KARACHI, Dec 22: Pakistan's SAF Games football hero Abdul Aziz Baloch on Wednesday urged for incentives and employment opportunities for the players, saying the game could not be revived without sense of security among the young footballers.

"We must have more cash incentives and jobs for the players which is one of the ways to provide football a boost in Pakistan," said Aziz who scored the match-winner in Pakistan's 1-0 victory over arch-rivals India to help his side clinch the SAF Games gold in Islamabad earlier this year under Chinese coach Wang Xiao He.

The 18-year-old said although the government had given huge cash rewards to the sportsmen, there was still need for more incentives for talented athletes. "The Pakistan football team is still waiting for Rs one million cash prize announced after we won the gold at SAF Games. I hope we will get it soon as promised," he said.

However, the skilful striker was not satisfied with the employment opportunities for footballers, saying organizations like Muslim Commercial Bank, Karachi Water and Sewerage Board and others had closed down their sports departments.

Aziz said he was associated with Sindh Government Press when he played at SAF Games and was getting a meagre amount of Rs3,000 monthly before being hired by National Bank of Pakistan on Rs15,000 per month.

"I am in a better position now but what about other youngsters who find it financially hard. How they are supposed to play and perform when they don't have decent jobs. The players can only deliver when they will be given facilities, sense of security and exposure," he said.

Aziz, who came into spotlight after making dream debut at SAF Games, said it was better opportunities in the past which helped Pakistan become a football force at least at Asian level.

"Our senior players had opportunities then. And that was the reason Pakistan had such extraordinary players known for their skills internationally," he said. The striker born and brought up in Karachi's slum Lyari said foreign coaches should be hired for acquiring the latest techniques and skills needed in modern day football.

"Although I did not play under former English coach John Layton I have heard he was one of the best Pakistan had. I must say we should take advantage of foreign coaches who can also provide valuable technical and coaching tips to our local coaches," said Aziz who dreams to become Argentina soccer idol Diego Maradona and Brazilian star Ronaldo.