Figueira, 34, takes the reins from Matt Calcott who stood down after a five-season stint that saw the club qualify for two OFC Champions League finals and claim its national league title.
He is currently Head Coach and Director of Football at Auckland’s Central United, who lead the Northern Premier League heading into the last five matches. He took the club to the Chatham Cup final in 2014 and has a national youth league title to his name with Auckland City.
Figueira also has international experience as head coach of the New Zealand U-17 side, whom he guided to qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2015 and assistant coach of the women’s equivalent in 2008.
With Team Wellington surpassing Waitakere United as Auckland City’s main rival at both domestic and confederation level in recent seasons, Figueria said there was an obvious lure to the head coach role.
“I was immediately attracted to the Team Wellington role as I believe, alongside Auckland City FC, they are the premier franchise in the ASB Premiership,” said Figueira.
“Clinching the ASB Premiership title last season proved Team Wellington are right up there amongst the best. Any ambitious coach wants to work with and test themselves against the best.”
Figueira hoped to build on Team Wellington’s most successful season and acknowledged the challenge ahead in defending their domestic title and chasing a maiden title in an expanded OFC Champions League.
“In the modern game coaches and teams are judged on success, which in football means titles. Team Wellington had a fantastic season last year so the bar is already very high.
“The first and most important challenge for me is to understand the players and for them to understand me and my ideas. Once this understanding has been established I’m confident we can face any of the challenges that lie ahead.
“I will be bringing a forward-thinking, progressive and modern football approach to Team Wellington, both on and off the field. Whilst the ASB Premiership is not a professional league, there is no reason we cannot carry the highest of professional standards in everything we do. I want Team Wellington to be a club that its fans are proud of.”
Team Wellington Chairman Peter Chote was pleased with the appointment.
“Jose was selected from a group of high quality candidates after presenting a compelling case,” he said.
“We are looking forward to working with him and building on the success that has been achieved by Matt Calcott and his staff over the past five seasons.”

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