Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko becomes the new head coach of FCI Levadia’s first team!

FCI Levadia proudly announces that the club’s new first-team head coach will be Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko, former head coach of the U17 team, under whose leadership Levadia U17 were crowned Estonian champions this year.

A New Head Coach with a Strong Background

Former top striker Zahovaiko ended his playing career in 2017 at Paide Linnameeskond, after several impressive seasons both in Estonia and abroad. In the Estonian Premium Liiga, he collected 309 matches, scored 211 goals, and provided 32 assists — numbers that make him one of the most remarkable forwards in Estonian football history.

As a coach, Zahovaiko has gained valuable experience both domestically and internationally. In 2023, he returned from Gambia in West Africa, where he helped a local club win the 13th championship title in its history. He has also previously coached the first team of Paide Linnameeskond. Although trophies eluded him at the time, the most recent years – 2023 and 2025 – have brought Zahovaiko his first coaching titles.

Successful Results with FCI Levadia U17

This year, Zahovaiko, together with assistant coach Maksim Rõtškov, led FCI Levadia U17 to the Estonian championship. The team displayed a stable and dominant style of play throughout the season, which ensured a clear advantage over their competitors.

Season statistics:

• 24 matches
• 18 wins
• 2 draws
• 4 losses
• 87 goals scored
• 28 goals conceded

The team showed character and maturity, defeating strong opponents such as FC Tallinn, Tallinna Kalev, and Viimsi JK. The championship title was the result of consistent work, professional guidance, and the commitment of the players.

Statement from Vjatšeslav Zahovaiko

“I am truly delighted to take on the role of head coach of FCI Levadia’s first team. Every football fan knows that the club’s ambitions and goals have always been high, and with that comes great responsibility.

The management’s vision and the goals set for us push us out of our comfort zone and motivate all of us to work hard toward a shared objective. Together with the club and its enthusiastic staff, we aim to continue professional work, creating a demanding and united atmosphere in which every player and staff member feels valued and essential, giving energetic momentum to everything we will undertake.

I would also like to thank the FCI Levadia U17 team from the bottom of my heart — it was a great honor to coach them this past season. Together with the boys, we achieved success in the Estonian championship, winning the U17 Elite League and representing the club successfully internationally. For me, this is an unforgettable and invaluable experience.

As I take on the duties of head coach of the first team, I am confident that our academy players possess a winning mentality, skills, and great potential, which we can draw upon in the future. I thank the club’s management for the trust, and I cannot wait for our first training session!”

Statement from Club President Viktor Levada

“In the early 2000s, when Slava Zahovaiko caused us a lot of trouble in important matches by scoring against Levadia, I wished to see him in our club as a forward — especially with such a powerful surname as Zahovaiko. It reminded me of the late 1990s when Toomas Krõm returned to Estonia and joined Levadia. I joked then that Toomas had to play for Levadia just because of his surname.

A year ago, Slava joined FCI Levadia U17 and did excellent work. After that, making this decision was easy for me. We promised to support each other and do everything we can to help the club grow and achieve the high goals that are always set for a team like FCI Levadia.

Welcome, Slava — and strength on our shared path forward!”

We look forward to the upcoming season and wish our new head coach great success! The full coaching staff of the first team will be announced next week.

Photo: FCI Levadia