Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – Virginia Tech defender Yonis Kireh has been called up by East African nation Djibouti to represent them on the international stage. With the World Cup just a little over a year away, qualifying matches have been underway as teams across the globe compete for a coveted spot in the tournament.
"I am excited for Yonis and the opportunity that he has this week," Hokies' Head Coach Mike Brizendine said. "To be called to represent your country in international competition is an unbelievable honor."
The Djibouti National Football Team, nicknamed "Riverains de la Mer Rouge" will play Burkina Faso on Friday March 21st followed by a match against Ethiopia on Monday March 24th. For Kireh, this will be his first time being called up for a World Cup qualifier.
Djibouti is currently in last place in their group on one point from four matches against Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone and Ethiopia.
Kireh, originally from Marseilles, France, brings international experience to the Hokies. Before joining Virginia Tech, he spent two years playing for Puente Genil in Spain.
He started for four of his eight appearances during the 2024 season, finishing the season with two goals under his belt. His first goal occurred during the Commonwealth Clash where he scored a header off a free kick in the 79th minute. He was also notably one of the goal scorers in Virginia Tech’s most lopsided victory of the season when they defeated Winthrop 6-0 at Thompson Field.