Mohammad Sadam, the standout player for Pakistan in the World Cup qualifiers, is now sidelined by a severe knee injury that threatens to derail his promising football career.
The 19-year-old, who gained national recognition for his breathtaking goal-line save against Jordan, suffered a serious injury during a training session.
Doctors diagnosed him with a hairline fracture and a blood clot near his knee, recommending urgent surgery to prevent further damage.
However, the cost of the operation, which stands at Rs500,000 in Islamabad or Rs400,000 in Peshawar, has put Sadam in a difficult position.
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Without official support from the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF), he has been forced to turn to the PFF’s Normalization Committee (PFF NC) for assistance, requesting the release of his pending payments and financial help for the surgery.
As of now, his plea has gone unanswered.
Sadam’s brother, Haji Mohammad, a former national team captain, has taken matters into his own hands.
He is actively seeking donations from friends and family to fund the surgery.
Expressing frustration, Haji stated that the federation should have stepped in by now, highlighting that Sadam is a national asset whose talent has caught the attention of foreign clubs.
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The ongoing injury risks not only his recovery but also potential opportunities that could slip away if the situation is delayed.
Shahid Khokhar, a member of the PFF NC, acknowledged Sadam’s immense potential and assured that help would be provided once FIFA releases the necessary funds.
Despite this, the delay raises questions about the system in place to support young athletes, especially those on the verge of making a mark internationally.
As Sadam’s future hangs in the balance, the need for more robust support for emerging sports talent becomes increasingly evident.