Malta Football Association appoint Ray Farrugia as national team coach
The Malta Football Association has appointed Ray Farrugia as national team coach.
His appointment as Malta coach was discussed and approved unanimously during a meeting of the Malta FA Executive Committee, held yesterday evening.
“In the circumstances, we felt that we should hand the reins of the national team to a Maltese coach who is already part of our technical sector, has a sound knowledge of Maltese football as well as the experience to prepare and lead the team in international matches,” Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA President, said.
“The stability of our national team is our top priority and to this end, we are confident that Ray Farrugia has the ability and experience to fulfil this role in the best possible manner.”
Farrugia will take charge of the men’s senior team with immediate effect. His first task is to prepare the squad the upcoming commitments, including the training camp in Austria and the friendly matches in the May-June period.
He takes over from Tom Saintfiet who was relieved of his duties as national team coach on April 25.
Farrugia, who has also had two spells as Malta Under-21 coach, steps up from his role as national team assistant coach, a position he has held since 2014.
Farrugia, 62, also served as assistant under several coaches, including Josif Ilic and Pietro Ghedin.
Farrugia ‘proud and honoured’ to be new Malta coach
Ray Farrugia has spoken of his pride after being appointed national team coach.
The appointment of Farrugia, 62, was announced by Norman Darmanin Demajo, the Malta FA President, during a press conference on Wednesday evening after the Association’s Executive Committee had unanimously approved Farrugia’s candidature.
“I’m proud and honoured to be appointed national coach,” Farrugia told www.mfa.com.mt.
“This has been my lifelong ambition and I’m naturally delighted to have been given the privilege to lead my country.
“I’d like to thank the Malta FA for the faith they have shown in me.
“I will be giving my all to repay this trust and take our national team forward.
“I’m aware of the scale of the task awaiting me as this is a very delicate period for our national team but with hard work, dedication and the backing of all the stakeholders, the players, technical staff, clubs, officials and supporters, I believe that we can improve.”
Farrugia, who obtained his UEFA Pro Licence last year after successfully completing the first Pro course organised by the Malta FA Technical Centre under the auspices of UEFA, takes charge of the men’s senior team with immediate effect.
His first task is to prepare the squad for the upcoming commitments, including the training camp in Austria and the friendly matches in the MayJune period.
He takes over from Tom Saintfiet who was relieved of his duties as national team coach on April 25.
Malta FA President Darmanin Demajo said: “In the circumstances, we felt that we should hand the reins of the national team to a Maltese coach who is already part of our technical sector, has a sound knowledge of Maltese football as well as the experience to prepare and lead the team in international matches.
“The stability of our national team is our top priority and to this end, we are confident that Ray Farrugia has the ability and experience to fulfil this role in the best possible manner.”
Farrugia, who has also had two spells as Malta Under-21 coach, steps up from his role as national team assistant coach, a position he has held since 2014.
He also served as assistant under several national team coaches in the past, including Josif Ilic and Pietro Ghedin.