Latvian Virslīga club SK Super Nova have officially announced the appointment of Maksims Rafaļskis as their new head coach, with the Latvian specialist arriving from Nākotnes līga side Skanstes SK, where he served as manager last season.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Super Nova decided not to continue their cooperation with Ervīns Pērkons, who had led the club for the past two seasons and guided them to promotion into the Virslīga. Despite a dramatic final round that saw Super Nova secure eighth place and retain their top-flight status, the club opted for a change on the bench.
Pērkons will be replaced by 41-year-old Rafaļskis, who now takes a significant step forward in his professional coaching career by assuming the head coach role at SK Super Nova. The previous season marked Rafaļskis’ first experience as a senior head coach, as he led Skanstes SK in the Nākotnes līga, taking over from Jānis Goba, who is now an assistant coach at FK Liepāja.
After retiring from his playing career in 2019, Rafaļskis began working within the FK Metta system as a youth coach. In 2022, he was promoted to the first-team coaching staff, serving as an assistant to Andris Riherts.
Rafaļskis enjoyed a solid playing career himself, representing several Virslīga clubs and winning the Virslīga title in 2009 with Liepājas Metalurgs. He also made 13 appearances for the Latvian national team during his time as a professional player.
As preparations for the new season continue, SK Super Nova have already confirmed several key squad decisions. Team leader Mārcis Ošs will remain with the club, alongside Ralfs Šitjakovs, Jegors Cīrulis, and Kristers Skadmanis. The club has also strengthened its ranks with the arrival of Japanese midfielder Sho Aogaki, who joins from Nākotnes līga side Rēzekne. Meanwhile, midfielder Kristers Čudars has officially departed Super Nova and will continue his career with Virslīga newcomers Ogre United.
