Demolishing Yergachefe Ketema in a seven-nil season closing victory, Ethiopia NegedBank crowned Women’s league champion for a record fourth time in a row. Nicknamed the “Money Lenders” the Purple Shirts have long dominated the league thanks to their head coach Berhanu Gizaw’s shrewd tactic of transferring players every single season.
Despite the departure of Ethiopian women football all-time greatest striker Losa Abera to USA, NegedBank once again sailed through the 26 matches season unscratched to claim the championship title for a record eighth time. The strong title contender until the last three matches, Hawadsa Ketema ended runners-up while Ethio-Electric finished third. Kidus Giorgis and Yergachefe relegated.
Twenty wins, five draws and a single defeat at the hands of runner-up Hawassa, NegedBank once again fully dominated
the league season to win the championship collecting 65 out of the possible 78 points. Hammering in 19 goals in its last five matches while conceding only two, showed what a domineering strike force that goes along a formidable defence line.
Eight championship titles under his belt, head coach Berhanu Gizaw is currently the longest serving club coach in the country staying with the club the past ten years. Berhanu is also the smartest for he signs the best of upcoming talents from any other teams. Senaf Wakuma is his latest capture when she left Mechal last season to join the champions pocketing unofficial two hundred thousand Birr for her signature.
Strong runners-up Hawassa had been breathing hot a point behind until the last five matches. A single win and four draws, in its last five fixtures, Hawassa finished far second collecting 59 points from 16 wins, nine draws and a single 1-0 defeat at the hands of Adama Ketema. Last year runners-up Ethio Electric finished third to win the bronze medal collecting 58 points.
Ethiopia NegedBank secured its place in the CECAFA zonal qualifier for the CAF Women’s championship to be held in African Capital Addis Ababa from August 17th to September 24th 2024.
