Addu City is not only recognized for its historical and natural diversity, but also renowned for the success and achievements in Football. Apart from being the homeland to famous football stars, Addu city has accomplished medals, trophies and victories in many football competitions and created protegee football stars. Much work is being put in to sustain the reputation of this remarkable City by many stakeholders, notably the non-government organization “Goadhiyya”.
From the beginning of the year 2009, Goadhiyya, comprised of young, visionary and dedicated sportsmen having succeeded from a variety of competitions in Maradoo, as the workforce contributing to sustain the fame the island holds in this sport. Although several competitions were held by different clubs and NGOs in Addu, namely ‘Must Club’, followed by ‘Zelot’, the youngest and active NGO to date is Goadhiyya.
The Founders of Goadhiyya are Ahmed Nadhir and Ibrahim Athif. At the time of tournaments held by Zelot, Goadhiyya was developed by the hard work of skilled youths know as ‘Ball Boys’. The president of this organisation is Hussain Athif and the vice President is Badhurudhin Nasir.
In an interview with the founder of Goadhiyya, Ahmed Nadir described how the NGO took its first steps towards the road to success.
“when Zelot was conducting football tournaments, we used to help. At that time, most kids were ‘Ball Boys’. There was a team called “Amilla Zelon” which comprised mostly ball boys. Later when Zelot came to an end we initiated with the senior footballers at that time”.
An interesting fact that emerged from the interview with the founder inclined that the success of the NGO could also be the name of the NGO, which lead to a fresh start.
“ We wanted to name the organisation “Zelon”, but if we registered under that name there won’t be any Zelon football team. So we decided to register the organisation under the name “Goadhiyya”.
After registering Goadhiyya on November 30th 2008, their initial competition was a futsal tournament in the month of Ramazaan in 2008 and named as “ Goadhiyya Roadha Futsal Hivvaru”. Founder Nadhir also said that when Gaodhiyya was first initiated, football tournaments were held yearly. Since then, the members of Goadhiyya calendared the competition each year in the month of Ramadan.
The football tournament which has been a part of Maradhoo since the 80s is a joyful event open for all Maldivians. Talented football players working in resorts also travel to Addu to be part of this great tournament. Even famous footballers of Maldives take part in this futsal tournament. These succession of prosperous tournaments had created protégée football stars, namely, Feydhoo Ibbe. Feydhoo Ibbe became a noticeable player from the Goadhiyya futsal tournament, and thus went on to become one of the high profile players in the Maldives. Although the hard work Goadhiyy produced good players, it also became a platform for the recognition of novice teams such as, Habeys, FYC, FRT, Friends Club, Multi Gineous, Zelon, Zelot, DC Sports.
More success means greater finances and Goadhiyya would not have reached the milestones without the contributors sustaining its financial viability. Former MP Adhil was one of the generous contributors. Maradhoo MP Ibrahim Shareef, STO, VB, Addu council, Addu city police, Happy Market, Feydhoo former MP Ibrahim Didi are praiseworthy contributors to the NGO. We acknowledge and thank them for paving the way for reaching the mission and vision of NGO, creating a united and close knit community in Addu and realizing the passion of sportsmen.
As we look into the football history of Maldives, Maradhoo is the first suburb outside capital that held a professional football tournament at night. Furthermore, it is the only district that held a football tournament annually for 25 years without a break. All this got accomplished due to the brave young organisations. The success of Godhiyya is also due to the constant support and contributions from the residents of Maradhoo.
Besides organising sports activities, Goadhiyya also conducts variety of competitions to address the talents of the community such as Qur’an competitions, Eid festivals and oversees other activities. Goadhiyya definitely works tirelessly towards improving the social connection between fellow islanders through sports.
