Ray 'Zazu' Farrugia appointed Under-21 coach

The MFA has announced that Ray Farrugia has been appointed as coach of the Malta National Under 21 team together with Ronald Vella as his assistant. The agreement was reached on Saturday following a meeting held with MFA President Norman Darmanin Demajo.

Farrugia and Vella will take immediate charge of the Under-21 squad, where they will be responsible of the selection of the players that will make up the squad that will compete and participate in the upcoming competition – the draws for which will be held early in February.

Farrugia’s coaching career started off with a Level 2 coaching badge acquired in the National Coaching Scheme of the Australian Football Federation. He then obtained the UEFA B Licence in 2001. His coaching career started off with Naxxar Lions and then he was approached by the MFA to take over the Malta Under-21 side with the team achieving a string of positive results. He then moved on to Pietà Hotspurs and later coached Marsaxlokk and Sliema.

Ronald Vella, who holds a UEFA A License, spent several years as head coach of various nurseries including Pietà Hostpurs, Birkirkara and Sliema Wanderers. He also coached Mellieha and was assistant coach to Farrugia at Pietà and Sliema.

The MFA is confident that these appointments will bring in a rich background and valuable experience which will enhance the technical centre which is in an ongoing upgrading process.

The MFA is about to upgrade the Technical Centre and will invest in new methods and latest professional technology specifically designed to assist coaches and players in reaching optimal conditions for their international matches. In the pipeline, there is the construction of a Sport Science Centre, together with other investments in video coverage and editing facilities, mental preparation and continued professional education for coaches and players.

Photo: Copyright © domenic aquilina/MFA