Souleiman Hassan Waberi’s journey through the world of Djiboutian football is as much a personal story as it is one of national progress. From starting out as a referee to becoming the President of the Djibouti Football Federation (FDF), Waberi’s passion for the game has been a driving force behind the significant strides the country has made in football over the past decade.
Now, re-elected for a third term at the helm of the FDF, Waberi reflects on the achievements of the past and outlines his vision for the future—one where Djibouti’s football infrastructure and talent development match the aspirations of its players and fans.
For Waberi, his connection to the FDF is deeply personal.
“My journey is inseparable from the FDF,” he says. “It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”
He started his career in football as a referee, gradually rising through various positions within the federation before taking on the presidency. His decision to run for re-election wasn’t born out of a desire for personal gain, but rather a commitment to complete the work he had begun.
When he assumed the presidency over a decade ago, Waberi inherited a federation plagued by dysfunction—legal loopholes, a lack of structure, and flagging infrastructure that severely hindered the growth of the sport. “I knew the road ahead wasn’t be easy,” he recalls. “But I also saw the potential to fill the huge gaps that were holding us back.”
One of the first actions he took was to address the legal and organizational deficiencies within the FDF. This included creating and passing foundational documents such as the FDF statutes, which were approved by CAF, the Confederation of African Football, as well as a code of ethics, an electoral code, and regulations governing club participation in FDF tournaments. Establishing this legal framework was essential to ensuring that the federation could function efficiently and with integrity.
But Waberi quickly realized that legal reforms alone would not suffice. The lack of modern infrastructure across Djibouti had long been a barrier to the development of football talent.
“For decades, our country had suffered from a lack of reliable facilities,” he admits. Under his leadership, significant investments were made in infrastructure. Three of Djibouti’s five regions now boast modern football facilities, and a fourth region, Dikhil, is in the process of getting its own. Meanwhile, the Arta region has seen notable improvements. Additionally, Waberi’s second term saw the establishment of a technical center and academy in Douda, which he views as key to nurturing the next generation of footballers.
Under Waberi’s leadership, significant investments were made in infrastructure
“Our country’s football system had been stagnant for too long,” he reflects. “But we’re building a foundation for long-term growth.” Training also became a major focus of his presidency. When Waberi first took charge, there were just six trained coaches in Djibouti. Today, that number has soared to over 1,050. “Coaching is the heart of our progress,” he says, noting that the federation has also invested in developing technical staff and referees.
Despite these gains, Waberi understands that the work is far from complete. “We’ve made great strides, but there’s still a lot to be done,” he says, his determination evident. “When I resigned initially, I felt it was time to reflect and re-evaluate. But the overwhelming support from the grassroots—coaches, players, fans—made it clear that they wanted me to continue. That support reminded me why I do this. It’s not about me personally; it’s about a collective vision.”
Waberi’s re-election wasn’t just about picking up where he left off, but about finishing the job. The challenges facing Djiboutian football are larger than any one person; they are systemic. But Waberi believes the country’s football system has the potential to thrive. His goal is to leave a lasting legacy—one where Djiboutian football can compete at the highest levels regionally and internationally.
One of the most persistent challenges, however, has been the Gouled stadium, a key facility for Djibouti’s national team. The stadium has long been a point of frustration for Waberi, as delays in approvals, funding, and political backing have held up its development. “The Gouled stadium is emblematic of our struggle,” he admits. “It was supposed to be the cornerstone of our footballing future, but it has become a bottleneck.” Without modern, reliable facilities like the Gouled stadium, Waberi notes, it’s difficult to achieve significant progress on the pitch.
Still, Waberi is undeterred. “We’re making progress in other areas,” he says, pointing to the new mindset and culture of football that has emerged in Djibouti over the past decade. The work, he says, isn’t just about facilities; it’s about creating an environment where players, coaches, and officials can work together towards a common goal. With continued investment and effort, Waberi believes that Djibouti’s football future can be bright.
Looking to the future, Waberi is focused on scaling up the progress that’s been made. “We must continue focusing on development,” he stresses. This includes expanding training programs, ensuring that all regions have access to proper coaching and facilities, and providing more opportunities for young footballers to succeed. Only with a sustained commitment to development, he argues, can Djibouti begin to compete at the regional and continental levels.
For Waberi, the future of Djiboutian football is clear, but it’s also a work in progress. “We’ve laid the groundwork,” he says. “Now it’s about executing the next steps with precision and focus.” His passion for the sport and for Djibouti’s potential as a footballing nation is undeniable, and his leadership remains a beacon of hope for the country’s footballing community. With his continued dedication, the future of Djibouti football is, indeed, promising.