The man behind the Pakistan Markhors, Muzza, gives us an update on all things footy in Pakistan – including the announcement of Mr Tayyab assuming the position of President of AFL Pakistan.
Grand Final weekend was celebrated in Islamabad with the Pakistan Markhors unveiling a recruiting coup in securing ex WCE Clancy Ruderforth as part of its playing roster for 2015. Clancy has recently arrived in Islamabad and the Pakistan Markhors slightly wary of his ability to add skill to the slick outfit put him though a Pakistan AFL Combine at the now traditional Grand Final car park footy challenge. In the round of activities Clancy scored top marks in the vertical leap section with an added points bonus in the special category for a knee to the back of the head of an opponent. Clancy was duly inducted into the Markors ‘talent identification squad’ for 2015.
The Grand Final weekend also saw Pakistan AFL showcased to the wider Pakistani community with AFL Pakistan President Tayyab gathering delegates from far and wide across Pakistan to showcase them the skills of AFL footy. With support from the Australian High Commissioner the Pakistan delegates were impressed with the ball skills of the Markhors and readily joined in the half time entertainment including kicking and marking.
The Markhors followed up the GF weekend on Sunday with its annual Pakistan Ironman Triathlon designed to give the Markhors that fitness edge that is so envied by rivals in Asian Football. The organisers of the Triathlon (The Islamabad Dashers and Markhors) saw the International community come together for charity to support the family of the hundreds of Pakistani Police Officers killed on duty each year. This year the Markhors/Dashers have raised some USD 5,000 for the welfare of these families.
The next Dashers/Markhors challenge is the now annual Fayyaz Sumbal Charity Cricket Match in Lahore on Saturday 8 November 2014. With a direct air service from Bangkok to Lahore the Markhors will happily accept AFL Asia cricketing tragics wanting a fantastic weekend experience in Lahore playing up alongside former Pakistani champions and mixing with Pakistani cricketing royalty. For further information contact the Dashers/Markhors on islamabad.dashers@hotmail.com
Footy, Cricket, Charity and fellowship is alive in Pakistan. Come join us – you will be amazed and surprised at our hospitality, the culture and diversity of this resilient country which is so often maligned.
