A brave Dhiffushi side played against Maldives under-19 National team last night at the turf grounds.

Though Dhifffushi under 19 team lost 12-1 to Maldives under-19, Dhiffushi team had a positive experience. Maldives under-19 had Dhivehi Premier League players, most notable Nazeem(Choatu) of Foakaidhoo FC, Imran(Messi) and Samaah of Club Eagles. 

Talking to BoalhaMV after the game, Dhiffushi under-19 manager Mohamed Maseeh said that he is proud of the boys regardless of the result. Maseeh said it was special when Dhiffushi scored even though it didn't make any impact on the scoreline. "Yes we practiced, but for most of the boys, this is their first time playing on full pitch, we usually play futsal" Maseeh added. 

Maseeh said that he will continue to develop the team. When asked about the under-21 Championship, Maseeh said that Dhiffushi under-19 has no plans yet to participate. But he refused to rule out an appearance.

Huge positive from the game is that the national team coaches Mohamed Shazly, the under-19 coach and Ibrahim Haleem(Jada) of the under-16 team are interested in some of the players from Dhiffushi squad.

"Dhiffushi came to Male' to play against the National team and won our hearts, they showed a lot of potential, I don't care about the result. I hope more teams from the atolls will come and play these kind of friendly games" a supporter said. Another supporter, who didn't want to be named said that some of the players should be playing in the youth squads of clubs in Male'.

Dhiffushi already has one name that is feared by almost all the defenders in the country. Ahmed Rizvan(Rizey). Rizey was identified playing in the third division by the National team assistant coach Ahmed Shakir(Shakittey). The Maldives international raised eye brows last year by scoring hat-tricks in five consecutive games for Club Eagles, which is a shared world record. 

The Dhiffushi born player remains one of the most deadly strikers in the Maldives. Dhiffushi a small Island town is about 37 kilometers away from Male' with a population of about a thousand. Rizey came to Club Eagles and has never looked back.

"I am very confident that there are many kids in the atolls who can be like Rizey" said Ibrahim, who said he isn't from Dhiffushi, but they have won his support.

According to an official from the Football Association's Technical Department, the Under-16 National team has now invited Dhiffushi for a  friendly match.

Photo: Sifau