Coach Dereje Gebre
Dereje Gebre Biru is a highly respected football coach, referee, and visionary leader with over 10 years of experience in Ethiopian football. His journey in the sport began as a referee, where his skill, discipline, and dedication earned him the prestigious 5-Star Referee Recognition, marking him as one of the most accomplished officials in the country.
Driven by his passion for football development, Dereje established his own initiative — the Dereje Gebre Project — a program dedicated to nurturing young talents and creating professional pathways for both male and female players. Over the past four years, his project has achieved remarkable success, winning 7 trophies at different competitive levels.
Dereje is also recognized as one of the first coaches in Ethiopia to obtain a Women’s Football Coaching License, showcasing his commitment to empowering women in sports. Among his notable trainees is Zulika Juad, one of Ethiopia’s pioneering professional female footballers, who played for eight years across top clubs in the country.
Under his mentorship, several of his players have risen to national prominence — including Eyuel Wolelaw and Yafet Gizaw, who currently represent Ethiopia’s National Team.
His dedication to football excellence and youth empowerment has been acknowledged at the highest level — Dereje received national recognition from Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, honoring his contribution to sports development in Ethiopia.
Academically, Dereje holds multiple diplomas from Jimma University, along with a qualification in Auto Mechanics. Professionally, he holds a CAF C License and the Women’s Football Training License, further establishing his credibility as a skilled and certified football coach.
With a vision that reaches beyond borders, Dereje aims to transform the Dereje Gebre Project into an internationally recognized football development program, fostering global opportunities for Ethiopian talent and setting new standards for the future of African football.
