Former Malta coach Farrugia receives Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika

Former Malta national team coach Ray Farrugia was honoured by the President of Malta George Vella during the Republic Day honours in a specially organised ceremony respecting social distancing guidelines.

Farrugia, who enjoyed a successful career both at international and domestic level, was rewarded with the Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika.

Born in Floriana, Farrugia started his career with his hometown club where he spent four successful seasons during which he won 11 trophies. During this time, he was also selected to represent the country both at youth and senior level.

In 1978, Farrugia headed to Australia where he joined Melita Eagles FC where he managed to win nine trophy as well as being selected as the best player in New South Wales and was also named best player of the club on two occasions.

In 1990 he returned to Malta to play and coach Naxxar Lions until 1998.

It was here, that Farrugia was named as the new Malta U-21 coach in a very successful stint that saw him being named as the Official of the Year in the Sportivi Nazzjonali Awards.

Between 2002 and 2010 he was coach of several Premier League clubs but in 2011 he was back in charge of the Malta U-21 national team and managed to lead the side to a record point haul in the 2013 European Championship qualifiers when they collected five points.

In 2015 he was promoted to assistant national team coach before finally being installed as Malta coach in 2018 when he lead the team for a UEFA Nations League campaign and the Euro 2020 qualifiers.