Male' Maldives: The premier competition of Maldivian football, the Dhivehi Premier League (DPL), made its much-awaited return after nearly two years, with ten teams battling across five exciting opening fixtures.
The comeback set the tone for a season filled with passion, rivalries, and the chase for supremacy at the top of Maldivian football.
Maziya off to a flying start
Reigning champions Maziya Sports and Recreation Club, who have lifted the last four Premier League titles, began their campaign in style with a commanding 5-1 victory over Club Eagles. Just three days after defeating Eagles in the FA Charity Shield, Maziya once again proved their dominance. The spotlight was on the nation’s most in-form striker, Naaiz Hassan (Dhaadhu), who netted four goals to seal the emphatic win.
New Radiant shine on return
After being absent from the top flight since 2018, New Radiant Sports Club marked their much-anticipated return with a statement performance, thrashing 2019 champions TC Sports Club 6-0. The Blues’ new signings immediately made an impact, Mohamed Irufan (Irey), Ali Fasir (Sentey), and Hassan Raif Ahmed (Hanna) all found the back of the net on their debuts, sending a strong message to the rest of the league.
Victory stunned by Buru SC
While New Radiant celebrated, their arch-rivals Victory Sports Club endured a nightmare start. Despite having star names in their lineup, Victory were outclassed by an organized and well-prepared Buru Sports Club, who ran away 5-0 winners in a dominant display.
Dream debut for Odi SC
Newcomers Odi Sports Club, champions of last season’s Second Division, made an unforgettable top-tier debut, cruising past United Victory with a 4-0 win. Playing against a UV side coached by the returning Mohamed Nazeeh, Odi SC showcased their quality and signaled their intent to be a competitive force in their first-ever DPL campaign.
Valencia’s young star inspires win
Historic club Club Valencia, who had withdrawn from the final round of the last DPL in 2023, returned with a youthful squad bolstered by well-fitting foreign signings. In their opening 2-1 victory over Club Green Streets, the spotlight was on 16-year-old captain Ethan Ibrahim Zaki, the youngest skipper in DPL history, who both scored and assisted to inspire Valencia’s winning start.
What’s next in Matchday Two
The action continues with an exciting lineup for the second round of fixtures:
Buru Sports Club vs Club Eagles
Maziya SRC vs TC Sports Club
Green Streets vs Victory SC
New Radiant SC vs United Victory
Club Valencia vs Odi Sports Club
The opening round showcased everything Maldivian football has to offer—goals, drama, and historic debuts—setting up what promises to be a thrilling season ahead.
