Following legendary footballer Mohamed Arif's untimely passing, his companions recall memories of his triumph in the football scene alongside his warm and disciplines character. This is a translation of an article by Hussain Habeeb of Mihaaru.
Football legend, Mohamed Arif (Baka), widely titled by coaches as the best defensive midfielder in the history of the country's football had secured the hearts of Maldivians nation-wide before soaring through the ranks to establish himself as a legendary athlete.
He had demonstrated exemplar determination in both his religious and social life, much like his performance on the pitch during the golden age of the country's football.
The former midfielder passed away on Tuesday evening while receiving treatment for his deteriorating health following his return to Maldives after completing Hajj amongst the delegation who travelled on the invitation of the Saudi King, Salman bin Abdulaziz. Despite his untimely passing, his distinguished features and exemplary character remains etched into the memories of all he encountered.
Arif, aged 38 had carried all features that commands love and respect in a football player.
After rising through the ranks and making his way to the national team, Baka played a major role in Maldives winning the SAFF Championship held in Maldives and Sri Lanka in 2008, a time dubbed the golden age of Maldives' football. He was a foundational pillar of the age, revered by all as one of the best athletes on the field.
Following injuries and fitness issues, Arif held back from playing in the last two seasons of the Maldivian football scene's top division.
Although advanced in age, Arif held hopes of recovering from his injuries and returning to the pitch, back into the football scene. He had refused to leave the sport so easily despite his injuries, assuring at the time that he had no intentions to leave the pitch.
"I'm not stopping. I will continue to play. Once I recover from my injuries, I can still play at a good level here [in Maldives' football league]." said Arif last year, speaking at a press conference.
The coaches who instructed the football legend corroborate his dedication. Maldivian football coach, Ali Suzain, who had trained Arif during his time in the football clubs, Victory, Maziya and Green Streets stated that Arif showed paramount determination and hard work during each instance of a comeback.
As an example of this, as Suzain recalled was the time when Arif was titled the best Maldivian footballer of the year in 2010.
"He returned to the sport at the time after staying away for a long time. He achieved the best footballer of the year award that time, he secured the title of best footballer selected by [local media] 'Haveeru' News." said Suzain, recalling the accolades Arif's had earned in his time.
The former midfielder had also secured a spot within the preliminary squad formed for the SAFF Championships held in Maldives on October 2021 under the guidance of Suzain. Although Arif was the oldest player on the squad, his coach recalled that he was the most motivational athlete in team, a pillar who constantly encouraged his juniors.
"On average, Baka [Arif] was the athlete who worked with me for the longest time. [He was] a very committed player. He had demonstrated impressive plays during his most recent time with me [in club football] for Green Street and Maziya. He had played really well when Maziya secured the championship of the FA Cup in 2014 as well," said Suzain.
Despite abstaining the last two seasons of the football's top division, Arif never left the football scene. He was an active member in the Soccer Veterans Association of Maldives (SVAM) which allows participants aged 35 and older and plays a fair share in the special club of the Soccer Veterans, Maldives Soccer Mates.
Arif, who is originally from Hithadhoo, Addu City had begun his career at the ripe age of 19 in 2004, gaining recognition while playing for IFC, a football club in his home island. He was offered the chance to play in the club at such a early age by former soccer coach, Mauroof Ahmed (Maatte), who had taken a liking to Arif's distinctive style.
Upon word of the untimely passing, Mauroof had instantly recollected the early days of Arif's career and their first encounter during Mauroof's trip to Addu City with his team, IFC, who he was coaching at the time after leaving Victory.
"I gave opportunities to entirely new two players. One of these players was Baka. He hadn't even turned 18 when I first met him. Or he was barely 18." recounted Mauroof.
"I took an instant liking to his play. He also possessed the most desirable physique and strength for the position."
Mauroof expressed his devastation upon hearing of Arif's passing.
The widely used nickname 'Baka' was also given to Arif by Mauroof who named him after a foreign midfielder who played for the football club Victory.
"A friend of mine living in Singapore at the time had sent a foreign player named Baka to play for Victory SC. His [Arif's] play style was very similar to how this Baka performed. That's how he was given the name 'Baka'. I told him that he is Baka, to play as such," Mauroof said, revisiting his early memories of Arif.
The renown coach added that Arif was recognized on the pitch as a daring player even during his youth - which displayed at its best during the SAFF Championships held in 2008.
Although the opportunity to step into the field during the SAFF Championship held in 2018 were scarce, captain of the national team at the time, Akram Abdul Ghanee affirmed that Arif's leadership had played an important role in securing the win for the country.
The tournament held in Bangladesh had posed several challenges for the Maldives' national team. Arif had steadily encouraged the team to overcome the pressure held over the national squad which was formed without the famed Maldivian goal scorer, former forward Ali Ashfaq (Dhangandey).
During this difficult instance, Arif remained besides Akram, motivating the young national team.
"It is widely known how big of a pressurizing moment that was. It was a time when players were displeased with some of the coach's decisions. But Baka had taken the lead in uniting the team through various mean even then." said Akram.
"Maybe people might think that his role in securing the cup for Maldives might have been small because he wasn't seen on the field. But if he hadn't encouraged the team to stay united, we wouldn't have achieved the cup."
Akram said that although the captain's band was not on Arif's arm, his leadership had proven invaluable to the team during the competition.
Maldives had travelled to the semifinals at the time due to a fortunate draw after tying with Sri Lanka in all aspects. The team remained unfazed over mockery on social media for the chance qualification solely due to Arif's cooperation and steady efforts, recalled Akram.
"He remained close even up until his departure to Hajj. He departed for Hajj after spending a lot of time together participating in practice to prepare for the Veterans Tournament. He sent a photo he took of himself in ihram [clothing worn for pilgrimage] to the [Viber] group and sent updates regularly," Akram said, revisiting his most recent times with the late Arif.
"It was devastating, his passing, after being so close. During this time when footballers are unhappy over the state of the sport [in the country], such a thing happening to a player at his level is a huge devastation for all footballers."
Akram maintained that Arif remains the best athlete of his position in the history of the country.
"A player of that level may never be seen again," said Akram.
An independant party that raised funds in solidarity with Palestine in 2014 stated that the legendary midfielder's priority for such activities were demonstrated from that event alone.
Despite the invitation to the launching ceremony of the fund raising event making its way to Arif on short notice, he had happily conceded and was present at the event when it began at the Nasandhura Palace Hotel in Male' City.
Arif, and former captain of the national team, Asad were offered the chance to make the first donations to the fund in order to launch the campaign, 'Gaza Fund'.
Those active in organizing the event recounted Arif's steady engagement in campaign activities even post event. He had expressed his dedication to such initiatives and partook the campaigns that came after as well. His role was prominent is rising through the struggles and expanding the campaign to a national scale.
Arif had remained a notable icon in multiple social campaigns.
Expressing their condolences on Arif's untimely passing on social media, many had remembered him as a footballer who prioritized the five prayers and religious responsibilities.
Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Maldives, Dr Ali Zahir had shared a screenshot of the last text message he had received from Arif on Facebook.
"Sheikh, do send the Du'a book," read the text.
"Mohamed Arif (Baka) is a close companion who remained heedful of religious practices. He was never lax with prayers," Ali Zahir wrote on the post.
Ali Zahir said that Arif remained a close friend who never neglected his religious worship.
Sign In
