Time for New Radiant to dispel supporters’ disappointment

 

New Radiant is not presently playing the kind of football that were expected of them. In the last two matches against Maziya and Victory respectively, they managed a single goal. More than a clear-cut goal it was fluke, though Ali Umar will take all the credit for the way it dipped over Maziya keeper and into the net. Ashfaq has not particularly enjoyed in the last two outings, in fact he is poor and wasteful, his counterpart Tom not having done any kind of justice either.

With Oppo in the midst they have national team strike force but he is playing hide-and-seek, going in and out of the team - if not for a double-yellow suspension or then for an injury. Perhaps Father Time is taking a toll on the weary joints and limbs.

For lack of genuine attacking midfielder now that Oppo is also missing, in most of the games, strikers are starved of services. Tactical discipline is also more relaxed as too much of individual play has cost them goal-scoring opportunities.

Today they meet Maziya in the second round and some weary supporters are already in accusing mood, for the players for lack whole-hearted display and passion, for Mohan’s ineffective tactics. If Maziya sneaks through, big-spending club from Henvairu will have one or two to say about coach’s effectiveness in the dugout!!

Blues help for Dhivehi football

It is a fact that the health of Dhivehi football depend on the wealth of New Radiant Sports Club, the team with the biggest fanbase.  If they are in the driving seat, threatening to get away with league title there is always enough buzz in the stadium. People flock in numbers and the atmosphere is nothing sort of electrifying. If you are looking for proof then look at the stand at the southside of stadium. 

You may have still huge chunks of empty stands but it is a lot better than last year when VB sports( VB Addu fc) was calling shots. It had been a terrible season. VB had all the tops players and the rest were a big mismatch, all the time playing a catch-up. By first round VB could have been crowned the champions. 

Now that Eagles and Vyansa have thrown their hats into the ring with big money, bringing some of the best players available, all the teams are on a level-playing field. It is competitive; the rivalry is getting to heady mix of intoxication.  There is a positive sense of expectation that things are looking bright for Dhivehi football, at least for now. 

Sadly champions VB Addu fc is stuck at the bottom of the table after the departure of some of the big players. What they did only news-worthy was to rebrand the club to VB Addu fc. Other than that they did nothing to get the support from fans, more prominently form the newly-acquired ones.

Dhivehi League preponed

The latest move by FAM to pre-pone Dhivehi League will be some consolation as far as time is concerned. As time (rather the lack of it) more often than not has been blamed for Maldives’ preparation at overseas tournament.

As of now day and night matches will be played from the 16th of this month till 25th. Bereft of any real excitement over the long-drawn tournament this will in part further stretch interest of limited supporters.

But then it is U23 which takes precedence and all the help that is needed is a prerogative of parent body, FAM. Thus to pre-pone the remaining three matches for each team runs in good stead.

The show is not over for New Radiant

A comprehensive win, a very precious three points and a smile writ large on the face of coach Mohan to sum up New Radiant’s tryst with Valencia for a place in the fourth place.

The blue boys are reinvigorated since Tom’s return to his old team and perhaps it is no wonder he is on the score sheet. His aerial power is such that he will hardly miss a header inside the six yard; his 43rd clincher in fact did justice to his strength in air.

Valencia may have lamented their attempts were hampered by poor refereeing but the fact that you cannot discount is New Radiant's spirited performance today. Their overall defense-minded approach to the game was praiseworthy.

Mohan’s growing stature to the game as a competent coach is no more a myth. He is making a depeleted side looking great by the day. However this doesn’t look like to be their year, so coming on stronger in the next season is something their long-suffering supporters will be longing for.