Karachi: When Harris Zeep is going on the field at the FIFA World Cup this month, history will make the first Pakistani soccer player to compete at the FIFA World Cup event.
For the 24-year-old Auckland City wing, this teacher is more than personal achievement-it is a victory over cultural expectations, injuries that threaten job and Pakistani football.
In an exclusive interview with Geo NewsZeep talked about his football journey – which was characterized by five foot injuries – his future goals and the availability of the Pakistani football team.
Zeep was born in New Zealand for Pakistani immigrant fathers, and he grew up in a narrow -sharing house in Creeschir. Football has become a flight, although its way was far from smooth.
“In the beginning, my family said I am wasting time with football,” Zeeb recalls. “In our Pakistani society, they expect you to become a doctor or a lawyer.”
I grew up in New Zealand for immigrant fathers, and Zeeb faced suspicions early about following the beautiful game professionally.
Football popularity between Pakistani society did not deter him either. He said, “I played the cricket game like every Pakistani child, but the joy was not the same,” adding: “Football was always my passion.”
Things began to change when he started finding success at the age of 18. “Once I started to achieve the results, everyone started supporting me,” he says. “Today, my family is proud.”
This pride will reach new horizons when he faces world powers like Bayern Munich – a possibility that still seems surreal.
“I used to play against these teams in video games with my brother. Now I will really face them,” the football player commented.
Auckland may not enter as a favorite against Bayern and others. But Zeep, who once played in these teams in video games, is not interested. “This is one time chance of age. I will give 100 %.”
The zip track ended before it really started. Between 2021-2023, he suffered from five candle fractures that require two surgeries. “I had a contract in Finland that fell due to injury,” he revealed. “I thought my dream was shattered.”
His perseverance with a prominent 2024 season resulted in Birkinheide United, who earned him a place in the World Cup in Auckland City. “God writes the fate of everyone,” Zeb said.
Its prominent offers for the team include three goals in the Champions League victory, and now a place in the club’s World Cup, where his team will face Auckland giants such as Bayern Munich, Boca Juniors and Benfica.
While Zeep flourished in New Zealand, the questions remain about his availability of the Pakistani national team. He was called in the U23 AFC qualifiers for 2023 but he could not participate due to an injury.
“I was supposed to be in the camp this time, but my focus was the FIFA World Cup,” he said. “I am in contact with the Pakistani Football Association and the coach,” Zeeb says. “If chosen for future matches, I will be available.”
Zeep added that Pakistan is considered a giant asleep for Asian football.
He said: “I regularly follow Pakistani football. FIFA and political issues have stopped progress, but it seems that things return to the right track.
To the growing fan base in Pakistan, Zeep sent a heart message and said: “Love from Pakistan means everything for me. If I give the opportunity, I want to represent Pakistan.”
After that? “I do not outperform the future,” Zeb is smiling. “I just pray to continue playing well,” and concluded.