Gebremdhin Haile returns as Ethiopia national team coach

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has appointed veteran trainer Gebremdhin Haile as the new head coach of the national team. 

Haile signed a one-year deal and will take charge of preparations for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

The experienced trainer takes over from Wubetu Abate who left the post by mutual consent in April before a caretaker coach was put in charge.

This marks Haile's second stint in charge of the Walyas, having previously managed the side in 2016.

Haile currently coaches Ethiopian club side Ethiopian Insurance FC and will juggle both roles after reaching an agreement with the club. 

At a press conference announcing his return, Haile said: “I’m excited to return to the national team after more than six years.

"Don't expect a miracle in this short period of time, but I will try my best."

The appointment comes just days before Ethiopia starts its 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Sierra Leone and Burkina Faso. 

Ethiopia have been placed in a tough Group A along with Egypt, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Djibouti.

Haile is an experienced figure in Ethiopian football, having played for and coached on the local scene for more than two decades.

His tactical nous and intimate knowledge of the country's player pool can galvanise the team ahead of their upcoming World Cup qualifiers. 

Ethiopia faces Sierra Leone away on 15 November before hosting Burkina Faso six days later.

The matches are critical to Ethiopia's hopes of progressing from a competitive World Cup qualifying group.