Ali Thameem
“New Radiant is rolling out some ‘mega’ changes,” announced the club’s president last week.
Mubeen revealed the club is recruiting new players to “get ready for an incredible season.” The announcement left the biggest football fanbase in the country wondering what exactly their club is preparing for. “Get ready for some happy news, Blues fans,” he added.
News broke last night that New Radiant has appointed Ali Suzain, the former national team coach, as its new head coach. According to Mihaaru Sports, an unnamed source said that “about a week ago, chairman (Mubeen) had decided to select Suzain as head coach.” Following the news, Mubeen wrote that “It is a dream of New Radiant fans to see coach Suzain at the bench.”
The timing of these changes has raised questions. Why would a second division club president first announce new player signings and then, a week later, bring in one of the country’s most experienced coaches, when the second division itself will not kick off until March 28, 2026? That date was confirmed in the competition calendar published by the new FAM administration.
There has been speculation of a shake up in the Dhivehi Premier League. The DPL is set to remain a ten-team league, with Victory Sports Club and Odi Sports Club coming in as the newly promoted sides. The season begins on September 19. But uncertainty surrounds Super United Sports, with reports suggesting the club may not take part in the upcoming season.
If that happens, a second division club could be handed a wild card promotion to fill the gap. Both Mihaaru and Adhadhu reported that the club working to replace SUS in the DPL is New Radiant Sports Club. Adhadhu, citing an anonymous source, reported that the “good news” Mubeen wrote about is the impending return of New Radiant to the DPL.
