American Team Sacramento Republic FC set to offer a contract to Kaleem ullah.

[Umair Nawaz]

From Asia Despatch Online


Asia Despatch can now confirm that Pakistan International, Kaleemullah is on the verge of becoming the first Pakistani player to play professional football in North America, after USL giants, Sacramento Republic offered him a contract.

The former KRL star was on trial with the Republic for almost four weeks and following some impressive displays, The Republic coaching staff is eager to tie him down on a permanent deal as the team looks to successfully defend their USL championship title.

While speaking to our California-based correspondent, CEO of Kora Stars sports agency (and the players agent), Adel Saad said, “Sacramento Republic are ready to take the next step and offer Kaleem a permanent deal. They were really impressed with what they saw. We are currently in the process of negotiating terms that are beneficial to all concerned parties.”

Should negotiations bear a positive outcome, it will give Pakistan football a potential access to a football market that is reportedly impressed with the footballing potential the country has on offer

Kaleemullah edging closer to signing for Sacramento Republic [Asia Despatch] | FootballPakistan.com (FPDC)

 

[Dubious]

 

[AZADPAKISTAN2009]

Semi pro league nothing that great

 

[Adecypher]

Semi pro league nothing that great

Sir Ji, something is better than nothing...

 

[Umair Nawaz]

News
Sacramento Republic FC Sign Forward Kaleemullah
Posted on Jun 18, 2015 in News, Press Releases
Kaleemullah is believed to be the first Pakistani-born player to sign with a U.S.-based soccer club.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 18, 2015) – Sacramento Republic FC have agreed to a contract with forward Kaleemullah Khan. The Pakistan Men’s National Team captain is believed to be the first Pakistani-born player to sign a contract with a professional U.S.-based soccer club, based on current record keeping.

“The signing of Kaleemullah demonstrates the continued mission of Republic FC to bring the best players from around the world to our Capital City,” said Republic FC Technical Director Graham Smith. “His scoring prowess is well documented, but it may also still take a little time for him to both learn the style of play in the U.S. in addition to Preki’s coaching style.”

Kaleemullah joins Republic FC after spending last season with Dordoi Bishkek of the Shoro Top League, the Kyrgyz First Division. He appeared in 17 matches for Dordoi Bishkek, who went on to win the Shoro Top League title. Kaleemullah was the MVP and Golden Boot winner after leading the league in scoring with 18 goals in 2014. Prior to his one-year stint in Kyrgyzstan, Kaleemullah appeared in 94 matches in five Pakistan Premier League seasons, scoring 72 goals. He won the Pakistan Premier League Golden Boot after setting the record for goals (31) and hat tricks (7) in a single season in 2013.

In 2014, Kaleemullah was named captain of the Pakistani Men’s National Team. He has appeared in 25 matches for Pakistan since 2011, scoring four goals.

With the signing of Kaleemullah, Republic FC players now represent 12 different countries, from five different continents.

For full player bios and stats, visit SacRepublicFC.com.

Kaleemullah
Position: Forward


Its official now! @Akheilos
@MastanKhan sir ap match dekhny jain gy? ticket is 13 $. @ Sacramento.

@Khalid Newazi

He is first ever South Asian based footballer in UCL. Before him B. Bhutia of india signed for MLS club Kansas City for a brief time but didnt play any match.

 

[MastanKhan]

Hi,

If I was in the san Francisco area---I would---but I am 500 miles away-----.

 

[EagleEyes]

Great to see Pakistani players getting recognized. Hopefully this becomes the start up point where Pakistani footballers eye better future.

 

[Umair Nawaz]

Hi,

If I was in the san Francisco area---I would---but I am 500 miles away-----.

Sir g it was my mistake. Its not in Saint Francisco. Its Sacramento, its capital of the state where u live, California.

Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more. Official Ticketmaster site

U and all expats in America can get tickets from the above website.

 

[MastanKhan]

Sir g it was my mistake. Its not in Saint Francisco. Its Sacramento, its capital of the state where u live, California.

Tickets for Concerts, Sports, Arts, Theater, Family, Events, more. Official Ticketmaster site

U and all expats in America can get tickets from the above website.

