Maldives national team coach István Urbányi has indicated that the current SAFF Championship may be his last with the side.
Speaking to Maldivian journalists in Bangladesh, where the tournament is under way, Urbányi said he has coached the national team at the SAFF Championship on three previous occasions — in 2009, 2012 and 2013. This year’s edition is his fourth.
“I have been a part of this work for a very long time. As I have said previously, this is my fourth championship. It may also be my last,” he said.
Urbányi currently holds the position of Technical Director at the Football Association of Maldives. He said his contract includes providing recommendations on the appointment of a national team coach and that he does not intend to abandon the technical role entirely.
He added that one of his responsibilities is to create opportunities for younger coaches to gain experience. He clarified that his remarks did not mean he was walking away from all involvement with Maldivian football.
The SAFF Championship began this week in Bangladesh. Maldives is competing in the tournament under Urbányi’s guidance while he continues in his dual capacity as coach and technical director.
