Male' Maldives: As Maziya Sports & Recreation Club prepares to face Buru Sports Club in Gameweek 3 of the Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League, head coach Luisma Hernández has emphasized the importance of consistency and adaptability as the title race begins to take shape.
Maziya has enjoyed a strong start to the 2025/26 campaign, picking up two wins from their first two matches. But with injuries mounting and several key players unavailable, the Spanish tactician admits this early part of the season is already testing the squad’s depth.
Despite the challenges, Maziya remains one of the league’s frontrunners — a position Hernández believes will be shared by several clubs as the season progresses. He noted that around four to six teams are likely to push for the title, with the overall competitiveness of the league gradually increasing. Many teams are still finding their rhythm due to late starts to preseason, but the level of play is improving across the board.
Their next opponents, Buru SC, are one of those emerging contenders. After an emphatic 5–0 win in their opener and a strong comeback performance in their second match, Buru has proven they’re capable of challenging even the top clubs. Maziya have taken notice, approaching the game with a more detailed analysis of the opponent than usual, knowing Buru’s attacking quality and fighting spirit could pose serious problems.
Adding to the difficulty for Maziya is a growing injury list. Several first-team regulars, including even the goalkeeper, are unavailable. The squad has also seen key players depart during the summer window, further limiting options. In response, the club has turned to its younger players, giving them more responsibility and game time — a move that Hernández views as necessary for long-term growth, even if it means short-term challenges.
While these absences present difficulties for Maziya’s title ambitions, they also reflect a broader trend that Hernández believes is good for Maldivian football: more players across various clubs are getting regular minutes, which ultimately benefits the National Team. With several former Maziya players now starting for other clubs and national squad call-ups increasing, the coach believes the league is playing a vital role in raising the overall standard of the sport in the country.
Managing club commitments alongside international demands is never easy, but Maziya is committed to supporting player development on both fronts. During international breaks, when up to half the squad may be unavailable, training sessions are often reduced to just a handful of players. Hernández has used this time to focus on individual improvement, particularly for foreign signings and promising young talents.
Ahead of the Buru clash, Maziya’s mindset remains unchanged: focus on the game at hand and push for victory. While the squad may be stretched, the ambition is still to retain the league title and compete at the highest level — with or without a full-strength team.
Gameweek 3:
TC Sports Club vs United Victory (Sep 30, 16:00)
Maziya vs Buru (Sep 30, 21:00)
Club Valencia vs New Radiant (Oct 1, 16:00)
Club Eagles vs Green Streets (Oct 1, 21:00)
Odi vs Victory (Oct 2, 21:00)