Pappy,

They are both close by---people commute to work from sacramento to san Francisco.

I am way south now in Riverside county----

 

[Umair Nawaz]

Kaleem ullah official with Dr Paul Estrada (NASA scientist and San Jose Earthquakes fan) just before Sacramento Republic FC faced hosts San Jose Earthquakes in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup 4th Round. Kaleem was on the bench for the game and remains positive on formally joining last year's USL champions Sacramento Republic soon. The Quakes won an exciting cup tie 6-5 on penalties after 2-2 at end of extra time.

Pic courtesy Dr Paul Estrada

 

[Arsalan]

That is a good news indeed. Even though it is just a semi professional league and not the top tire f American Soccer but still it is a new breakthrough.

One of the main reasons that we have not been able to nurture footballing talent is that there is no big money involved in football in Pakistan. now if some of our top talents get recognition abroad, that will encourage the rest to step up and work harder. Will also encourage sponsors to pay some attention to truly global game.

I sincerely hope that the deal go ahead and Kaleem Ullah gets to play for a foreign team, earning better, learning tricks of the trade and helping Pakistan Football team eventually. Hope to see more such examples. Our players, if work hard and given a little bit of attention by the federation can easily breakthrough African, Turkish and Asian leagues to start with. Will get paid better and will get a chance to learn a lot from other professionals that will ultimately improve the standard of the game in Pakistan.

 

[Ishant Sahu]

Sir Ji, something is better than nothing...

Agreed .

This is good news . atleast he is trying

 

[Umair Nawaz]

That is a good news indeed. Even though it is just a semi professional league and not the top tire f American Soccer but still it is a new breakthrough.

One of the main reasons that we have not been able to nurture footballing talent is that there is no big money involved in football in Pakistan. now if some of our top talents get recognition abroad, that will encourage the rest to step up and work harder. Will also encourage sponsors to pay some attention to truly global game.

I sincerely hope that the deal go ahead and Kaleem Ullah gets to play for a foreign team, earning better, learning tricks of the trade and helping Pakistan Football team eventually. Hope to see more such examples. Our players, if work hard and given a little bit of attention by the federation can easily breakthrough African, Turkish and Asian leagues to start with. Will get paid better and will get a chance to learn a lot from other professionals that will ultimately improve the standard of the game in Pakistan.

its professional and biggest league in america in number of teams.

Semi pro league nothing that great

professional league.

 

[Arsalan]

its professional and biggest league in america in number of teams.


professional league.

Sorry perhaps i used the wrong word, it is a PROFESSIONAL football team but what league is it playing? they do not play in the TOP TIRE league in America. The USL, the league Sacramento Republic FC is part of is sanctioned as DIVISION III Professional Soccer League, that is why i was pointing to.

HOWEVER, as mentioned in above post as well, it still is a good welcoming news as our players will get better paid no matter what division it is compared to home and also will gain LOT MORE experience playing there rather than in Pakistan. Till now, football is a game that fails to attract major sponsors in Pakistan and unless things change any foreign experience our players can get is great. As mentioned, i feel that with a little extra effort of players and federation, our players may be able to get into some African and Asian leagues. The experience gained there will improve the national team and with improving status we may be able to attract better sponsors.

 

[Umair Nawaz]

Sorry perhaps i used the wrong word, it is a PROFESSIONAL football team but what league is it playing? they do not play in the TOP TIRE league in America. The USL, the league Sacramento Republic FC is part of is sanctioned as DIVISION III Professional Soccer League, that is why i was pointing to.

HOWEVER, as mentioned in above post as well, it still is a good welcoming news as our players will get better paid no matter what division it is compared to home and also will gain LOT MORE experience playing there rather than in Pakistan. Till now, football is a game that fails to attract major sponsors in Pakistan and unless things change any foreign experience our players can get is great. As mentioned, i feel that with a little extra effort of players and federation, our players may be able to get into some African and Asian leagues. The experience gained there will improve the national team and with improving status we may be able to attract better sponsors.

its a third division league but its a professional league. The previous game of theirs on Thursday was against san jose club in US open Cup which play in their first division.