Two distinguished figures in Maldivian football, Coach Sobah Mohamed and national team defender Rilwan Waheed (popularly known as Riley), are currently participating in a prestigious Coaching Education Program in Barcelona, Spain, furthering their professional development through one of Europe’s most respected youth football methodologies.
They are attending the Ekkono Coach Development Tour 2025, an elite coaching program that emphasizes modern football strategies, Spanish football philosophy, and advanced youth development techniques. The tour includes intensive masterclasses led by experts from UEFA, La Liga, and FC Barcelona, and provides exclusive opportunities to observe and engage with leading Spanish clubs such as Villarreal FC and Girona FC.
For Coach Sobah, this marks his third training experience in Spain, following successful completions of previous programs at the Johan Cruyff Institute and the TOVO Academy. A veteran of the Maldivian national team, Sobah brings with him over 16 years of playing experience and more than a decade of coaching, making him one of the most experienced football professionals in the Maldives. He also holds an AFC A Diploma and is a member of the Executive Board of Maattey Sports Academy, a local football academy led by Coach Mauroof Ahmed, which focuses on youth training and grassroots development.
Speaking about this opportunity, Sobah expressed gratitude for the support received from the Ministry of Sports, Fitness and Recreation and a former national team captain, which enabled him to take part in this valuable experience. Upon completing the tour, Sobah is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the training methodology at Maattey Sports Academy, especially in building a structured youth development framework aligned with global best practices.
Meanwhile, Rilwan Waheed, known for his exceptional defensive skills on the national team, celebrated a major milestone by completing the Diploma in Specialized Youth Development in Football – from U7 to U18 through the Ekkono Methodology on May 7, 2025. This marks his first international coaching education experience and a promising step forward in his transition from player to youth mentor. Rilwan Waheed, is a seasoned Maldivian footballer recognized for his solid defensive skills and leadership on the pitch. Over the course of his career, he has earned a place as a key defender for both club and country, representing the Maldives National Football Team in several international tournaments, including the SAFF Championship. One of his most notable achievements came in 2018, when he played a vital role in helping the Maldives secure the SAFF Suzuki Cup title, a historic victory that brought national pride. Known for his discipline, consistency, and football intelligence, Rilwan has also been a prominent figure in domestic football, contributing significantly to top-tier clubs in the Dhivehi Premier League. His transition into coaching through international training reflects his dedication to nurturing the next generation of Maldivian footballers.
The Ekkono program is globally recognized for its structured, research-based approach to developing intelligent and technically skilled footballers from a young age. The participation of Sobah and Rilwan in such an advanced program not only contributes to their individual growth but also signals the growing ambition within Maldivian football to align with international standards. Their involvement brings valuable knowledge and experience back to the Maldives, contributing to the long-term development of football at both grassroots and national levels.
Such international exposure reflects the Maldivian tourism industry’s growing focus on sports tourism and athlete development exchanges, showcasing the country not just as a travel destination, but also as a rising hub for talent and sports collaboration. This initiative underlines the commitment of Maldivian institutions to invest in future generations of athletes and position the country on the global sporting map.
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