Ray ‘Żażu’ Farrugia is a very popular figure in the local football community, particularly on the back of a highly-successful career both as a player and as a coach.
Iż-Żażu, as he is fondly known, made a name for himself mostly within the national team coaching set-up where he managed to nurture some of Malta’s most talented players during his long spell as the U-21 national team coach.
Even when he replaced Tom Saintfiet as national team coach he continued to give priority to young Maltese talent, opening the door to several locally-based players to take a starring role with the national team.
Once his national team coaching experience came to an end, Farrugia opted to take time away from the game.
However, a phone call from the Malta FA Football Social Responsibility director Peter Busuttil, opened the door to a new adventure for the former Floriana FC great.
“After I ended my involvement with the national teams, I decided to step away from the game,” Farrugia told the Times of Malta.
“I had decided that I would not coach any other football teams. I still received offers but the clubs understood and respected my decision.
“Then one morning, I received a phone call from Peter Busuttil who offered me the opportunity to work within the Football Social Responsibility Department and engage in inclusivity projects using football
“I loved the idea and for the last two or three years I have experienced some memorable experiences.”
Farrugia holds training sessions and give talks to residents who attend programmes at Richmond Foundation, Caritas, residents at the Correctional Facility in Mtaħleb (minors), as well as with refugees, elderly and people who are in vulnerable situations
He highlights travelling to Palestine and Beirut, as part of the one of the Malta FA’s outreach projects, as experiences he will cherish for the rest of his life.
“I remember going to Beirut where we visited the Shatila Refugee Camp and seeing with your own eyes how these people are living in poverty was a reality check for all of us,” Farrugia said.
“We also held training at a Lebanese club and the huge smile on the faces of all participants at the end of the session is something that I will remember for the rest of my life.
“Our trip to Palestine was another unique experience as we met several refugees in camps. During our stay, the Palestine football federation invited us to discuss how we can help them. But unfortunately, given the current conflict in the region, everything is held up.”
Farrugia says that his continuous experiences with the FSR Department have been a huge blessing in his life.
Personal satisfaction
“My life changed drastically in recent years,” Farrugia said.
“From working as an international coach to helping persons in need has been a real shift. However, the great satisfaction one feels when helping persons in need is something that cannot be matched by anything else.
“I enjoy going for sessions at Caritas and the Mtaħleb Correctional Facility, as well as the Safi Detention Centre, and the fact that I am giving something back is of great satisfaction.
“Working in this sector has enriched my life. I go back home with a great sense of satisfaction. Seeing children who have suffered a lot in their life with a huge smile on their face is amazing.
“I believe that everyone deserves a second chance and more importantly we should help them to get back into our society. In life you should never abandon anyone.”
Farrugia then opened up on his work with Caritas residents.
“I lead a number of sessions with Caritas residents and I am assisted by Luis Figueroa,” Farrugia said.
“Some of recipients are former football players. In the coming weeks, I am planning to present them my autobiography and discuss with them the good things I did in my career and the bad decisions that I have taken.
“The main message that I want to pass on is that when they are passing through a difficult patch, they must keep in mind that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
“I want to give my contribution to help them be ready when they will re-integrate into our society.”
Żazu also spoke about the sessions he holds with refugees and says that some of them have the talent to start a career in Maltese football.
“Some of the refugees I train possess great talent, but life has been too hard on them,” he said.
“There is one player in particular from Guinea, who earlier in his career played in the top-flight in Russia and Latvia. But his career hit rock-bottom after he took some bad decisions.
“I sincerely hope that he can find a club in Malta as he will surely be of great benefit for any team that is ready to secure his services.”
