Maldives national football team's former assistant coach, Mohamed Shiyaz has declared that Club Eagles' striker, Ahmed Rizwan, deserved a spot on the national team.
Rizwan was given opportunities to star in various matches during the tenure of former national coach Darren Stewart. The striker's impact on the matches he played in, with his good use of openings, was prominent. However, after Peter Segrt assumed the position of the national team coach, Rizwan is yet to be allowed to don the national team jersey.
Club Eagles' coach Shiyaz expressed discontentment over Rizwan's exclusion from the national team, taking into account the talent and sheer skills exhibited by the striker.
“Since the start of the year, I have been sure that Rizey deserves to be on the national team. There is no way that his performance can be deemed bad. He was playing really well,” said Shiyaz.
According to Club Eagles' coach, Rizwan has proven that he is in peak form after the ‘Dhivehi Premier League’ resumed, following a temporary hiatus of 70 days for the SAFF Suzuki Cup 2018.
Rizwan's last five matches netted him a total of 16 goals to his scoresheet, scoring four goals against Thimarafushi, Thaa Atoll, and a hat-trick against Foakaidhoo, Shaviyani Atoll and Fehendhoo, Baa Atoll. He also managed to score two goals in the first leg against Nilandhoo, Faafu Atoll, while scoring another two against the team in their second leg match held on Saturday.
“I am certain that the national team coach will witness this…I believe that [Rizwan] will be able to star in the starting 11 in the following matches,” said Shiyaz.
Rizwan has scored a total of 23 goals this season. He is also praised for giving assists to teammates in addition to his personal scores.
The striker has played under three renowned coaches, including former Club Eagle’s coach Ihsan Abdul Ghani, Ali Suzain and his current coach, Mohan.
Maldives faces Malaysia on November 3 in their upcoming international friendly.
Sign In
