Silvio Vella leaves MFA role, agrees to take over as Hibernians coach

Silvio Vella is set to be unveiled as the new Hibernians FC first-team coach after the Malta Football Association announced that it has released him from his contractual obligations following his request to pursue coaching duties at club level.

The former Malta international defender is set to replace Italian coach Andrea Pisanu who was sacked as Hibernians coach last Monday following the team’s 2-1 defeat to Balzan.

The result left Hibernians in sixth place in the Premier League standings on 30 points and still with a lot of work to do to qualify for a UEFA Conference League qualifiers this summer.

In fact, the Paolites are currently five points adrift of third-placed Birkirkara and two adrift of fourth-placed Mosta.

Following a long stint as coach of the Under 21 national team, since 2020 Vella occupied the role of Coordinator of the Football Hubs run by the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation, one of the key technical pillars of the Association’s strategy. 

 “I have always had an excellent professional relationship with the Malta FA since I moved from playing to coaching,” Vella said.

“I am grateful that even in this instance the Association has been understanding and accepted my request. I am convinced that a lot of good work is being done at a technical level and in this sense, we are on the right path.”

In its statement, the Malta FA thanked Vella for his constant commitment and contribution and wished him well in his professional endeavours.

After parting ways with Pisanu, Hibernians were on the look out for a coach with vast experience of Maltese football and made Vella as their main target.

The experienced coach has accepted the challenge of guiding Hibernians and will return to the club where he enjoyed so much success throughout his playing career.

Vella is expected to make his debut as new Hibernians coach on Wednesday when he leads his team in the FA Trophy Last 16 tie against Kerċem Ajax at the Tony Bezzina Stadium.