Male' Maldives: Victory Sports Club’s recent resurgence in the Dhiraagu Dhivehi Premier League is beginning to reflect the winning mentality instilled by Slovakian head coach Gergely Geri, whose influence is steadily reshaping the historic Maldivian club.
Geri was appointed as Victory Sports Club head coach around September 2025, bringing with him valuable European coaching experience. He is supported by former Maldives National Football Team coach István Urbányi, forming a technical leadership aimed at stabilising and rebuilding Victory’s competitiveness.
Before Geri’s appointment, Victory Sports Club endured a difficult run of results. They suffered heavy defeats, losing 5–0 to Buru Sports Club, winning 1–0 against Club Green Streets, and a defeat of 3–2 to Odi Sports Club, highlighting defensive frailties and a lack of consistency.
The transition period following Geri’s arrival was challenging, with mixed results as the squad adapted to new ideas and demands.
Victory were beaten 4–0 by New Radiant Sports Club, edged out 1–0 by Club Valencia, and suffered a 3–0 defeat to Maziya Sports & Recreation. However, there were also signs of progress, including narrow victories over TC Sports Club (1–0) and United Victory (1–0), as well as a 2–2 draw against Club Eagles.
The turning point came in the second round of the league. Victory Sports Club produced a solid 2–0 win over Club Eagles, before delivering one of their most impressive performances of the season, a 3–1 victory over arch-rivals New Radiant Sports Club. The result underlined not only tactical improvement but also a growing belief within the squad.
Speaking after the win against New Radiant, Geri emphasised the importance of mentality over momentary success.
“We are very happy to win against New Radiant, a very, very good team with a good coach,” Geri said.
“Today we fought and played well. We needed these three points. Last time we talked about winning mentality, but winning one or two matches is not a winning mentality. We must do it many times.”
While pleased with the performance, Geri was quick to stress focus and discipline.
“We celebrate now, but we start preparation for the next match on Sunday,” he added. “It’s not important what kind of goals, it’s important that we scored three times today. We had problems with scoring before, but now a new forward, Lačný, is here. I hope he continues this way.”
The coach also highlighted the team’s defensive work, acknowledging past weaknesses.
“We are working a lot on our defence because it was a weak point. This was a big derby game in Maldives, against New Radiant, one of the top teams along with Odi, Buru and Maziya. We want to be ready for every match.”
Geri praised the collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
“We had many good individual performances, but also a very good team performance. This win belongs to the team, not one or two players. If we play more together, we can be strong.”
Despite the positive momentum, Geri remains grounded.
“Football is like this. You win this Saturday, you might not win next Saturday. The main thing is to maintain focus for the next match. That’s what I’m doing.”
With all teams having played 11 matches, Maziya Sports & Recreation remain top of the table with 31 points, holding a three-point lead over Odi Sports Club on 28 points. Buru Sports Club climbed into third place following New Radiant’s defeat, with both Buru and New Radiant Sports Club tied on 20 points, Buru ahead on goal difference.
Victory Sports Club currently sit fifth with 16 points, followed by Club Eagles in sixth on 13 points. Club Green Streets are seventh with eight points, while United Victory and Club Valencia occupy eighth and ninth places respectively, both on seven points. TC Sports Club remain bottom of the standings with six points.
As the season progresses, Victory Sports Club’s recent performances suggest that Geri’s philosophy is beginning to take hold, with belief, discipline, and a winning mentality now forming the foundation for the club’s push up the table.
Victory's next match is against Club Green Streets next friday.
