One of the most renowned soccer players from Pakistan is in Sacramento this week trying to land a contract with Republic FC.
Kaleemullah Kahn, a captain on the Pakistan national team, played last season for Dordoi Bishkek, the top club in the Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan. Last season, the forward was voted the league’s top player and was its leading scorer, with 18 goals in 17 matches, while helping that country’s perennial power to the league title.
With the Pakistan National Team, he has scored four goals in 25 games played since 2011. He scored 31 goals in 2012 and 33 more in 2013 for Kahn Research Laboratories in the Pakistan Premier League.
“He sees Sacramento and Republic FC as a good fit for him,” said Adel Saad, his agent with the Bay Area-based KoraStars. “He is really impressed with the style of play, and that it’s a team that he thinks can bring out the best in him. He knows Preki is an experienced coach who had achievements with Chivas in (Major League Soccer). And it’s not just about coming to America and being on a good team, it’s the environment around you. Sacramento has a large and supportive Pakistani community; so he feels comfortable here.
