The Football Association of Maldives (FAM) has announced the appointment of Ali Suzain as the new head coach of the Maldives National Football Team. Suzain, who has been the assistant coach of the team since 2019, will take over from Italy’s Francesco Moriero, whose contract expires next month. The announcement was made at a press conference by FAM President Bassam Adeel Jaleel.
Suzain is no stranger to the role. He has previously taken charge of the national team during the 2021 SAFF Championship after the dismissal of then national coach Martin Koopman.
His experience and familiarity with the team have earned him the trust of the association. The Maldives National Football Team will be guided by Suzain as they start their campaigns to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup in October.
Explaining FAM’s decision not to bring in a new coach after Moreiro’s contract ends, Bassam said they opted to continue with Suzain in the qualifiers as it would take a considerable time for an unfamiliar coach to become fully acquainted with the national team’s dynamics. Given that Suzain is already working with the team, FAM expects the transition to be smooth. Bassam expressed his belief in the current assistant coach’s abilities.
During his tenure as coach, Moreiro oversaw 15 matches. The Maldives experienced some ups and downs under his guidance, with seven losses, six wins, and two matches ending in draws including a group stage exit in the recent SAFF Championship.