Djibouti Football Federation names Fathi Ismail to lead recruitment efforts

The Djibouti Football Federation (FDF) has named Fathi Hassan Ismail as the new head of recruitment. The former Djibouti national team player has assumed his new role since August 2025.

FDF president Souleiman Hassan Waberi played a key part in convincing Ismail to join the federation. Ismail represented the Horn of Africa nation for seven years between 1995 and 2002. He will be responsible for monitoring the national teams, detecting and recruiting dual national players, and collaborating with the National Technical Directorate. During his playing career, Ismail won multiple league and knockout cups in Djibouti.

Ismail stated he is ready for the new task with the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers. “It is a great honor to receive the national shirt again. I wish every player wears it with patriotism and fights for our colors.”

Djibouti will play Burkina Faso and Guinea-Bissau in the World Cup qualifier Group A encounter this coming September 2025. The national side has traveled to Morocco for a residential camp under the guidance of new coach Stéphane Nado. The Shoremen of the Red Sea are last in their group with a single point.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.