Male' Maldives: After nearly two years without domestic football, the Maldives football season officially kicks off tonight with the FA Charity Shield 2025.
The curtain-raiser pits defending league champions Maziya Sports & Recreation against runners-up Club Eagles, in what promises to be a symbolic restart for the nation’s football calendar.
Maziya enter the match as the record holders of the Charity Shield, having lifted the trophy five times. Eagles, however, famously defeated them in the 2020 edition, and will be eager to repeat that upset.
Tonight’s fixture also marks Eagles’ first competitive outing since December 2023, adding to the anticipation.
Unlike Maziya, who warmed up for the season by winning the League Cup earlier this year, Eagles head into the clash with limited preparation. The club’s preseason was disrupted when newly appointed coach Mohamed Shiyaz (Mohan) departed after just five sessions to take over the national team.
Interim coach Ahmed Nimad (Nima) has since overseen around 16 sessions, but admits it hasn’t been enough to fully prepare his squad.
“We are not in our best physical shape and are also dealing with injuries, especially in defense,” Nima said.
He also expressed frustration over squad-building, revealing he had requested two foreign signings but was given only one, a player he says is not match-fit and has been reluctant to undergo fitness tests.
Still, Nima insists his side will fight hard: “Eagles have always competed well against Maziya. We are not afraid of facing them, even if it’s a challenge.”
For Maziya, head coach Luisma Hernández stressed the importance of approaching the Charity Shield with professionalism while balancing preparations for the Dhivehi Premier League, which starts in three days.
“This game is a good opportunity to see football return to Maldives. Of course, Maziya always want to win,” Luisma said.
“We are analyzing our opponent and will manage some injuries carefully, but our responsibility is to compete and show our idea of football keeping the ball and creating chances.”
Luisma also highlighted Maziya’s focus on development, noting that several players who came through the academy and featured in last May’s cup have since graduated to the national team.
“Now, they are not young anymore,” he said. “They are ready to step up. We may also give opportunities to new players coming through.”
With both sides having to face each other again in the opening league fixture later this week, tonight’s clash offers more than just silverware. It sets the tone for the season ahead, with Maziya seeking to reaffirm their dominance and Eagles determined to prove their resilience despite setbacks.
Kick-off is scheduled for tonight 21:00, at the National Stadium, with fans eagerly awaiting the return of top-flight football in the Maldives.
