Pakistan’s Mohibullah and Waqar have expressed firm confidence ahead of the crucial clash against Myanmar, insisting the team is better prepared, more cohesive, and ready to deliver a strong result.
Sharing their views, Waqar highlighted the team’s belief, saying, “Our preparation is even better this time, Inshallah, we hope we can win,” while Mohibullah added, “We’ll try to perform even better than before.”
The optimism stems from an intensive training camp that has seen steady improvement across all departments. Mohibullah highlighted the team’s progress, noting that the players have responded positively to the coaching staff’s plans. “The preparation has been going really well… the boys are giving a really good response,” he said, pointing to a focused and motivated environment within the camp.
He emphasised that Pakistan’s recent matches against strong opposition have played a key role in shaping the team’s development. According to Mohibullah, consistent exposure and game time have helped improve cohesion and understanding among players. “With every camp we’re improving more and more. We’re getting good game time,” he remarked, while maintaining that the team is ready to raise its level further against Myanmar.
A central figure in this transformation has been head coach Shahzad Anwar Solano. Waqar credited the coach for fostering a balanced environment that combines professionalism with freedom of expression. “He’s giving us a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and tells us to enjoy the game,” Waqar said, adding that the coach’s decision to rely on domestic talent has injected fresh energy into the squad. Players selected from local competitions have embraced the opportunity to represent the country and prove their capabilities on the international stage.
Training standards, Waqar noted, have been particularly high, with sessions designed to strengthen both tactical discipline and overall confidence. “The training he’s put us through has been excellent… we hope we pull this match off,” he said, reflecting the team’s determination to translate preparation into performance.
Fitness has also been a major focus area, with trainer Raiyan Abbasi playing a key role. Waqar described the squad’s condition as “tremendous,” while acknowledging the initial challenges posed by Ramadan. Fasting, he explained, placed the team at a slight disadvantage compared to non-fasting opponents, but the players have since regained their physical sharpness after spending over a week training together.
Despite the absence of several senior and overseas players, Mohibullah expressed confidence in the squad’s chemistry. He noted that many players have trained together previously, ensuring continuity within the group. Younger players, he added, have adapted quickly to the system and contributed positively. “They’ve adjusted very quickly to the plan… the atmosphere is very friendly,” he said, highlighting strong communication and mutual support within the team.
Mohibullah also pointed to the challenge of playing without large crowds, stressing the importance of fan support. “It’s quite difficult playing in an empty ground, because football is built for an atmosphere,” he said, while assuring supporters that the team remains fully committed to delivering its best on the field.
Waqar, meanwhile, drew confidence from Pakistan’s recent performances against competitive sides such as Syria and Afghanistan, noting that those matches have strengthened belief within the squad. He also recalled that Pakistan had performed well in its previous encounter against Myanmar, reinforcing the team’s optimism. “This time our preparation is even better… we hope we can win this one,” he concluded.