Ahmed Mubeen, the Chairman, has stated that with the joining of Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey), the best player produced in the Maldives, to New Radiant Sports Club, the team will be seen as a very strong team with his experience and skills combined with other young players. Mubeen said that Ashfaq joining New Radiant is not just a progress for the club, but also a great encouragement and advancement for football in the entire Maldives. “We are all eagerly waiting to see Ashfaq’s play. That day is, God willing, very near,” said Mubeen.
Mubeen said that after some dark days in the history of New Radiant Sports Club, today they have reached a point where there is some revival. “It is all our hope to see our most popular player Ali Ashfaq in New Radiant. Everyone knows that Ashfaq is the most popular player in the Maldives,” Mubeen said. He also said that Ashfaq’s skillfulness and technical ability would be a great advancement for New. Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey), the former forward of the team, has decided to play for New Radiant Sports Club in the second division football tournament to be held later this year.
The 39-year-old former national captain of the Maldives last played for Super United Sports (SUS) in the 2023 season. After playing two matches for that team, he was not seen on the field. This was due to an injury. After that, he underwent knee surgery and is now getting fit. And recently, Ashfaq has been seen in tournaments in the atolls. While Dhagandey has decided to play for New Radiant, which is working to qualify for the first division under the guidance of former defender Sobah Mohamed, this will be the first time he plays in the second division. Dhagandey, who started his career with Valencia in 2001, has played for New Radiant three times. And he was also the captain of New Radiant in 2012. Dhagandey last played for the national team in the 2021 SAFF Championship and the friendly tournament held in Sri Lanka.
