Adam Rifau Abdul Raheem
Redwings BC is entering a fresh phase, now under the guidance of newly appointed president Mohamed Mekhael Riyaz—better known as Miki.
At 29, Miki becomes the youngest president to lead a local basketball club, taking over with a clear direction focused on squad development and strengthening the club’s presence both on and off the court.
A sharper, hungrier line-up
One of the big shifts under Miki’s leadership is in recruitment. Redwings is actively blending in young talent with experienced players during the off-season.
Among the most talked-about signings is Kaif Shirhan, a promising shooter brought in from Royals BC. While still early in his development, Kaif’s ability as a three-point shooter has already caught the attention of fans and scouts alike.
Also joining is Ahmed Husham (Thubbe), a well-established player in the Basketball community. With past stints at Kings and Trex BC, Thubbe adds leadership and defensive strength, offering experience that could help guide the club’s younger players.
From Talons BC, a disciplined guard Ahmed Maaiz and a two-way forward Mohamed Thaummu has signed with the club. Maaiz is recognised for his discipline and composure, while Thaummu shows promise on both ends of the court. The club sees both as players who could develop steadily in the coming seasons.
According to Miki, the club is actively scouting for more players, including possible returns from former Redwings talents. “We’ve already brought in a few new faces who fit our system, and we’ve still got a young, talented core that’s already proven it can compete in Division 1,” he said. “At the same time, we’ve had a lot of interest from players who want to be a part of us. I wouldn’t say much, but there could be a surprise or two for the fans.”
It’s clear that Redwings isn’t just going through the motions of a rebuild—it’s laying the groundwork for a longer-term plan – one that values structure, growth, and a sense of community.
More than a team — Building a stronger identity
Off the court, Redwings is working to create a more organized and connected environment. The club has made strides in its day-to-day operations—training sessions are now more regular, and there’s a renewed focus on individual player growth, ensures Miki. Internally, responsibilities have been better defined, helping improve coordination and decision-making.
Miki also sees this shift as part of a broader vision to modernize the club. “Winning the gold for RDW is my priority; that’s the dream that we all share,” he explained. “But beyond that, my long-term vision is to build a team culture that’s sustainable, competitive, and respected on and off the court.”
The club is gradually becoming more visible to its supporters through merchandise, giveaways, and partnerships. But perhaps the most important shift is how the team is reconnecting with its wider community. Under Miki’s leadership, there’s a clear effort to build stronger relationships—between players, management, and the broader basketball community.
With Redwings widely seen as one of the best-supported clubs in the league, Miki knows the importance of maintaining that connection. “With the biggest support in the league, our fans are the game changers,” he said. “This club belongs to them, and we are here to make sure they feel it every step of the way.”
