Asrat Haile
Farewell to Ethiopia’s Football Legend
Asrat Haile is one of the most prominent personalities in Ethiopian football. In a career that spanned half-century, Asrat acquired several roles as a footballer, head coach, and senior official in the Ethiopian Football Federation. Known for his sharp words and confident demeanour, Asrat has played an immense role in elevating Ethiopia’s football to the next level. He was admired by his former players and adored by the public. After spending the last couple of years struggling with an illness, Asrat sadly passed away on October 25, 2024. EBR’s Dr. Brook Genene pays tribute to one of Ethiopia’s biggest footballing heroes.
“The impact you had on the football community is immeasurable. Your confidence and grace lit up every room you entered, inspiring players and fellow coaches alike. You embodied what it means to have a unique identity in the sport. Thank you.” This is one of many tributes on social media written in response to the passing of Asrat Haile, a former player and coach who impacted modern Ethiopian football unlike any other.
“Gash Asrat, may your soul rest in peace. Thank you for making us spend many days dancing and having fun, whether it is at your club St. George or the national team”, said a St. George fan on X, formerly twitter.
Yonas Azeze, a renowned football pundit and analyst on Super Sport, said, “In terms of football philosophy if Argentines express themselves as Minotista (César Luis Menotti) or Bilardista (Carlos Bilardo), we Ethiopians are also either Seyoumista or Asratista” commemorating Asrat and also paying tribute to Seyoum Abate who passed away in 2018.
This is just the tip of the iceberg regarding how much the Ethiopian football community reveres Asrat. His passing was not just a loss, but a profound one for the football-crazy nation, underscoring his immense and far-reaching impact on the sport. His influence on Ethiopian football is profound; his dedication and love for the game was equally unparalleled, and it will be felt for generations.
Asrat Haile was born to his father, Haile Gebre, and mother, Ayelech Mengesha, in 1951 in Addis Ababa. He attended elementary school at Tesfa Kokeb and Balcha Abanefso. He attended secondary education at Leoul Mekonnen School. His passion for football led him to join Meskerem Kokeb as a player and, later, Darmar Histanat. His dedication to the sport was unwavering, and in 1970, he joined one of the big clubs at the time, Dire Dewa Cotton Association, also known as Dire Dawa Textile. After five years, he joined St. George, a club he would go on to enjoy decorated years. He spent 3 years as a player and captain there, showcasing his visible mark and presence in the game.
Asrat played for the Ethiopian national team for nine years. He was part of the team participating in the 1976 African Cup of Nations. Asrat was a combative defender who earned the name ‘Goradew’ or ‘The Sword’. He used to be known for being a disciplined and hardworking player.
Asrat’s success story blossomed even more once he moved into coaching. He managed to win two Ethiopian championships with Dire Dawa Cotton. His most successful era was his 12-year tenure as coach of St. George. Besides the many accolades he won there, the most historic was how he managed to win five trophies in one season in 1994/95. He also won trophies at Mekelakeya and Mebrat Haile and helped the football club of the Ethiopia Insurance Corporation get promoted to the first division. His coaching career was marked by unprecedented success, and he has won over 34 trophies as a coach, testifying to his profound skill and dedication.
“We have known each other since we were players in the youth system,” stated Sewnet Bishaw, former national team coach, during the farewell service at Addis Ababa stadium. Sewnet described Asrat as someone who loved football and always wanted to win. “He has done miracles for St. George,” he said.
When Asrat Haile won the Central and East African Championship in Rwanda, Sewnet Bishaw was his assistant. The duo also won the competition again in Addis Ababa.
After retiring from football coaching, Asrat served in the Ethiopian Football Federation until his illness stopped him. He oversaw the Ethiopian Higher League, the second division of the Ethiopian football pyramid.
In a 2018 interview with Soccer Ethiopia, Asrat Haile said he went into coaching while still a player. He discussed the strange circumstances that caused him to leave his first club, Hintsa Construction. Asrat mentioned his job at Hintsa Construction was taken by a cadre and that he decided to coach St. George while still working as a full time employee at Hintsa Construction. When the two sides inevitably met in the league, Asrat’s side recorded a resounding 3-1 win. Following this, Asrat responded to the thrills and support of the fans by showing the famous ‘V’ sign, a symbol of victory and St. George Club’s identity. He stated that this act cost him his job at Hintsa Construction.
Asrat’s commitment to physical fitness was unparalleled. He would often have his players run up hills while wearing sand jackets. Despite criticism of his boring playing style and reliance on long balls, he proved his doubters wrong with his undeniable success, showcasing his unique coaching style.
Asrat credits Luciano Vassallo for his success as a coach. The former player and coach, who passed away in 2022, was one of Ethiopia’s most outstanding football personalities. He coached Asrat while he was a player at St. Geroge.
Asrat was a highly regarded football personality and equally as a family man. He had been married for 46 years before his passing. Mrs Beyenech Solomon, the wife of the late Asrat Haile, stated that her husband would be remembered forever, just like Abebe Bikila, the greatest Ethiopian Marathoner who won the Rome Olympics in barefoot. She also thanked the sports administration officials who helped her family during this difficult time in an interview with Hattrick Sport newspaper. “We were planning on celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary at Addis Ababa stadium, but sadly, we are saying goodbye to him here,” she said.
Asrat is said to have written his autobiography. Mrs Beyenech stated he had told every story, including about those who wronged him. While everyone eagerly waits for the last tale from the man himself, likely to reflect his entire football journey and the lessons he learned, the void he will leave in the hearts of many football-loving people is palpable. A man who gave everything for football is no more in the game. The Sword has finally rested, but his legacy will live on for generations. EBR
13th Year • November 2024 • No. 135