Imam-khatib of the cathedral mosque in Vose district of Khatlon province, Sayidakram Sirojev, also known as Domullo Khol, has been elected as the captain of local soccer team “Hulbuk”, which plays in the First League of Tajikistan.  

Fans in social networks violently greeted the imam-soccer player with the words “Mullo Khol ba pesh!” (Go Mullah Khol!).

Fans have substantiated their support for a clergyman in the sports field by the fact that in their opinion, “religion is not separate from worldly life.   Who said that a clergyman should not play sports?  He did it for the public good.   God bless him and his team!”  

“Hulbuk” soccer players hope that the authority of the imam-khatib will influence local entrepreneurs and they will help the team financially the team reach the top echelon of Tajik football next year.