Singapore: After more than a decade away, Hungarian coach István Urbányi has returned to guide the Maldives national football team, taking charge as head coach and Technical Director in January 2026.

Now in his third spell with the island nation, the 58-year-old has begun his new tenure by focusing on the country’s youth, working closely with the U20 squad as they prepare for the upcoming SAFF U-20 Championship.

Urbányi says the young players are gradually adapting to his style of play, though one of the main challenges remains their lack of regular competitive matches throughout the year.

To address this, he is emphasizing clear tactical structure, quicker decision-making, and encouraging players to perform with confidence and courage. Despite the challenges, Urbányi expressed his happiness at returning to the Maldives and working with the next generation of footballers.

The team recently played two friendly matches in Malé, fixtures Urbányi considers vital for the players’ development. While training sessions provide a framework for tactical ideas, he explained that matches reveal the true progress of the team.

For a group that does not often experience high-level competition, each friendly becomes an important learning opportunity.

According to the coach, the games in Malé allowed the players to better understand the expectations placed on them and to begin translating training concepts into real match situations.

A highlight of the team’s recent preparations was a 4–3 victory over Singapore on their home soil. Urbányi described the result as encouraging, particularly for such a young squad, but stressed that the most important takeaway was the bravery the players showed during the match.

The team attempted to play attacking football and create chances, reflecting the philosophy Urbányi hopes to instill. While he acknowledged there are still defensive aspects that need improvement, the performance demonstrated growing belief among the players in both themselves and the tactical approach being implemented.

Looking ahead, Urbányi believes the training camp and matches in Singapore will play a crucial role in the team’s development before the regional tournament. For young footballers, the experience of playing abroad, adapting to different conditions, and competing against strong opponents is invaluable.

Urbányi noted that such exposure helps accelerate their growth as players and strengthens their mentality. He remains optimistic that the lessons learned during the Singapore camp will not only improve the team’s preparation but also boost their confidence as they approach the SAFF U20 Championship.