PhD in Sport Science for Soccer Coach

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Ethiopian national, Dr Eyasu Merhatsidk Gebreegziabher, is thrilled to have graduated with a PhD in Sport Science following his study which investigated anthropometric profile and physical performance of youth players as well as challenges in the Ethiopian football talent identification programme.

The study, which was supervised by Professor Johan van Heerden, was titled: Anthropometric Profile and Physical Performance of Youth Players and Challenges in the Ethiopian Football Talent Identification Program. 

He said the study addresses a novel area of investigation that is often neglected by researchers despite its importance. ‘Over the years, although there have been many published studies on talent identification among youth football players in Europe, there is little or no information in Ethiopia,’ he declared. ‘Participants have overcome basic standards to recruit talented young players based on their anthropometric and physical quality. A descriptive and inferential analysis was used to subsequently compile a Participation Likelihood Assessment Tool for youth football. Education and training were offered as keys to the talent identification programme,’ said Gebreegziabher.

Gebreegziabher is a sport science teacher and soccer coach at Haramaya University, Ethiopia, and aspires to be a full-time soccer coach.

Soccer first caught Gebreegziabher’s attention when he was seven years old. ‘I was playing it whenever I could. I have always been good at sports. I like playing soccer and running. I have played in many sport tournaments (soccer, handball, races),’ he said.

Gebreegziabher has a level "A" Confederation of African Football (caf) coaching certificate.

Words: Nombuso Dlamini 

Photograph: Rajesh Jantilal