Aafiu Mohamed Hameed (Aafi) | MV+ People

“The final match was the most well-supported match that Galolhu Stadium has seen in recent history. Supporters from both sides were very spirited, making the match and the whole tournament special.”

Aafiu Mohamed Hameed, fondly known as Aafi, the dynamic young coach who steered the Eydhafushi team to victory in the final, spoke to MV+ about his journey in professional football, and his transition from player to coach.

Born and raised in Eydhafushi, Aafi delved into the island’s rich footballing heritage and shared insights on what it takes for young talents to succeed at the highest level. He also discussed the Gold Cup and why the tournament can be a blueprint to re-invigorate Maldivian football.

“The Gold Cup was pivotal given the current state of Maldivian football,” he remarked. “It has rekindled interest and reignited support for local football. The tournament provided a blueprint for developing the game and proved that we can bring supporters back into the stadium.”