President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has this evening called upon the national football team to make winning the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship this year, their lofty ambition.

 The President made this appeal while meeting the national football team, following the inauguration of Sports Arena Futsal Grounds in Dharubaaruge. The national football team will participate in the SAFF Championship, scheduled to begin in Bangladesh next month.

In his speech, the President highlighted that the Maldivian team has already proved their capability to win the competition. In this regard, the President emphasized that Maldives winning the SAFF Championship in 2008 was proof that Maldives is among one of the top football talents in the South Asian region.

Further, President Yameen expressed hopes that our national football team would bring good name to the country, and expressed that all the Maldivians are fully supportive and behind the national football team. He also appealed to the national team to work hard to win every single match in the upcoming competition.