Ethiopian Football Federation general secretary Bahiru Tilarun (center)
Photo Credit: Ethiopian Football Federation
The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) general secretary Bahiru Tilahun revealed the Federation will follow a meticulous approach in naming their next head coach. Ethiopia is now under the interim boss Mesay Teferi for the next African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier double header against Sudan in December.
Ethiopia interim coach Mesay Teferi
Photo Credit: Ethiopian Football Federation
Tilahun failed to state the nationality of the next would-be coach but said the Walias job will be open to those who commit their time on a full-time basis. “Football is a process. We gave a two-year contract for both Abraham Mebratu and Wubetu Abate. But we gave Geberemedhin Haile a yearlong contract. As you well know the reasons behind this, but we will focus on those coaches who can add value to the national side.”
Haile, whose second stint as the Walias boss saw a disappointing outing, left after his contract ended last month. Haile was doubling as the head coach of local side Ethiopian Insurance FC. Tilahun said such an approach will be off the plan from now on. “We have a principle as EFF. That is a coach must commit his full time on the national job. There is no in between. We backtracked from our principle to hire Haile. The outcome was unfavorable so we will not go on a similar path” noted Tilahun.
Tilarun (left) indicates that the EFF is now searching for a long-term coach
Photo Credit: Ethiopian Football Federation
Tilahun further stated the government of Ethiopia showed dedication to help the EFF. EFF believes government backing will help Ethiopia to build a strong national side. Recently the government showed interest to host the 2029 African Cup of Nations.
Tilahun also said the next coach will be given ample contract time. “We are working to give the coach a longer contract duration. We have the government backing on this due to our funding shortcoming. We want the coach to come up with our brand of football and build a strong foundation to succeed.”
The current interim boss Teferi is given a short-term contract that will end after the CHAN qualifier against Sudan. Tilahun failed to state if Teferi could possibly stay on a permanent basis.
Ethiopia’s last foreign coach was the Portuguese trainer Mariano Barreto back in 2015. EFF largely stated that a lack of funds was the reason for hiring local coaches. With the government backing EFF might be tempted to name a foreign coach for the Walias.
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