Huraa is re-emerging as a force in Maldivian football, with the island’s team securing qualification for the regional league and moving a step closer to the top tier.
Once known as a football stronghold, Huraa was home to Hurriyya Sport Clubba dominant team that won the Dhivehi League and the POMIS Cup, and competed in regional tournaments including the AFC Cup.
The island now competes under its own name, and its latest success marks a return to prominence. Huraa sealed their place in the regional league as champions, keeping alive hopes of reaching the Dhivehi Premier League (DPL) qualifiers next season.
Regional qualifiers concluded
Qualification tournaments across the country have now wrapped up, determining teams for the regional leagues played as second divisions.
Outside the Male' region, the country is divided into north, central and south regions, each split into two zones.
In the north, Dhidhdhoo and Hanimaadhoo played out a 3-3 draw in the Zone 1 final, with Hanimaadhoo winning on penalties. In Zone 2, Manadhoo edged Eydhafushi 6-5.
Huraa defeated Mahibadhoo 3-0 in the Central Region Zone 1 final. In Zone 2, Kudahuvadhoo beat Meedhoo on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
In the south, Gan overcame Kunahandhoo 3-0, while Gadhdhoo defeated Feydhoo 1-0.
The top two teams from each zone will progress to their respective regional leagues, which will be played on a home-and-away basis.
Champions of the Male' League second division and the three regional leagues will advance to the DPL qualifiers.
They will be joined by two lower-ranked Dhivehi Premier League sides — TC Sports Club and Green Streets in a six-team playoff.
The top four teams from that playoff will secure places in next season’s Dhivehi Premier League.
