EXCLUSIVE | “Everything Fell Apart After Muabe Left” Coach Nisthar Opens Up on Green Streets’ Relegation

Green Streets head coach Ali Nisthar Mohamed has pointed to the departure of President Muaviyath Khaleel as the turning point in the club’s dramatic relegation, saying the support structure around the team collapsed and ultimately led to their downfall.

In an exclusive interview, Nisthar reflected on a disappointing campaign that saw Green Streets relegated from the Dhivehi Premier League qualifiers despite entering the season with hopes of competing at the top end of the table.

According to the coach, the warning signs emerged early in the season following defeats to Valencia and Victory.

“I told the team that if this seriousness didn’t change, we might face relegation,” he said.

Nisthar revealed that poor training attendance, salary-related issues, players struggling to obtain time off work, and the absence of a promised foreign goalkeeper severely affected the team’s performances. He also said his request for a dedicated goalkeeping coach was never fulfilled.

“After Muabe stepped down, the team behind the team never regrouped,” he said, stressing that the problems extended far beyond the players on the pitch.

Despite acknowledging the difficult circumstances, Nisthar accepted responsibility for the team’s relegation.

“Of course, the coach must take responsibility, I understood the difficulties, but I stayed because Muabe requested me. I am loyal to him because he was there for me when I needed support.”

Looking ahead, the experienced coach urged Green Streets’ players not to let relegation define their careers.

“Stay in the division and dream big. Aim for the national team. You are too talented to stay down. Get up and become even better, inshaAllah.”

He also thanked the club’s supporters, saying they deserved much better and expressing hope they would continue backing the team in its bid to return to the top flight.

Nisthar believes Green Streets’ struggles were not due to a lack of talent but a lack of support from management.

“A team is not just players. They must be supported by strong management,” he said.

The coach also spoke about a controversial refereeing decision during Green Streets’ match against Dhidhdhoo, claiming a disallowed goal convinced him the team would not survive.

He said he has repeatedly watched the incident and believes the goal should have stood, while calling on the Football Association of Maldives to ensure greater accountability among match officials.

“Talking about it won’t change the fact that we are down, but I hope the referees are held accountable,”

For Green Streets to recover, Nisthar believes the club needs committed leadership capable of supporting players on and off the field.

He stressed the importance of timely financial support, stronger communication with players and rebuilding the passionate fan culture that once gave the team a significant boost.

Regarding his own future, Nisthar said discussions with the club’s chairman are yet to take place, but admitted he hopes to remain coaching in the Premier League.

He also reiterated his long-standing support for introducing a home-and-away league format, describing it as an important step for the development of Maldivian football.

In his closing remarks, Nisthar raised broader concerns about the future of local coaching, saying Maldivian clubs continue to favour foreign coaches despite the growing quality of home-grown talent.

As a coach instructor himself, he believes the next generation of Maldivian coaches has enormous potential but needs opportunities to prove themselves.

“We have many talented young coaches—better than our generation. I hope we can do a better job so managements trust local coaches and give them the opportunities they deserve.”