Floriana name Portuguese mentor Da Silva as their new head coach

Floriana FC have appointed Augusto Daniel Portela Da Silva as their new first-team coach.

The experienced coach replaces Darren Abdilla who on Tuesday announced that he would step down from his job.

“Floriana Football Club is proud to announce that Augusto Daniel Portela Da Silva, a highly experienced Portuguese coach, has been appointed as our new Head Coach for the 2024/25 season, the club said in a statement.

“Mister Portela, a UEFA Pro Licence holder, brings a wealth of coaching experience from Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, and the UAE, having worked with respected clubs such as Boavista FC, Al-Nasr SC (Dubai), CD Fátima, SC Salgueiros, and Bravos do Maquis.

“His international background and tactical leadership make him a strong addition to the Floriana family as we look ahead to an exciting new chapter.

“Welcome to Floriana, Mister Portela – and best of luck in Green and White!”

Da Silva’s main goal at Floriana will be to try and lead the team to a major domestic honour after the Greens failed to win any silverware in the last two seasons despite a promising campaign.

In April 2024, Floriana were beaten by Ħamrun Spartans 5-0 in their final league match to miss out on the league title and then lost to Sliema Wanderers in the FA Trophy final following a penalty shoot-out.

This season, the Greens also looked on the verge of winning the title when they needed a win over Birkirkara in the final Closing Round match to lift the crown, but were held to a 1-1 draw.

Then they were eliminated by champions Ħamrun Spartans in the Final Four following a penalty shoot-out.

In the FA Trophy, Floriana reached the semi-finals but were knocked out by Birkirkara 2-1.