Despite a chaotic season full of controversies and horrific disciplinary incidents including the knocking out of referees, the title race stands as the recent times most crowded title races with no less than seven sides plotting for the crown. Three sides: newly promoted Jimma AbaJIfar, Mekele Ketema and the defending champion Kidus Giorgis appeared heavy weights boasting huge fire powers.
The two new comers Jimma AbaJIfar and Mekele Ketema are currently leading the league table with AbaJifar claiming the top spot four points clear off second place Mekele Ketema with two games in hand. Six points down yet with two games in hand Kidus Giorgis is fourth in the table.
Having the deadliest strike force of the league with 26 goals out of which 14 in the name of Nigerian Okikola Afolabi, AbaJifar have real potential to go all the way through the title contention. Boss Gebremedhin has built the best of squads in his carrier, well organized defense backed by magnificent goalie. Four wins and two draws in the past five matches this may be time to AbaJifar to write new chapter.
Only two defeats in 16 consecutive matches, Amanuel G/Michael and Ghanaian Bismark Opong leading the strike force each hammering in six, Coach Yohannes Sahle appears in performance of a champion conceding only eight goals in as much as the games. Adding a strong mid field presence former Ethiopia Bunna skipper Gatoch Panom in mid-season, Mekele has everything but championship experience is what it lacks.
A single win in the past five matches third place Dedebit in a slip, fourth place KIdus Giorgis is still the team to beat in order to clinch the crown. Two matches in hand “The Horse Riders’” abundant experience in snatching away titles from the mouth of contenders, a six point difference might not be too difficult to jump over.
Eight fixtures to go and teams performance swaying every week ends, the prediction may be a bit earlier. But with what the record shows the three appear real title contenders with the remaining four capable of any surprise.