Arrangements have been made where honored guests of Maldivian football will go to HA. Dhidhdhoo to watch the first Dhivehi Premier League match being played at the island for the first time.
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.
The Guest of Honour for the match is the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fitness Abdulla Rafiu.
Guests who will be going to the island upon invitation include former president of the Maldives Olympics Committee Ibrahim Ismail, New Radiant founder 'Queen' Ahmed Waheed, three former players from the national football team Moosa Maniku (Kuda Moosa), Ibrahim Rasheed (Andharey), Mauroof Ahmed (Maattey) and former national football team coach Ali Suzain.
President of Dhidhdhoo Sports Moosa Naseer said this is the biggest match being played in Dhidhdhoo history and the arrival of players who made a name for Maldives in the name of football is cause for happiness.
In addition to Dhidhdhoo, this is the first time a match from Maldives' most prominent league is being played north of Male'. The matches from this season onward will be played under a home-and-away basis at Male', Dhidhdhoo and GDh. Gadhdhoo.
Most of the people going to Dhidhdhoo have a historic connection to New Radiant. Queen Waheed ran the club during its golden days. Moosa Maniku and Ibrahim Rasheed are players who have achieved a lot for the team. And even though Suzain played and coached rival club Victory, he instructed New Radiant last season. Ibrahim Ismail is the first captain of the national team and the former FIFA referee. Mauroof Ahmed is one of the most decorated coaches in Maldives who played for and coached Victory.
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).
"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.
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'.
