FCI Levadia first team coaching staff confirmed

FCI Levadia is pleased to announce the updated coaching staff of the first team for the upcoming Premium League season. Alongside newly appointed head coach Vjatseslav Zahovaiko, a versatile coaching team with strong Levadia roots will begin work.

Maksim Rõtskov joins the first team as assistant coach

One of head coach Zahovaiko’s closest assistants will be FCI Levadia legend Maksim Rõtskov. As a former player, Rõtskov is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding figures in the club’s history.

During his playing career, Maksim Rõtskov represented FCI Levadia for more than ten seasons, serving as team captain and leader both in the Estonian top division and in European competitions. Wearing the Levadia shirt, he won multiple Estonian championships, Estonian Cups and Super Cups, and made over 400 official appearances for the club.

As a coach, Rõtskov has worked in FCI Levadia’s youth development system in recent seasons, including as assistant coach of the U17 team alongside Vjatseslav Zahovaiko, where they won the championship last season. His promotion to the first team coaching staff is a logical step in the club’s continued development.

Maksim Rõtskov:
“Together with Vjatšeslav, we had an excellent season with the U17 team, which required a great deal of dedicated work. I gained valuable experience during that period. A new challenge and major responsibility now lie ahead, which I approach with confidence. I believe in our coaching staff and in our players. An exciting and important job awaits, and I’m entering the new season fully motivated and with a positive mindset. Everything must – and will – be great!”

Ken Kallaste ends playing career and begins coaching role

After a long and successful playing career, Ken Kallaste begins a new chapter by ending his professional football career and joining FCI Levadia’s first team as an assistant coach.

Kallaste joined FCI Levadia in 2024 and was one of the team’s most experienced and versatile full-backs. Wearing the Levadia shirt, he won the Estonian Championship, Estonian Cup and Super Cup last season. In total, Kallaste made 18 official appearances for FCI Levadia.

Ken Kallaste:
“An interesting chapter of my career has now come to an end, and it brought many positive emotions. Levadia offered a very interesting opportunity to continue working with the first team, and I thought—why not try it? Such opportunities don’t come often. Already at the first meeting, I realised that Slava (Vjatseslav Zahovaiko) is someone you can learn a lot from. I’m very happy to continue at Levadia in this role and to start working toward the club’s goals in the new season.”

In addition to his club career, Kallaste also represented the Estonian national team for many years, earning 61 caps. His top-level experience will provide significant added value in his new role as a coach.

Artur Kotenko promoted to first team goalkeeping coach

Ahead of the new season, club legend Artur Kotenko joins the first team coaching staff as goalkeeping coach. Long-time goalkeeping coach Ain Tammus will continue working at the club as the U21 team’s goalkeeping coach.

As a former top-level goalkeeper, Artur Kotenko represented FCI Levadia both in the Premium League and in international competitions, making over 217 official appearances for the club. He won four Estonian championships, four Estonian Cups, and one Super Cup with Levadia. Kotenko also earned 27 caps for the Estonian national team and was named Goalkeeper of the Season twice.

After ending his playing career, Kotenko has fully committed himself to coaching, and his professional, detail-oriented approach has already left a strong mark on the club’s youth development.

Artur Kotenko:
“I would like to sincerely thank the club’s management for their trust and the opportunity given to me. For me, this is a new stage and a serious challenge that I have been working toward for a long time. A big, exciting and responsible task lies ahead.”

A united coaching team carrying the Levadia identity

Head coach Vjatseslav Zahovaiko commented on the coaching staff:

“First of all, I’m very happy that we’ve assembled a strong, experienced and passionate coaching team. I worked together with Maksim Rõtskov in the U17 team, and our cooperation went very well—we understand each other easily, and I’m very pleased that we can continue together. Ken Kallaste has had a very successful playing career, and his transition into coaching is a logical and smooth step. He knows the team well and can contribute a great deal with both domestic and international experience. Artur Kotenko is a Levadia legend and an excellent goalkeeping coach who is also very familiar with the team. I’m happy that we’ve formed a passionate, goal-driven coaching staff with whom we will develop the team and achieve our objectives.”

In addition to the coaches mentioned above, Dmitri Kovt will continue in the role of fitness coach.

The new FCI Levadia coaching staff combines experience, club identity and modern coaching methods. It is a team that understands the club’s values and is ready to carry them forward in daily work as well as on matchdays.

FCI Levadia’s first team will begin preparations for the 2026 season on January 5 at the Viimsi Football Hall.

We wish the entire coaching staff great success for the upcoming Premium League season!

Photo: FCI Levadia