadow of cricket in Pakistan, but Solano believes the sport is gradually gaining ground, driven by improved performances from the national team.
“Football is slowly becoming more popular,” he said. “The results we achieve with the senior national team are important because they give people something to believe in and dream about.”
While acknowledging that meaningful change will take time, the former Newcastle United midfielder remained confident about the direction of Pakistani football.
“Everything changes slowly,” Solano said. “But with patience, we will get there.