Ali Thameem
Maldivian football will remain incomplete without the return of its historic powerhouses—New Radiant, Victory SC, and Club Valencia — claims New Radiant’s chairman, Ahmed Mubeen.
Speaking at a ceremony held on Monday night at Henveiru Stadium to unveil New Radiant’s squad for the upcoming FAM League Cup, Mubeen stressed the need for the club to reclaim its place in the top flight. “The silence in the stadiums and the empty bleachers will be things of the past once New Radiant, Victory, and Valencia return to where they belong,” he declared.
Reiterating the club’s enduring popularity, Mubeen said that the iconic New Radiant jersey still carries emotional weight for countless Maldivians.
The evening also featured the official unveiling of New Radiant’s new kit. Former national team goalkeeper and club legend Imran Mohamed attended the event as chief guest. In remarks shared via PSM News, Imran applauded the club’s renewed push to revive the spirit of Maldivian football. “Now is the time to put in the work to bring the game back to life,” he said.
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New Radiant accepted an invitation from the Football Association of Maldives to compete in the upcoming League Cup, a tournament that includes two more clubs from the second tier; Mahibadhoo SC and JJ Sports.
Addressing supporters, Mubeen expressed confidence in the new-look squad. “We have assembled the strongest team available. It won’t be long before we’re back in the first division,” he assured.
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The club’s coaching setup will see the return of Sobah Mohamed Ibrahim as head coach. A former Blues captain and SAFF Championship winner, Sobah will be supported by ex-New Radiant striker Adam Abdhul Latheef (Lahchey) and former Victory SC defender Ahmed Faisal, both of whom will serve as assistant coaches.
Sobah previously managed New Radiant during their recent promotion bids. In both 2023 and 2024, the Blues reached the semifinals of the second division but fell short of securing promotion.
With renewed leadership and a clear sense of purpose, New Radiant now sets its sights firmly on a return to the top tier—and with it, the restoration of some of the most storied rivalries in Maldivian football.
