Urbányi arrives in Maldives to take over National Team

István Urbányi arrived in the Maldives today to take over as the head coach of the national football team for the third time.

The experienced coach, who is well-acquainted with Maldivian football, returns this time not only to lead the team but also to fulfill the responsibilities of Technical Director at the Football Association of Maldives (FAM).

Upon his arrival in Malé, he was welcomed by FAM Vice President Hussain Shafiu and ExCo member Imran Mohamed, the legendary former goalkeeper who previously played under Urbányi's guidance.

Although a formal agreement has not yet been signed, the Maldives is set to play its first match under his leadership on March 31 against Timor-Leste. This match, to be held in Malé, will be the final fixture of the Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Players who have previously worked with Urbányi describe him as a coach who strove to transform Maldivian football by encouraging an attractive style of play. They noted that in addition to the work on the pitch, he places significant emphasis on player discipline and conduct off the field.

Current FAM President Ahmed Thoriq (Tom) and ExCo member Mohamed Umair also played for the national team during Urbányi's previous tenures. His workload will be substantial this time as he balances his coaching duties with the role of Technical Director.

Having previously held a senior technical position at Kansas City in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, his task now is to revitalize a football scene that has faced recent setbacks.

Prior to his arrival, he told Mihaaru News that he was eager to resume his work in the Maldives.

Urbányi first took charge of the Maldives in 2009, leading the team to the final of the SAFF Championship held in Bangladesh that year.

During that tournament, they defeated the Indian U23 team in the group stage, though they eventually lost to the same side in the final on penalties. He returned two years later and successfully led the Maldives U23 team to the championship in the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Tournament held in Sri Lanka.

It is also noted that Victory SC coach Gergely Geri is a close friend of Urbányi; Geri, who holds both Slovakian and Hungarian citizenship, was appointed as Victory's coach based on Urbányi's recommendation.