New Head Coach Appointed for Kharkiv Sokoly: Dmytro Zabirchenko Takes the Helm

Dmytro Zabirchenko Named New Head Coach

According to Главком: Kharkiv Sokoly Basketball Club has officially announced the appointment of Dmytro Zabirchenko as their new head coach, signing a two-season contract. This change follows the departure of previous head coach Valerii Plekhanov, marking a significant shift in the team's leadership structure.

Experience and Vision of the New Coach

Zabirchenko previously served with Kyiv-Basket, where he led the team to a silver medal in last season's Super League, falling to Dnipro in the finals. The Kyiv-Basket press office has not commented on his departure. Expressing enthusiasm about the new role, Zabirchenko stated:

“I know that Sokoly is an ambitious project built for the long term. The club has serious goals for the future, so this offer immediately caught my attention. So, this morning I signed a contract for two seasons.” - Dmytro Zabirchenko

In the 2025/26 season, Kharkiv Sokoly finished second in the regular championship but failed to secure any medals in the playoffs. They lost 1-2 to Kyiv-Basket in the semifinals and then fell to Rivne by the same score in the bronze series. Zabirchenko also noted that the roster already includes players who meet his standards, and he is fully engaged in strengthening the lineup:

“This is the foundation. But as of today, I am fully involved in the strengthening process to build a proper squad that can achieve the goals set by management.” - Dmytro Zabirchenko

It is worth noting that Valerii Plekhanov took over Kharkiv Sokoly in May 2025. He had previously worked with the team during the 2021/22 season and up to the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. The club now looks forward to a new chapter of development under Zabirchenko's leadership.

The appointment of Dmytro Zabirchenko as head coach represents a major milestone for Kharkiv Sokoly, as the club aims to improve its performance following a disappointing playoff run. With his high-level experience and successful tenure at Kyiv-Basket, Zabirchenko is expected to drive the team forward. The club is optimistic that the new coach will help achieve its ambitious objectives and boost competitiveness in the upcoming seasons.

The recent appointment of Dmytro Zabirchenko marks a pivotal moment for Kharkiv Sokoly, especially following the departure of Valerii Plekhanov. This transition in leadership not only reflects the club's ambition but also sets the stage for a new strategic direction as they aim for future success in the league.