New Radiant was warmly welcomed last night when they went to HA. Dhidhdhoo for the first match being played in the Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League, the biggest football tournament in Maldives.
The match between Dhidhdhoo and New Radiant will be played Saturday evening at Dhidhdhoo Stadium. This is the first match being played north of Male' under the home-and-away basis which was implemented this season.
President of Dhidhdhoo Sports Moosa Naseer said with this tournament, specifically with this match, Dhidhdhoo is experiencing an Eid.
"The entire island has been decorated, flags have been put up and ceremonial gates have been prepared," said Naseer.
Dhidhdhoo residents gathered at the harbor to welcome the New Radiant team last night, with children presenting the team with a welcome item. Dhidhdhoo youth took a picture with the players, more so with captain Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey).
Moosa said matches from Maldives' biggest football tournament being held at Dhidhdhoo is a point of pride for them and that they will welcome every team that comes to the island. However, he highlighted that New Radiant coming to the island made their welcome much more special due to many Dhidhdhoo residents being New Radiant supporters.
"There will be a lot of excitement because it is New Radiant. Most football fans here are New Radiant supporters. New Radiant supporters in Dhidhdhoo are preparing for the match."
Moosa said people from many Boduthiladhunmathi atoll islands will come to support the Dhidhdhoo team.
"We are representing the entirety of Boduthiladhunmathi," said Moosa.
Dhidhdhoo has always expressed excitement over sports and community events. Dhidhdhoo Constituency MP Abdul Latheef Mohamed (Funamaa Latheef) has been leading the efforts in recent matters related to the Dhidhdhoo team, just as he did in his youth.
Dhidhdhoo's first matches in the league were played in Male'. They won the first match against Buru Sports 1-0, and lost the second match against Biss Buru 1-0.
The Dhidhdhoo team is looking very strong with foreign players. National team coach István Urbányi said Dhidhdhoo will put up a strong fight against other teams in the league.
In their first match, New Radiant beat GDh. Gadhdhoo 2-1. They beat Maziya 3-2 in their second match at Male'.
