Ali Thameem
Ihusan Abdul Ghani, one of the most influential figures in Maldivian football history, passed away last night after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 51.
Affectionately known as Saanthi Coach, Ihusan devoted nearly three decades to Maldivian football. His contributions spanned national and club football, coaching generations of players, many of whom would go on to represent the nation.
A life dedicated to football
Ihusan played a pivotal role in some of the most historic moments in Maldivian football. He served as assistant coach when the Maldives national team reached the SAFF Championship final in Dhaka and continued in the role through the 2005 championship and in 2008, when the Maldives finally won the SAFF Championship title.
His influence at the nation’s success extended beyond the pitch. As Technical Director of the national team, he was instrumental in the 2018 SAFF Championship victory.
From 2000 onward, Ihusan served as head coach of Junior Maldives National Team (U19/U16/U13) on ten separate occasions.
As head coach of Club Eagles from 2012 to 2017, he developed dozens of talented players, many of whom went on to represent the national team.
Following his tenure at Eagles, Ihusan took on the role of Technical Director at the Football Association of Maldives (FAM) from 2018 to 2020. But his working relationship with FAM spanned decades, having previously held multiple key positions between 1998 and 2011.
Beyond his work in football, Ihusan served as a National Sports Council member from 2014 to 2016 and as Chairman of the Maldives Sports Corporation from 2016 to 2018.
He also played a significant role serving as Chef de Mission at the 8th Indian Ocean Island Games (IOIG) in 2015. The former Secretary General of MOC, Ahmed Marzooq, credited Maldives’ success at the Games to Ihusan’s “formula for success.”
In the final years of his career, Ihusan continued his coaching journey. He briefly coached Club Eydhafushi (2019-2020) before taking charge of United Victory (2021-2022). He returned to Club Eagles for the 2023 season, but due to health complications, he was unable to continue.
A lasting legacy
Even as he battled cancer, Ihusan remained a beloved mentor of the game. His impact on the sport has altered the course of Maldivian football for the better. His relentless passion, tactical brilliance, and commitment to nurturing young talent made him uniquely influential. To a generation of footballers, Saanthi was more than a coach – he was a secondary father.
His passing leaves a deep void in the Maldivian football community, but his legacy will live on in every player he mentored, every match he influenced, every championship he secured, and every life he touched. Maldivian football has lost a legend, but the legacy of Saanthi Coach will forever remain a part of the game he loved.
Ihusan Abdul Ghanee’s funeral prayer will take place at Islamic Centre this afternoon, following the Dhuhr prayer.
