The Malta Football association is deeply saddened by the news of the demise of former national team coach Gencho Dobrev, who passed away yesterday evening at the age of 73.
Dobrev, an ex-Akademik and Levski Sofia youth player, was appointed Malta NT coach at the start of 1984 after a fine coaching period in Bulgaria as head coach of the national U16 and U18 teams, assistant coach of the Bulgarian Olympic Team and head of the Bulgarian Football Union Youth Development department.With Malta, the Bulgarian mentor managed to obtain some prestigious results, like a 2-2 away draw against Portugal in a Euro qualifier (1987) a goalless home draw against Czechoslovakia in a World Cup qualifier (1985) and a 1-1 draw against Switzerland in another Euro qualifier in 1987.In December 1984, Dobrev coached the Malta team who stretched West Germany to the limit at Ta’ Qali in a memorable match, won 2-3 by the Germans. Dobrev’s last match was a home match against Portugal (0-1) in December 1987, before being replaced by Horst Heese.He remained active in coaching on the island however, with a successful stint with Mosta FC in the 1st Division between 1988 and 1991, returning to the club in 1999-2000.He also had three short spells in the Premier Division with Sliema Wanderers (92/93), Xghajra Tornados (2000/01) and Hamrun Spartans (2003/04), apart from two short periods with St Patrick (91/92 & 93/94) in the 1st Division.Dobrev also worked as head coach of several youth nurseries, helping to develop football talent on the islands, including a 14 year spell with the Luxol St Andrews Youth Academy.The Association expresses its deepest condolences to Gencho’s family and friends. May he rest in peace.