Football icon Dhagandey and celebrated coach Suzain sign with New Radiant

Ali Suzain, one of the Maldives' most experienced and successful football coaches, has officially taken charge as head coach of New Radiant Sports Club, the nation’s most popular and successful football powerhouse. Adding to the buzz, New Radiant’s Chairman Ahmed Mubeen recently confirmed that Ali “Dhagandey” Ashfag, widely regarded as the best football player in Maldivian history, will also be joining the club for the upcoming season. Coach Suzain has personally confirmed this exciting development.

While New Radiant has yet to make a formal announcement regarding Suzain’s appointment, the coach spoke exclusively to RaajjeMV, revealing he has signed a two-year contract to lead the club. This marks a significant milestone for both Suzain and New Radiant.

Suzain’s connection to New Radiant is especially noteworthy given his long-standing ties to Victory Sports Club, New Radiant’s fiercest rival. As a player and coach at Victory for many years, Suzain recalls the emotional rollercoaster of matches against New Radiant, even admitting to tears after losses. He noted that taking charge as New Radiant’s coach feels completely different, and that it’s a proud moment and a new chapter in his coaching career.

The move has been warmly welcomed by New Radiant fans and fellow coaches alike. Suzain shared that the flood of supportive messages from supporters and colleagues highlights the positive impact of his transition on the league and the football community. He felt a strong sense of unity among Maldivian coaches and expressed excitement to be part of New Radiant.

Training sessions are expected to kick off on August 27 as preparations ramp up for the new season. Suzain expressed optimism that New Radiant will soon return to the first division, the main reason behind his decision to take the job.

Once the club’s return to the first division is confirmed, Suzain plans to bolster the squad with new signings, including two quality foreign players. The current roster, which performed impressively under former coach Sobah during the recent FAM League Cup, already provides a solid foundation.

Looking ahead, Suzain noted that this year’s league is scheduled to start about a week after the Charity Shield match, set for mid-September, signaling an exciting season on the horizon.

Before joining New Radiant, Suzain coached the Maldives national team and enjoyed successful spells at Victory, Maziya, and Green Street, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s top football minds.

With Ashfag’s legendary presence on the field and Suzain’s tactical expertise from the sidelines, New Radiant fans have every reason to be excited for the upcoming season.