Dhagandey fit again, back to New Radiant practice sessions

New Radiant forward Ali Ashfaq (Dhagandey) has recovered from his knee operation and has gone back to practice sessions.

He underwent his meniscus operation last October at Tree Top Hospital.

As per New Radiant's post welcoming Ashfaq back, the hard days are behind him in coming back stronger after a difficult time.

"He will become an invaluable player on the pitch."

He underwent an ACL operation in India last September in order to treat his knee injury that he has been suffering from for over six years. He has taken part in some futsal competitions since recovering. He had also signed a two-year contract with New Radiant and was ready to play in the First Division.

He was also seen on New Radiant's bench for their first two matches in the Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League. New Radiant worked to have him be fit to play with a non-surgical option rather than undergo an additional operation. However, he had to undergo the meniscus operation due to the non-surgical option not being successful.

Ashfaq has played some matches at the national and club level while suffering from his injury the last few years. He also played in the 2021 SAFF Championship with the injury. His injury worsened in early 2022. After he played for Valencia in the season opener match, he stopped playing at the club level. He proceeded to only play at the national level that year. He underwent runner's training with coach Nasrullah Ahmed in hopes he would be fit again.

He was successful in doing so, and proceeded to play for Super United Sports (SUS) in 2023. However, he suffered another knee injury while playing in the President's Cup in April.

Ashfaq, now 40 years old, who began his career at the age of 16 at Valencia, is now counting down the final few days of his career. However, he wishes to show quality plays before he retires.

Ashfaq, who won the 2008 SAFF Championship for the national team, is renowned as the best Maldivian player and has won the Golden Boot Award a record number of times. He is also on the same level as top international forwards in the goal scoring category.