The Faresmaathoda football team has entered the Gold Cup with a roster dominated by young players and appointed Ashraf Luthfee (commonly known as Sampath), former midfielder for the national team, as their head coach.
The team will face Dh. Meedhoo in their opening match this evening.
Previously, the Faresmaathoda team reached the finals in the inaugural Minivan Championship organized by FAM, a tournament exclusively for atoll teams, held in 2015 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of independence and named the Minivan 50 Championship.
During the final match at the Addu Zone Stadium, Faresmaathoda was narrowly defeated by S. Feydhoo.
Many players from that historic tournament are no longer part of the current lineup. This year’s squad mainly comprises younger players, while those who were among the younger members back then now serve as the senior members of the team.
“The experience of those players will be invaluable for our new, young team,” said Ibrahim Sobah, manager of the Faresmaathoda team.
“This is a team being built for the future. With any upcoming tournaments, these young players will continue to develop and represent Faresmaathoda.”
Originally, experienced coach Ahmed Nashid (Naadhu) was set to lead the team. However, due to his commitment to an international academy tournament, Sampath, former assistant coach of New Radiant, was brought in to take over coaching responsibilities.
Under Sampath’s guidance, the team held its first training session yesterday.
Notably, Vice President Hussein Mohamed Latheef has also joined the team as a player.