Karachi, July 21, 202: In a major development for football in the country, the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) has confirmed the appointment of former Peruvian international Nolberto Solano as head coach of the national men’s team, while Argentine trainer Jorge Castaneira will serve as his assistant.
The appointments, which will cover both the senior and under-23 national teams, were approved by a narrow majority in the PFF Executive Committee, with 7 out of 13 members voting in favor. However, the decision also faced resistance, as six members opposed the move, reflecting a split within the federation over the direction of Pakistan’s football strategy.
Solano, 48, is one of Peru’s most celebrated footballers and brings significant coaching and playing experience to the role. A holder of the prestigious FIFA-CONMEBOL Pro Licence, Solano was part of Peru’s coaching staff at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. He also guided the national side to a commendable fourth-place finish at the 2021 Copa America.
As a player, Solano earned 95 caps for Peru, scoring 20 goals. His club career includes memorable stints at Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Boca Juniors, where he was known for his technical prowess and set-piece accuracy.
Assisting him will be Jorge Castaneira, an experienced physical trainer with an extensive background in football fitness, performance enhancement, and tactical implementation. Castaneira has worked with several national and club sides, including Venezuela’s 2002 World Cup qualifying team and top-tier South American clubs such as Deportivo Municipal and Real Garcilaso. He also led UAE’s Ras Al Khaimah SC to victory in the First Division Cup in 2010.
In addition to his coaching experience, Castaneira is a published author, having written three books on football training, focusing on anaerobic endurance, speed, and precision-based development.
According to PFF sources, both Solano and Castaneira have agreed to the terms and are expected to formally sign their contracts this week. The duo has been signed on a one-year contract, during which they will focus on revamping player performance, implementing modern training methodologies, and laying the groundwork for sustainable youth development.
Their immediate assignment will be preparing the under-23 squad for the upcoming 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers — a key test for the new coaching setup as Pakistan looks to improve its standing in Asian football.
The appointments reflect the federation’s ambition to bring in international expertise and elevate Pakistan’s football infrastructure to meet modern competitive standards.
